Back in the Game

General Discussion
#1

Hey everyone. I’ve been suffering with finasteride-induced sexual problems for the last several years. I took some time off from dealing with the sexual issues, but I’m interested in resuming some sort of treatment protocol.

I’m going to make an appointment with a urologist soon. I had a Doppler ultrasound of penile blood flow done back in 2003, and everything was normal (or so I was told). I’m thinking of asking to have this done again to see if there have been any blood flow changes. I would think with the poverty or complete absence of nocturnal erections that there would be visible blood flow problems at this point.

I’m also thinking of asking to have a test done where they monitor your nocturnal erections. Has anyone had this test done? If so, how has it gone? Also, what is the official name of this test so I look somewhat informed when requesting it?

Are there any other tests anyone can recommend to me? I used to know a lot about this sort of thing, but it’s been a while, and I feel like my brain is going to crap from finasteride, depression, or a combination of the two.

Thanks tons. Best of luck to us all.

PSE

#2

Hey there… welcome back, although I’m sure you wish you didn’t have to be here… I’m not sure I recall who you are? 8) Were you on the old Yahoo forum? What’s your history with the drug?

If you’d care to post your story in the Member Profiles section so we could all get acquainted with your background, that would be super.

As for testing erection issues, try some of these tests:
questdiagnostics.com/kbase/t … escrip.htm

The only other tests I can recommend are those found in the Blood Tests & Hormones section… but I’m sure you’re well aware of that.

Beyond just regular hormones you might also consider trying to test for GABAA, Catecholamines (dopamine, serotonin, epinepherine, norepinephereine), Allopregnanolone, Aldosterone, Androstenedione, Corticosterone, dihydroprogesterone, dihydrodeoxycorticosterone, NOS (nitric oxide synthase) and other metabolites of the 5AR enzyme.

Cheers.

#3

I had a Rigiscan done. It measures the rigidity and duration of nocturnal erections. You strap this device around your leg which has two loops connected that you attach to the base and head of your shaft. You do it for two consecutive nights. I had a couple dopplers that were poor but a good Rigiscan, showed rigid erections a few times a night and for good duration. Problem is I know that some nights I get erections and others I don’t. Anyway, My doctor (Melman) believes in the results of this test very strongly. So does a new doc I saw last week, Dr Mccullough. Went to him for a second opinion and he didn’t see a reason for any additional tests.

Here’s what it looks like:

indiana.edu/~rcapub/v20n2/25c.html

#4

So this is the electronic one? I’ve read this is more accurate than the snap gauge device. I’ll have to remember to ask for this one.

Thanks RK.

#5

Yea it’s electronic. It gauges by the tension of the loops which contract around your shaft. They’re plugged into this device which records everything. It’s kinda heavy.