Doctor appointment in 4 hours... what to ask?

Therapeutic Efforts Doctors & Therapists
#1

Hi,

I’m a 30 year old male in the UK. I took finasteride at 0.5mg dose about 2 years ago for a few weeks. I’ve posted about this before, but like many others here I suffered a significant drop in libido, less semen, and so on.

I’ve been to the doctors before, and after much effort managed to get a referral to an endocrinologist, only for them to cancel the appointment on the basis of my blood test results being “fine”. I’ve tried stuff like zinc, maca root, even antihistamine, hoping I could resolve this myself but no luck. I also thought maybe time would eventually heal, but it hasn’t so far.

My remaining symptoms are: lower libido and a tingling/numb sensation in my penis, which is a constant reminder of what ails me.

I’m just looking for some advice as to how I get the doctor to take me seriously. I’m naturally feeling very depressed about this seemingly hopeless situation, so I might focus on that.

Please help!

#2

Ok well… I spoke to a very sympathetic doctor. He’s going to ask other docs and see if they can come up with anything. My testosterone levels are all fine, so he’s quite adamant it’s not hormonal and the endocrinology department simply won’t accept me.

He’s thinking perhaps considering a psychological root cause, but obviously I doubt it’s that. At this point I’m willing to consider and try anything…

I have a follow up appointment next Wednesday to decide a course of action. If anyone could offer any input with that in mind, I’d be very grateful.

#3

Alright Chris, I emailed you a few months back, sad to here you’re not doing any better.

As far as the NHS goes, and even private consultants in the UK, you’re going to struggle to convince anyone that you’re problems are anything other than psychological. I spent over a grand on testing and consultancy fees with a ‘testosterone expert’, and got absolutely nowhere.

The main things to test for are; testosterone, oestradiol, and SHBG. Ideally your thyroid and liver functioning as well, but that depends on how much you have to spend or how sympathetic your NHS doctor is.

#4

Hi Danny,

Thanks for your advice, I’ll try digging through your emails and contact you privately. The doctor called me yesterday and said he’s referred me to a psychologist who specialises in sexual health. He said they’re aware of this problem and have some ideas… I dunno if that’s cause to be optimistic but I’m gonna try.

#5

This problem is not psychogenic so I don’t know what they think some counseling will achieve.

#6

i was offered sexual counseling when i was going to the docs regular after i first crashed,im sure everyone on here must have been offered it also,i turned them down point blank,they must think this is something trivial like a bit of performance anxiety or something,my genitals have been numb for six years,all in my head??? i think not…

#7

Thanks robbo and Mew. I’m skeptical myself but it’s literally all they want to offer me :frowning: Perhaps if I convince the psychologist of its nature I’ll get somewhere, who knows if I don’t try?

Anyone know if anything physiological that can be done about the dull ache I feel? It’s got worse since I went on a heavy protein shake routine, so wonder if diet has anything to do with it…