why do several threads recommend abstaining form masterbation?

General Discussion
#1

I weened off Propecia this month and feel as though I have lost some girth near the penis base which seems to destabalize erections. I belive that my penis is tending to rotate to the left now. I heard it suggested in a thread that this propecia could actually casue penile tissue to be destroyed , and this is now a concen I have. I am seeing a doctor specializing in homone replacment therapy but also noticed that some on this site recommened abstaining from masterbation? Does anyone know what that might be an attempt to “conserve”? Everyone seems so knowlegeable on this site. Do many of you have medical backgrounds? Is this general foundation that everyone seems to have form the shippen book?

Anyway, I am impressed with how thouroughly everyon has researched all this here.

#2

First, there is another topic on this question here:
propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=899

Some guys believe abstaining from masterbation may help increase libido/sexual desire, or that it may help the penis “heal”.

Personally, if you are not getting nocturnal/morning/spontaneous erections anymore, and your penis is constantly in a flaccid state – I believe you should stimulate it as MUCH as possible to deliver fresh bloodflow/oxygen, which helps prevent hypoxia (oxygen-deprivation to the tissues), and thus can help ward off possible fibrosis/collagen deposits and longterm ED. See here:

blackwell-synergy.com/doi/ab … alCode=jsm

Numerous men who have radical prostatectomy (removal of prostate due to Prostate cancer) often experience penile tissue changes/shrinkage etc, as noted here:

propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1015
propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1007
propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=521
propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=592

Although not as extreme as removal of the prostate, Finasteride’s method of action is to involute (cause loss of function) and shrink the prostate via cell apoptosis (death):

propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=201

Here’s the connection – penile rehabilitation is an important process after radical prostatectomy, and I believe those who experience penile changes post-Finasteride should heed the same type of rehabilitation strategies as those men.

Basically, penile rehabilitation involves using Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra taken before bed to stimulate nocturnal erections, to maintain bloodflow and prevent fibrosis. However, you might be able to get away with using Horny Goat Weed, which is a natural PDE-5 inhibitor (same mechanism of action as the above 3 pharmaceutical versions, though not as strong). Also, L-Arginine (supplement) and penis pumps may aid in recovery, if you are concerned about using pharmaceuticals.

Some examples:

propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=593
propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=994
propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=572

Hope that helps.

#3

Wow. Thanks for all this info. Are you suggesteing USING these “OTC” or “Rx” Erection producing substances on a regular basis just to keep things flowing (as opposed to using them on special occasions) ?..is there not some chance of becomming dependent on any of these things to achive erections?

I had what I believe was my first spontaionous early morning erection about a week after weening off propecia. Also notice erections to be mallablle (like clay) not the “cast iron” erections that I had pre-propecia.

Old Style Endrochornologist ran tests. Said everything was normal . except I am anemic. Said get back on Propecia. T=377

New Style HRT doctor said T=377 is way low. but need more tests, “get OFF propecia” get onto 7-KETO-DHEA for now, untill my results come back.

He will almost certainly put me on testostorine.

I am now leary of any substance (DHEA or testostorine or viagra or anthing) after my experience with the supposedly “benine” propecia.

Thanks again for all this information!

#4

If you are not having nocturnal/morning erections weeks/months after Finasteride, then yes, it should help maintain bloodflow down there while you get your hormone issues sorted out. The goal is to help facilitate nocturnals as these are key to maintaining proper penile tissues/function.

Not to my knowledge, if anything they may give you a psychological boost/confidence which may lead to performance anxiety issue should you discontinue their use. Just something to be aware of.

This is good news, hopefully they will continue. How long have you been off? You should post your story in Members Stories section, using template at top of that forum.

How long (days, weeks, months) after quitting Fin was this blood test taken? My T level was 388 3 months after quitting but has since come up to ~ 518.

That level is way too low for a man in his 20s… and I would’t get back on Propecia if I were you. As for the anemia – could be brought on by the low T or possibly related to the androgen deprivation you subjected yourself to via Finasteride:

archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/conten … 66/13/1380

blackwell-synergy.com/doi/ab … 99.00844.x

prostate-cancer.org/educatio … nemia.html

DHEA may help somewhat, but it also has its own issues. Do you even have your DHEA levels tested? Do some googline on DHEA safety, etc. before you jump on it…

mayoclinic.com/health/dhea/NS_patient-dhea

books.google.com/books?id=WOUpJv … _7WyWsmZKE

Rather than putting you on T, you should ask him to try and boost your own endogeneous production via clomid or hCG, or possibly Tamoxifen.

There are studies/protocols on this site showing it is possible to jumpstart things, in the Drug Therapy section and Other Studies section.

TRT should be a last resort, it is no walk in the park. Often it is for life and unless done in conjunction with hCG, will shrink your balls since you are shutting off our own body’s T production, and make you essentially infertile (azoospermic). You will also likely need to balance more than Testosterone, and possibly deal with elevated Estrogens, Hematocrit, and other issues related to the TRT.

If he is unwilling to try jumpstarting, there are other docs who may – check the Doctors section of this site. Dr Crisler is one who comes to mind.