Erection Problems at 24, possible cause?

[john29]

Hello Dr,

I'm 24 years old and newly engaged and ever since February have been experiencing weak erections that will not stay more than a minute or two. For years and years and years I never had any erectile problems. Now I can't even get a healthy morning erection, they are weak just like the ones I'm experiencing. Back in February I went to visit my fiance who was studying far away. While I'm searching for a cause of my recent problems, one thing recently jumped out at me. An erection lasting 4-6 hours can cause permanent damage? I know that was the last time I felt good was that first night that I saw my fiance in February. But she wasn't feeling well so we didn't do anything that night, but being so happy to see her we kissed, etc and I can say I was naturally aroused for 4-5 hours.

Could I have caused myself permanent impotence by doing this? Ever since that night I haven't felt a strong erection and I wasn't aware erections can't last that long if they're natural like I'm reading it's not safe. I have NEVER taken any drugs to maintain an erection. I am not lying to you doc when I say that on the first night I was fine but on the 3rd night and ever since then I have not been able to get an erection that lasts. I don't think it's psychological because it never affected me before she's a wonderful girl who I've grown up with and we've been together for 2 yrs, and I can't get a morning erection to  be strong either.

Should I be worrying that I've caused myself to have a permanent problem?

[Stephen Liroff, MD]

Certainly maintaining a firm erection for many hours may result in fibrosis and impotence, but I would think of other problems first. The sudden onset could also have an emotional cause. I obviously do not know all that went on that night between you, but it strikes me as odd that your fiancé was willing to spend those hours fondling, etc. but not have intercourse. I wonder if there were some negative things happening between you. Also, getting engaged is laden with stress for many people.
What is your response to masturbation now? Good erection? Maintained for a longer time? Response to fellatio (oral sex) if that is a practice that is comfortable for you two? A trial with Viagra/Levitra might be worthwhile.
More than worrying, I think that you should do something proactive. I think that you should see a urologist (particularly one with an interest in sexual problems) first and get that person's expert opinion. I am sure that there are things that can be done to help you.
Good luck, and get to it!
S.A.Liroff, M.D.

This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. It
does not  necessarily reflect the opinions of Henry Ford  Hospital  or the
Vattikuti Urologic Institute.  Please consult your physician for diagnostic
and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical  condition

[john29]

I also wanted to add that my libido and ejaculations are as normal as they always were, it's just the erection problem

[john29]

Dr.,

There's no emotional problems whatsoever. To be quite frank my fiance had her period this week and is simply not comfortable having intercourse while that is going on. Could this cause permanent impotence? For something this simple you wouldn't think I could cause permanent damage. I'll make an appointment with my urologist but are you confident I'll eventually be able to reverse this?

I know this is not psychological, things are wonderful with myself and my fiance, and the problem is the same for masturbation and also morning/nighttime erections. Libido is the same but erection is weak.

[Stephen Liroff, MD]

It does concern me more that masturbation and nocturnal erections are not that stiff. Did you have pain with your long erection? Was it firm enough for penetration the whole time? When flaccid (soft) now, is your penis as soft as it used to be or does it have a bit of firmness to it? Good that you plan to make that appointment as you need to have someone examine you and possibly prescribe some medication.
My gut is that you did not do permanent damage to yourself.
S.A.Liroff, M.D.

This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. It
does not  necessarily reflect the opinions of Henry Ford  Hospital  or the
Vattikuti Urologic Institute.  Please consult your physician for diagnostic
and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical  condition

[john29]

Dear Dr,

No I did not have any pain with the stiff erection, and I have never had any real pain. I would say that it was stiff enough for penetration for about 4 hours, but there may have been some up/down time, but there was no pain so I didn't see the big deal.

When the penis is flaccid now I see no difference from when it used to be flaccid before this incident. And I can get erections, just not stiff enough to penetrate and if they do for a few seconds get to that point, I lose them.

I'm not afraid to make an appointment it's just that I'm researching doctors and waiting to hear back on recommendations for good urologists in the Philly/New Jersey area. I have a good health plan so I really want to consult with someone who knows what they're talking about.

[jnp07c]

Hey john, I am no doctor, but just a little advice...relax.  I think now you may have scared yourself a little too much and could be just psyching yourself out.  I have been in this boat before.  I would just step away from trying for a week, and then just wait till your libido is high and try again then.  Just don't always think in your head "oh i hope it works"...think positive thoughts!