Sudden Loss of Sensation and Erectile Dysfunction: Causes and Solutions

Sudden loss of sensation in the penis and inability to achieve an erection for several days?

Hello doctor, a few days ago, while masturbating with an erection, I suddenly felt something strange, and my penis quickly deflated, making it impossible to maintain an erection.
The sensation in my penis is very different from before; during manual stimulation, I feel completely numb.
Previously, I would feel pleasure during stimulation, but for the past few days, I have felt nothing.
I tried to masturbate but couldn't achieve an erection.
I went to a large hospital to see a doctor, who suggested it might be a psychological issue without conducting further examinations or investigations.
Unable to bear the psychological pressure, I bought Viagra and found that I could still achieve an erection, but it felt very different from before.
There was little sensation, and it felt heavy; during an erection, it seemed like it wasn't fully engorged with blood, as I had to apply pressure at the base to see a glistening appearance.
When not erect, the glans appears duller than before, dry, wrinkled, and numb.

Could it be that over the past three weeks, with frequent sexual activity and excessive masturbation—about 15 times a week, often holding back ejaculation when I’m with my girlfriend—has caused some issues with my penis, leading to numbness and difficulty achieving an erection? After achieving an erection, it is not as firm as it used to be, and there is hardly any sensation.
Should I undergo further examinations, or is it truly a combination of psychological stress and excessive sexual activity leading to this condition? I searched for information and thought it might be prostatitis since I experienced pain in my left lower back a few days ago, but I have no discomfort when urinating.

Currently, my situation is that during masturbation a few days ago, my erection suddenly diminished halfway through.
In the following days, my penis has felt significantly less sensitive compared to before, and I have had almost no ability to achieve an erection.
However, after taking Viagra, I can achieve an erection, though it feels slightly different from the last time I took it.
There is little glistening, and it feels somewhat dry, not fully engorged—about 90% at best.
When not erect, I do not feel anything from slight friction, whereas previously, I would feel something.
Forcing myself to masturbate also does not lead to an erection.
This morning, after some gentle stimulation, I managed to achieve an erection, but the sensation still feels off.

I am currently taking an antidepressant, Agomelatine, half a tablet every night before bed.
Do you think my symptoms are due to excessive ejaculation, prolonged engorgement during erections, and holding back ejaculation leading to my current condition? This situation has caused me considerable distress and pressure.
Thank you for your response.

Mr. Huang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/06/12

Dr. Fu Shizhang reply Urology

Taking Viagra can lead to an erection, indicating that there are no abnormalities in the corpora cavernosa.
It is understandable that this situation can cause significant distress and pressure, which can further impact your condition.
It is advisable to avoid masturbation for a while, relax, and not to worry excessively, as overthinking can worsen the situation.
Online consultations cannot replace an in-person evaluation and physical examination by a physician.
If there are any health concerns, it is still recommended to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.

Reply Date: 2016/06/12

More Info

The sudden loss of sensation and erectile dysfunction you are experiencing can be distressing and may stem from a variety of causes, both psychological and physiological. Based on your description, it seems that you have been under significant psychological stress, which can indeed impact sexual function. Additionally, the frequency of your sexual activities, including masturbation, may also play a role in your current symptoms.

Psychological Factors
Psychological factors are often at the forefront when it comes to erectile dysfunction (ED) and changes in sexual sensation. Anxiety, stress, and depression can lead to a decrease in libido and erectile function. The fact that you have been taking an antidepressant (such as the one you mentioned, "杏緩妥") may also contribute to changes in sexual function, as many antidepressants can have side effects that include sexual dysfunction.
The pressure you feel regarding your sexual performance can create a cycle of anxiety that exacerbates the problem. This is often referred to as performance anxiety, where the fear of not being able to perform leads to further difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection.

Physiological Factors
On the physiological side, frequent ejaculation and prolonged sexual activity can lead to temporary changes in erectile function. Overstimulation can desensitize the nerves involved in sexual arousal, leading to a diminished sensation during sexual activities. Additionally, if you have been experiencing pain in your lower back, it could be related to pelvic floor muscle tension or other issues that might affect erectile function.

Your description of the changes in the appearance of your penis, such as reduced glossiness and a feeling of dryness, could indicate a temporary reduction in blood flow or sensitivity. This can happen when the body is under stress or when there is a change in hormonal levels, which can also be influenced by psychological factors.

Recommendations
1. Consult a Specialist: It would be wise to consult a urologist or a sexual health specialist who can perform a thorough examination and possibly run tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances or vascular issues.

2. Psychological Support: Consider speaking with a mental health professional who specializes in sexual health. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be particularly effective in addressing performance anxiety and other psychological factors contributing to erectile dysfunction.

3. Lifestyle Modifications: Reducing the frequency of masturbation and allowing your body time to recover may help restore normal function. Engaging in relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness or meditation, can also help alleviate anxiety.

4. Medication Review: Discuss with your prescribing physician the potential side effects of your antidepressant and whether it might be contributing to your symptoms. There may be alternative medications with fewer sexual side effects.

5. Physical Health: Ensure that you maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate hydration. These factors can significantly impact overall health and sexual function.

6. Avoid Self-Medication: While medications like Viagra can provide temporary relief, they do not address the underlying issues. It’s important to understand the root cause of your symptoms rather than relying solely on medication.

Conclusion
In summary, the combination of psychological stress, potential overactivity, and the effects of medication may be contributing to your current experience of erectile dysfunction and loss of sensation. A comprehensive approach that includes medical evaluation, psychological support, and lifestyle changes is likely to yield the best results. Remember, you are not alone in this, and seeking help is a positive step towards recovery.

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