update

September 7, 2011

So I have been suffering from PSSD for 3 years now and impotence for nearly 5

(1.5 years while on SSRIs). I haven't been on the board for a while but I

thought I'd give an update get get people's thoughts.

First of all, I still cannot get or maintain a normal erection. My PSSD seems

to present itself as Soft Glans Syndrome. I have also had genital anesthesia

like others describe on here. That said the genital anesthesia seems to

fluctuate in its severity, but the soft glans problem is always present.

Anyhow I have finally tried to be brave and get back into dating. I have been

dating a girl I met online and last night was our 4th date. We cuddled and made

out for like 3 hours which was great. It is really the first time I have been

intimate with anyone since 2006 (prior to when I took SSRIs). Luckily before

this began she specifically stated that she didn't want to sleep with me yet,

which took away a lot of the pressure and just allowed me to enjoy our time

together.

Most guys would probably not consider that lucky but considering my problem it

was. I am just kind of stressed out now. I like her, and I enjoyed last night

immensely, but I still have my ED/PSSD issues, and I have a fair bit of anxiety

over when we get to that point. It got pretty passionate last night but not all

the way to sex. But I have a feeling that won't be long away at this point if I

continue to see her.

Anyhow I have scheduled a phone conversation with Dr. Irwin Goldstein in San

Diego. I haven't had any luck with any of the doctors here I have seen so far.

But if nothing can be done for me (which sadly is still likely if in fact I have

PSSD and/or Soft Glans Syndrome as I suspect) how do I broach this issue? I

mean I know I will have to.

Its really frustrating because I would really like to have sex with her and

just have fun but feel I cannot and it makes me sad. Right now is that exciting

new part of getting to know someone and I know I won't be able to perform. Of

course this anxiety is no help whatsoever. But even last night when I was with

her and it was a situation that I know would have given me an erection for sure

in the past and there was no pressure (again she didn't want sex last night) I

still was unable to become erect, and my sex drive was still somewhat muted. Not

too surprising but I suppose there was still a small part of me that held out

hope that this issue would resolve when I was with a real woman and not just

looking at porn.

September 8, 2011

Please let us know how it goes with Dr. Goldstein.

Also, it seems many of the people who've recovered from this did so with the

support of a patient partner. I doubt it will happen overnight and that you

will suddenly feel sexually normal when you are with your girlfriend. However,

hopefully with time your feelings for her and thoughts about being with her will

help update your brain and get it back on track. The question is, how do you

bring this topic up with her initially? I really empathize with you on that

one, too, because I haven't figured it out yet, either. I don't think you can

just ignore it or hope it won't be an issue. Maybe when you get to the point of

intimacy, you can bring up with her that you have taken some medication and it

is affecting you sexually right now and that you are hoping the effects will

wear off soon as your body recuperates?

>

> So I have been suffering from PSSD for 3 years now and impotence for nearly 5