72 replies to this topic

[TheFountain]

Saw palmetto

Watch out for Saw Palmetto.
Gynecomastia is a possible side effect.

lol

[Python49]

From my own experience, I second that. I've been there. Pron destroys your libido. It may take a while before things get back normal but resist your urge to watch porn in any case. You can masturbate but do it with your own fantasies.
Also, the less sex you get, the less you want/need it.

Hmmm, there's a few inconsistencies here however. I am not only aroused by porn, I'm also aroused by being in intimate proximity with a female. So you're saying that having lots of sex (which triggers one of the things that arouses me) more often will increase sex drive, but eradicating porn entrely (a second form of arousal for me) will increase sex drive? That seems a bit hard to follow. Are you recommending no porn and no sex to increase libido or saying that no porn and lots of sex would increase libido? Also, how long did it take you guys of getting rid of porn before noticing any improvement? I'm willing to try this although skeptical since I've already gone months before without looking at porn to no avail.

I may have missed if this was discussed, but do you ever awake with an erection? This is normal in healthy males: arousal during certain stages of sleep. If you at least occasionally wake with morning wood, it indicates you are physiologically healthy and any "problem" is likely due to conditioned responses. That you respond normally to female company tends to support this. You might want to have your testosterone levels measured anyway, to at least rule out low testosterone as a factor.

VERY uncommon for me. Maybe I'll awaken with morning wood once a month?

One of the worst things you can take. DHT is essential for libido, and SP reduces DHT, so this make absolutely no sense. If you look up the side effects of SP, you will see impotence and low libido listed.

Hmmm I looked this up and saw it was true. A bit of contradicting advice among posters worries me... mainly because it makes it feel as though there's elements of subjectivity prone in answering some of the issues I raised.

Yes, if you want to shut down your own hormones, possibly permanently, become infertile, and be dependent for the rest of your life on hormone replacement therapy starting in your early twenties.

The OP said himself he has no problem performing with a girl. Why on earth would anyone suggest such a drastic fix for what emphatically isn't broke?

This needs to be said, because there are doctors idiotic enough to do it.

Lord, I hope Androgel has no relation to Androbolix because I've been taking that recently. Androbolix I got from a GNC.. the ingredients are:

Triple Spectrum tribulus stack at 1710 mg
10% protodioscin / 40% saponins
20% protodioscin / 60% saponins
40% protodioscin / 80% saponins
Total Protodioscin - 224mg
Total saponins - 300mg
4-etioallocholen- 3,6,17 trione - 300mg
6,7-dyhydroxybergamottin - 200mg

Maybe you're too smart for sex. wink.gif

What makes you say this? I don't have problems getting aroused I just dislike that I only feel aroused when I have to take the iniative. I'd prefer to just have morning wood or be hornier in general and assumed it wasn't asking for too much at 23yrs old. If I'm wrong that's cool, just the impression I was under.

[ronkupper]

You can also ask the doctor to prescribe Androgel to boost up your testosterone levels and see how it goes.

Yes, if you want to shut down your own hormones, possibly permanently, become infertile, and be dependent for the rest of your life on hormone replacement therapy starting in your early twenties.

The OP said himself he has no problem performing with a girl. Why on earth would anyone suggest such a drastic fix for what emphatically isn't broke?

This needs to be said, because there are doctors idiotic enough to do it.

@viveutviva -

Got any reference for that info?

[shazam]

You can also ask the doctor to prescribe Androgel to boost up your testosterone levels and see how it goes.

Yes, if you want to shut down your own hormones, possibly permanently, become infertile, and be dependent for the rest of your life on hormone replacement therapy starting in your early twenties.

The OP said himself he has no problem performing with a girl. Why on earth would anyone suggest such a drastic fix for what emphatically isn't broke?

This needs to be said, because there are doctors idiotic enough to do it.

@viveutviva -

Got any reference for that info?

I've heard that's more a problem with teststerone injections. But you probably don't need it anyway, OP.

[Lufega]

You're not supposed to be in a constant state of arousal, all day, every day. Too much of any kind of stimulus, which downregulate the receptive mechanism. Like I said before, I know this from experience. However, porn sorta creeped up back into my life since I quit it last time but since I posted here, I quit again. I think it's been a week with no porn and less mastur******.

As a bonus, I find the internet a lot less interesting and I have more free time to do other things

[chipdouglas35]

Can off the chart serum DHT kill libido ? Some say yes, while some say no--who's right ?

[Python49]

You're not supposed to be in a constant state of arousal, all day, every day

Agreed. But I'm just asking about being in some state of arousal at some point in time. As I've said, I don't assume it's normal for a male to go 3 straight months without an erection or feeling the least bit horny or need to ejaculate. If this is inaccurate please let me know. I thought at least a morning erection here or there might be normal or to get horny after months with no sexual activity.

Also, I asked a couple times but got no response, I was wondering from those who gave up porn, how long did it take before you noticed any effect? I ask because I've done this for months on more than one occasion and nothing happened. Does it need to be a year or two? Seems unusual.

I also got my blood work back from a physical, can someone tell me what specific information is relevant to post that might give more insight?

[Infilliono]

It sounds like your ki is functioning normally. It is created where the tongue and the roof of the mouth touch. Ki is electric and usually have low libidos compared to chi people who normally don't. Create ki by touching to roof of your mouth with your tongue. Then imagine the electricity being diverted to all the crucial areas of your body. Electricity is what ki spirits are. And fire is what chi spirits are. But avoide fire thoughts at all costs. It is very bad for Ki spirits. Even fire should be a form of electricity to you. IT's all electricity and avoid fire thoughts. This is an ancient forgotten secret so don't tell anyone.

[maxwatt]

It sounds like your ki is functioning normally. It is created where the tongue and the roof of the mouth touch. Ki is electric and usually have low libidos compared to chi people who normally don't. Create ki by touching to roof of your mouth with your tongue. Then imagine the electricity being diverted to all the crucial areas of your body. Electricity is what ki spirits are. And fire is what chi spirits are. But avoide fire thoughts at all costs. It is very bad for Ki spirits. Even fire should be a form of electricity to you. IT's all electricity and avoid fire thoughts. This is an ancient forgotten secret so don't tell anyone.

Thank you for posting the secret here.

[rollo]

It sounds like your ki is functioning normally. It is created where the tongue and the roof of the mouth touch. Ki is electric and usually have low libidos compared to chi people who normally don't. Create ki by touching to roof of your mouth with your tongue. Then imagine the electricity being diverted to all the crucial areas of your body. Electricity is what ki spirits are. And fire is what chi spirits are. But avoide fire thoughts at all costs. It is very bad for Ki spirits. Even fire should be a form of electricity to you. IT's all electricity and avoid fire thoughts. This is an ancient forgotten secret so don't tell anyone.

Taoist are we?

[chipdouglas35]

You're not supposed to be in a constant state of arousal, all day, every day

Agreed. But I'm just asking about being in some state of arousal at some point in time. As I've said, I don't assume it's normal for a male to go 3 straight months without an erection or feeling the least bit horny or need to ejaculate. If this is inaccurate please let me know. I thought at least a morning erection here or there might be normal or to get horny after months with no sexual activity.

Also, I asked a couple times but got no response, I was wondering from those who gave up porn, how long did it take before you noticed any effect? I ask because I've done this for months on more than one occasion and nothing happened. Does it need to be a year or two? Seems unusual.

I also got my blood work back from a physical, can someone tell me what specific information is relevant to post that might give more insight?

I'm in the exact same situation as you, I'm 37, and have been without a healthy libido for 11 years. I've had tons of blood works, posted on here and on other forums, have seen an endo, a psychiatrist, many local MDs, saw a psychologist for a while at the request of many posters and my own primary care physician--when they can't seem to figure out what's wrong, they'll then advise you to see a psychologist.

To sum it all up :

Morning erections : Almost none over said period of time
Horniness : same, and when I get horny, I'm only 1/10 of what it used to feel, and it is very short lived.
Daily spontaneous erections : never.
Just so it's clear, neither my better half, nor any other women turn me on--and nope, there's no latent homosexuality underlying this. I only wish women would turn me on, but it just doesn't happen, save for very rare occasions.

Plain and simple, how many here who consider themselves as having a healthy libido get aroused once in a blue moon, get no morning woods, and have a hard time getting a firm sustained erection ? My confidence and assertiveness is in the shitters.

I've tried Lorazepam, Deprenyl and other substances, and nada.

I've been told it's to do with elevated E2--there's reasons to believe this is correct. I'm told my E2 is too high ss opposed to my Total T. I can post blood works should I'm required too.

What's more, I'm doing a bachelor degree in nursing and I've been training in hospital setting--this ain't easy when one's assertiveness is that low considering the amount of stress there is and the amount of things we have to think about. I wish I were my old self or only half of it--I'd be a happy camper.

Best regards

Edited by chipdouglas35, 11 November 2009 - 01:25 AM.

[nameless]

I've been told it's to do with elevated E2--there's reasons to believe this is correct. I'm told my E2 is too high ss opposed to my Total T. I can post blood works should I'm required too.

Grapeseed lowers E2, I think? Maybe other Aromatase Inhibitors do too? Have you tried it, or anything else lower your estrogen levels?

[JLL]

Can you post a detailed description of your diet?

[lynx]

I've been told it's to do with elevated E2--there's reasons to believe this is correct. I'm told my E2 is too high ss opposed to my Total T. I can post blood works should I'm required too.

Grapeseed lowers E2, I think? Maybe other Aromatase Inhibitors do too? Have you tried it, or anything else lower your estrogen levels?

He's already taking 300 mg of 6-OXO a day in that GNC stuff he bought. That will do a number on estrogen, which paradoxically may not be such a good idea because estrogen is important for male libido. It is all about balance.

The other culprit might be high progesterone or low thyroid hormones.

To the OP, what is your bodyfat percentage?

Multicenter Study on the Prevalence of Sexual Symptoms in Male Hypo- and Hyperthyroid Patients
Cesare Carani, Andrea M. Isidori, Antonio Granata, Eleonora Carosa, Mario Maggi, Andrea Lenzi and Emmanuele A. Jannini

Department of Endocrinology (C.C., A.G.), University of Modena, 41100 Modena, Italy; Department of Endocrinology (A.M.I., A.L.), University of Rome "La Sapienza", 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Endocrinology (M.M.), University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; and Course of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology at the Department of Experimental Medicine of the University of L’Aquila (E.C., E.A.J.), 67100 L’Aquila, Italy

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Emmanuele A. Jannini, M.D., Course of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of L’Aquila, Coppito, Building 2, Room A2/54, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy. E-mail: jannini@univaq.it.

Context: Thyroid hormones have a dramatic effect on human behavior. However, their role on sexual behavior and performance has seldom been investigated in men.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions in patients with hyper- and hypothyroidism and their resolution after normalization of thyroid hormone levels.

Design and Setting: We conducted a multicenter prospective study at endocrinology and andrology clinics in university hospitals.

Patients: The study included 48 adult men, 34 with hyperthyroidism and 14 with hypothyroidism.

Main Outcome Measures: Subjects were screened for hypoactive sexual desire (HSD), erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), and delayed ejaculation (DE) on presentation and 8–16 wk after recovery from the thyroid hormone disorder.

Results: In hyperthyroid men, HSD, DE, PE, and ED prevalence was 17.6, 2.9, 50, and 14.7%, whereas in hypothyroid men, the prevalence of HSD, DE, and ED was 64.3% and of PE was 7.1%. After thyroid hormone normalization in hyperthyroid subjects, PE prevalence fell from 50 to 15%, whereas DE was improved in half of the treated hypothyroid men. Significant changes were found in the subdomains of the International Index of Erectile Function; ejaculation latency time doubled after treatment of hyperthyroidism (from 2.4 ± 2.1 to 4.0 ± 2.0 min), whereas for hypothyroid men it declined significantly, from 21.8 ± 10.9 to 7.4 ± 7.2 (P < 0.01 for both). TSH and thyroid hormone levels normalized rapidly after treatment, and changes in circulating sex steroids partially reflected the changes in SHBG levels.

Conclusions: In summary, most patients with thyroid hormone disorders experience some sexual dysfunctions, which can be reversed by normalizing thyroid hormone levels. Despite the associated changes in sex hormone levels, the high prevalence of ejaculatory disorders and their prompt reversibility suggest a direct involvement of thyroid hormones in the physiology of ejaculation.

[chipdouglas35]

I've been told it's to do with elevated E2--there's reasons to believe this is correct. I'm told my E2 is too high ss opposed to my Total T. I can post blood works should I'm required too.

Grapeseed lowers E2, I think? Maybe other Aromatase Inhibitors do too? Have you tried it, or anything else lower your estrogen levels?

Yep, I've tried Grapeseed years ago, and when I did, I didn't have the knowledge that I now have regarding supplementation. I didn't expect to feel anything out of GSE, and took it to help defend against oxidative stress, but about an hour after taking it the first time, I became very composed and focused--I'm not used to feeling this way--likely because of I'm, or at least I've been Dx ADHD twice.

This definately something I'm going to add to my arsenal once I get a good idea of what's behind my issue. Of course, I'll be taking a few well researched supps., but I also like to have a good idea what I'd be medicating for--granted, trial and error is part of finding out what works or not for one, even when one knows what's behind his/ health problem(s).

[chipdouglas35]

Can you post a detailed description of your diet?

I have good quality protein source every time I eat. My intake of carbs is mainly complex carbs, save for the last month or so where my stress level has increased quite a bit because on in-hospital training. So yes, I've had quite a bit of simple carbs lately.

I tend to have a good deal of veggies : red, green, yellow, orange peppers, lots of broccoli, cabbage, raw carrots, romain lettuce, plenty of onions and perhaps a few more, but overall that's what I have so far as veggies.

So far as fruits go, I have mainly blueberries--almost everyday I'll whip up a blueberry shake, and have an apple or two.

Only meat I have is lean chicken (skinless), and occasionally, I'll have some lean beef. I also have salmon dishes every now and then.

So far as carbs cravings, I've found out that Magnesium can make a very noticeable difference--I've found this about two weeks ago, as I was getting out of control. This may not look good for self-image to admit to this, but then there's no point in lying.

[chipdouglas35]

I've been told it's to do with elevated E2--there's reasons to believe this is correct. I'm told my E2 is too high ss opposed to my Total T. I can post blood works should I'm required too.

Grapeseed lowers E2, I think? Maybe other Aromatase Inhibitors do too? Have you tried it, or anything else lower your estrogen levels?

He's already taking 300 mg of 6-OXO a day in that GNC stuff he bought. That will do a number on estrogen, which paradoxically may not be such a good idea because estrogen is important for male libido. It is all about balance.

The other culprit might be high progesterone or low thyroid hormones.

To the OP, what is your bodyfat percentage?

Multicenter Study on the Prevalence of Sexual Symptoms in Male Hypo- and Hyperthyroid Patients
Cesare Carani, Andrea M. Isidori, Antonio Granata, Eleonora Carosa, Mario Maggi, Andrea Lenzi and Emmanuele A. Jannini

Department of Endocrinology (C.C., A.G.), University of Modena, 41100 Modena, Italy; Department of Endocrinology (A.M.I., A.L.), University of Rome "La Sapienza", 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Endocrinology (M.M.), University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; and Course of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology at the Department of Experimental Medicine of the University of L'Aquila (E.C., E.A.J.), 67100 L'Aquila, Italy

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Emmanuele A. Jannini, M.D., Course of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of L'Aquila, Coppito, Building 2, Room A2/54, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy. E-mail: jannini@univaq.it.

Context: Thyroid hormones have a dramatic effect on human behavior. However, their role on sexual behavior and performance has seldom been investigated in men.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions in patients with hyper- and hypothyroidism and their resolution after normalization of thyroid hormone levels.

Design and Setting: We conducted a multicenter prospective study at endocrinology and andrology clinics in university hospitals.

Patients: The study included 48 adult men, 34 with hyperthyroidism and 14 with hypothyroidism.

Main Outcome Measures: Subjects were screened for hypoactive sexual desire (HSD), erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), and delayed ejaculation (DE) on presentation and 8–16 wk after recovery from the thyroid hormone disorder.

Results: In hyperthyroid men, HSD, DE, PE, and ED prevalence was 17.6, 2.9, 50, and 14.7%, whereas in hypothyroid men, the prevalence of HSD, DE, and ED was 64.3% and of PE was 7.1%. After thyroid hormone normalization in hyperthyroid subjects, PE prevalence fell from 50 to 15%, whereas DE was improved in half of the treated hypothyroid men. Significant changes were found in the subdomains of the International Index of Erectile Function; ejaculation latency time doubled after treatment of hyperthyroidism (from 2.4 ± 2.1 to 4.0 ± 2.0 min), whereas for hypothyroid men it declined significantly, from 21.8 ± 10.9 to 7.4 ± 7.2 (P < 0.01 for both). TSH and thyroid hormone levels normalized rapidly after treatment, and changes in circulating sex steroids partially reflected the changes in SHBG levels.

Conclusions: In summary, most patients with thyroid hormone disorders experience some sexual dysfunctions, which can be reversed by normalizing thyroid hormone levels. Despite the associated changes in sex hormone levels, the high prevalence of ejaculatory disorders and their prompt reversibility suggest a direct involvement of thyroid hormones in the physiology of ejaculation.

I'm not taking any 6-OXO--it occured to me you might have mistook me for someone else--though you quote me above. Right now, other than B vitamins and Magnesium, theanine, phosphatidylcholine, and selenium, I'm not taking anything.

I'll post my latest blood work in the next few days when I have time to. There are a few imbalances in my work up that leads me to think I might have insulin resistance, namely the high uric acid, and the fact that I used to (until about a few months ago, and that for years) had late PM reactive hypoglycemia. I have low Alkaline phosphatase, which according to some is a marker for low zinc and Mg, since ALP appears to be an enzyme driven by said minerals.

My last progesterone is sketchy, in that I had to call the lab to inquire about my result, as there was a misprint, and in the process I found out there was a new reference range according to which my progesterone, at the time of testing, was mildly off the chart. This alone, if proven accurate by testing it again, would be part of the puzzle, since progesterone potentiales Etrogen receptors, at least E2. I also seem to recall that cortisol can inhibit progesterone metabolism, but not it's production. So one possible way to lower progesterone might be to lower the perception of stress, and thus lower cortisol.

At any rate, I'll post my blood works later on. While labs aren't the end all, they can surely help in the process of finding out the culprit(s).

[Chaos Theory]

I firmly believe that most of these loss of libido issues people complain about are primarily psychogenic in origin. Libido and sexual drive arise out of thoughts before anything else. Any significant increase in stress, or even self-induced stress from compulsively researching your own imaginary disease can be enough to derail the normal transient sexual desires a person feels. Random sexual thoughts are supposed to arise randomly. Set off by memories of an ex girlfriend or a woman passing by with a killer body and a short skirt. Once you start directing too much of your attention inward onto this process you begin watching the process instead of letting it happen.

I lost my libido myself at one point. Coincidentally at a time when I felt enormous pressure, stress, and depression all at the same time. I was convinced it was my testosterone. I checked it and to my surprise it was actually high, and all of my other hormones were normal. I even had a small case of gynecomastia in one nipple. Hindsight I even attribute the gynecomastia to stress because my hormones showed zero irregularities and as soon as the endocrinologist convinced me I was fine, I trusted his judgment, stopped stressing, and it went away within a few weeks. Your mind can have much more dramatic effects on your body than a simple loss of libido: http://en.wikipedia....ouvade_syndrome

Also as to the issue of porn, I do think it has a very negative impact on libido for those who use it as their sole means of sexual relief.(ex: no girlfriend) What the OP shared about getting aroused for porn but never imagination is a common problem. Normally your brain has to conjure the images of you f--king a girl in order for you to become aroused. Porn takes that normal internal process and turns it into simply input of other people f--king. I haven't studied evolutionary psychology so I can't speculate as to why arousal occurs from watching other people get off, but arousal from that source is skipping the normal processes that would require you to imagine yourself in that scenario. If there's anything we know about the brain it's that it is quick to atrophy areas that are not being used regularly. What would we expect to happen if our sexual imagination were never used, and instead all stimulus came in visually? It only makes sense that constant porn use would be deleterious to libido.

[JLL]

Can you post a detailed description of your diet?

I have good quality protein source every time I eat. My intake of carbs is mainly complex carbs, save for the last month or so where my stress level has increased quite a bit because on in-hospital training. So yes, I've had quite a bit of simple carbs lately.

I tend to have a good deal of veggies : red, green, yellow, orange peppers, lots of broccoli, cabbage, raw carrots, romain lettuce, plenty of onions and perhaps a few more, but overall that's what I have so far as veggies.

So far as fruits go, I have mainly blueberries--almost everyday I'll whip up a blueberry shake, and have an apple or two.

Only meat I have is lean chicken (skinless), and occasionally, I'll have some lean beef. I also have salmon dishes every now and then.

So far as carbs cravings, I've found out that Magnesium can make a very noticeable difference--I've found this about two weeks ago, as I was getting out of control. This may not look good for self-image to admit to this, but then there's no point in lying.

Sounds like your fat intake is very low (lean chicken and lean beef). That could have a negative effect on libido. Are you by any chance on the low-fat bandwagon? Maybe download CRON-O-Meter and see what your macronutrient intake is.

[chipdouglas35]

I firmly believe that most of these loss of libido issues people complain about are primarily psychogenic in origin. Libido and sexual drive arise out of thoughts before anything else. Any significant increase in stress, or even self-induced stress from compulsively researching your own imaginary disease can be enough to derail the normal transient sexual desires a person feels. Random sexual thoughts are supposed to arise randomly. Set off by memories of an ex girlfriend or a woman passing by with a killer body and a short skirt. Once you start directing too much of your attention inward onto this process you begin watching the process instead of letting it happen.

I lost my libido myself at one point. Coincidentally at a time when I felt enormous pressure, stress, and depression all at the same time. I was convinced it was my testosterone. I checked it and to my surprise it was actually high, and all of my other hormones were normal. I even had a small case of gynecomastia in one nipple. Hindsight I even attribute the gynecomastia to stress because my hormones showed zero irregularities and as soon as the endocrinologist convinced me I was fine, I trusted his judgment, stopped stressing, and it went away within a few weeks. Your mind can have much more dramatic effects on your body than a simple loss of libido: http://en.wikipedia....ouvade_syndrome

Also as to the issue of porn, I do think it has a very negative impact on libido for those who use it as their sole means of sexual relief.(ex: no girlfriend) What the OP shared about getting aroused for porn but never imagination is a common problem. Normally your brain has to conjure the images of you f--king a girl in order for you to become aroused. Porn takes that normal internal process and turns it into simply input of other people f--king. I haven't studied evolutionary psychology so I can't speculate as to why arousal occurs from watching other people get off, but arousal from that source is skipping the normal processes that would require you to imagine yourself in that scenario. If there's anything we know about the brain it's that it is quick to atrophy areas that are not being used regularly. What would we expect to happen if our sexual imagination were never used, and instead all stimulus came in visually? It only makes sense that constant porn use would be deleterious to libido.

First, I mean no disrespect at all in the comments to follow, I'm also not arguing for the mere sake of arguing.

I'm not totally convinced yet, that porn can have such a deleterious effect on one's libido--however, our CNS is a very involved and tightly regulated system, so I in no way know it all--meaning that it's possible for me to be wrong.

Now, as to the reason why I'm dubious about what you proposed above, is that I'm at times turned on by porn...

My libido has been missing for 11 years as you already know. Don't get me wrong, I do have sexual fantasies, however the usual arousal one feels as a result of such thoughts just doesn't happen in me.

Now over the last 1 1/2 year, there's been an ever so slight bit of improvement, in that I'll occasionally experience short-lived rise in sex drive--some of which are decent, but it's very brief.

So far as nocturnal erection, here's a link to a male clinic in Canada--some interesting information on that page : http://www.mastersme...al_function.htm

Testosterone and REM sleep appear to be the two medically acknowledged factor affecting morning woods.

Now, I've not been able to correlate aforementioned brief libido spikes to watching less porn. Here's what I'Ve observed : when my sex drive is in the shitters, neither my better half nor any other women turn me on. Now, out of the blue, my libido sometimes recovers temporarily, and in those times, both my better half and the sight of a woman with a killer body will turn me on, of cause that physical arousal I brought up above in this post. That is, first comes the sexual fantasy, and then the sense of horniness, which usually manifest as sort of a systemic sense of arousal--I'm sure you know what I mean.

If porn was underlying it, then it seems reasonable to think that those brief spikes in libido might correlate with less porn watching, but they honestly don't, so this is why I doubt porn can be so damaging. If it were porn, then I shouldn't be getting those spikes, while maintaining this porn addiction.

What's more, getting no morning woods points to something else other than porn watching.

I think too much is blamed on porn watching, as it is somewhat morally reprehensible--there's a stigma around surrounding this. However, I'm not sure this is the root cause of my issue. I do not mean to pick a fight about this at all, this is just my opinion at the moment, which can be changed if I'm provided sufficient more data.

[chipdouglas35]

This is my most recent blood work :

Fibrinogen (non-anticoagulted) : 2.4 (2.0 - 3.8) g/L Cortisol (8 AM) : 622 (160 - 700) nmol/L Hb1AC : 0.050 (0.047 - 0.060) Interpretation : ideal glycemic control. Anti-TPO : 11 (Negative : <45) kU/L (dubious : 45-65) (positive : >65) TSH : 2.46 (euthyr :0.27 - 5.00) mUI/L (hypothyr. : > 5.00) (hyperthyr.: < 0.01) FT4 : 18.9 (12.0 - 22.0) pmol/L LH : 4 (follicular phase : 2 - 13) U/L (mid-cycle phase : 14 - 96) (luteal phase : 1 - 11) (men : 2 - 9) Ferritin : 236 (50 - 250) ug/L SHBG : 25.3 (11.0 - 63.0) nmol/L H. pylori : Negative Progesterone : 4.3 men <4 nmol/L DHEA-S : 12.3 (7.2 - 12.5) umol/L IFG-1 (Somatomedin) : 23.4 (14.0 - 37.09) nmol/L Insulin : 64 (30 - 90) pmol/L Growth Hormone : < 0.1 (0.0 - 9.9) pmol/L Vitamin D (25 OH) : 38 (30 - 125) Total T3 (aka T3 and FT3 according to www.labtestonline.com) : 1.9 (0.9 - 2.8) nmol/L Estradiol-17 B : 114 men : 42 - 151 pmol/L Testosterone : 18.1 (8.4 - 28.7) nmol/L Homocysteine : 9.5 (3.7 - 13.9) umol/L **an Homocysteine value >15 umol/L is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases according to The American society of human genetics and The American college of medical genetics. Am. J. Hum. Genet. 63: 1541 - 1543, 1998 ================================================================================
=========================================== Chemistry Glucose (overnight fast) : 5.3 (4.2 - 6.1) mmol/Lserum creatine : 77 (62 - 106) umol/LSodium : 140 (136 - 145) mmol/LPotassium (plasma) : 3.7 (3.4 - 4.8) mmol/LChoride : 99 (98 - 109) mmol/LAST : 18 (0 - 37) U/LALT : 20 (0 - 41) U/LGamma GT : 14 (10 - 66) U/LTotal Bilirubin : 30 (3 - 22) umol/LDirect Bilirubin : 4 (0 - 7) umol/LUric Acid : 425 (255 - 460) umol/L C-reactive Protein (ultra sensitive essay) : 0.9 (0.0 - 5.0) mg/L Cholesterol : 4.8 (2.0 - 5.2) mmol/LTryglycerides : 0.9 (0.5 - 2.0) mmol/LHDL cholesterol : 1.58 (1.00 - 2.60) mmol/LLDL cholesterol : 2.8 (2.0 - 3.4) mmol/LTotal/HDL cholesterol : 3.0 ================================================================================
============================================ Hematology Leucocytes : 4.8 X10 (9)/L (4.0 - 12.0)Erythrocytes : 5.32 X10 (12)/L (4.40 - 6.00)Hemoglobin : 161 G/L (140 - 180)Hematocrit : 0.469 ( 0.420 - 0.520) CGMH : 343 G/L (320 - 365)VGM : 88 f/L (80- 100)TGMH : 30.3 pg (27.0 - 34.0)IDE : 12.1 (10.5 - 16.0) Platelets : 245.0 X10(9)/L (120.0 - 400.0)VPM : 7.5 fL (7.0 - 10.4) Automated leucocyte count Relative value Absolute value Neutrophils 0.524 2.5 (1.4 - 6.5) Lymphocytes 0.312 1.5 (1.2 -3.4)Monocytes 0.081 0.4 (0.1 -0.8)Eosinophils 0.079 0.4 (0.0 -0.7)Basophils 0.004 0.0 (0.0 -0.2)

[chipdouglas35]

This is the second most recent :



Dihydrotestosterone : 2015 ( [male 20-49 yo] 217 - 1650) PMOL/L DHEA-S : 11.1 ( 4.0 - 16.3) umol/L SHBG : 20
Total Testosterone : 14.8 (8.4 - 28.7) nmol/L Bioavalable Testosterone : 10.6 ( 2.0 - 14.0) nmol/L Estradiol-17B : 122 (42 - 151) pmol/L Cortisol (8 hours) : 623 (160 - 700) nmol/L
Time of draw : 8:30 AM Cortisol ( 16 hours) : 330 (50 - 500) nmol/L
time of draw 3:30 PM PSA : 1.1 (0.0 - 1.4) ug/L TSH : 2.06 Euthyr. 0.27 - 5.0 mUI/L
hypothyr. >5.00
hyperthyr. <0.01
FSH : 3 (2 - 12) U/L LH : 5 (2 - 9) U/L
Prolactin : 7.2 (4.0 - 15.2) ug/L Ferritin : 284 (50 - 250) ug/L Folic acid : 35.8 Normal : (11.9 - 46.7) nmol/L B12 : 542 Normal : (96 - 568) pmol/L RBC folate : 1136 (> 634) nmol/L Homocysteine : 7.6 (3.7 - 13.9) umol/L
========================================================================== Cholesterol : 4.4 (2.0 - 5.2) mmol/L
Triglycerides : 1.3 (0.5 - 2.0) mmol/L
Cholesterol-HDL : 1.36 (1.00 - 2.60) mmol/L
Cholesterold-LDL : 2.4 ( 2.0 - 3.4) mmol/L
Cholesterol Total/HDL : 3.2 no ref. range provided for this one.
==========================================================================
Urinalysis
Aspect : slightly cloudy
Color : yellow
Volume : 12 mL
Density : 1.025 (1.014 - 1.028)
pH : 5.0 (4.8 - 7.5)
Proteins : Negative Negative g/L
Glucose : Negative Negative mmol/L
Cetonic bodies : Negative Negative mmol/L
Blood : Negative (0 - 5) x10-6 Erc
Leucocytes : Negative Negative x10-6 Lkc
Nitrites : Negative Negative
Urobilinogen : negative Negative umol/L
Bilirubin : Negative Negative umol/L
==========================================================================
Hematology
Leucocytes : 5.1 x10-9/L (4.0 - 12.0)
Erythrocytes : 5.30 x10-12/L (4.40 - 6.00)
Hemoglobin: 160 g/L (140 - 180)
Hematocrit: 0.461 (0.0420 - 0.520)
CGMH: 347 g/L (320 - 365)
VGM : 87 fL (80 - 100)
TGMH: 30.1 pg (27.0 - 34.0)
IDE: 12.0 (10.5 - 16.0)
Platelets: 227.0 x10-9/L (120.0 - 400.0)
VPM: 7.3 fL (7.0 - 10.4)
automated analysis of leucocyte formula :
Relative value Absolute value Neutrophils : 0.517 2.6 (1.4 - 6.5)
Lymphocytes : 0.340 1.7 (1.2 - 3.4)
Monocytes : 0.101 0.5 (0.1 - 0.8)
Eosinophils: 0.036 0.2 (0.0 - 0.7)
Basophils : 0.006 0.0 (0.0 - 0.2)
==========================================================================
Biochemistry Glucose 5.0 (4.2 - 6.1) mmol/L
Serum creatinine 70 (62 - 106) umol/L
Sodium 140 (137 - 145) mmol/L
Potassium (plasma) 3.3 (3.4 - 4.8) mmol/L
Chloride 102 (98 - 109) mmol/L
AST 18 (0 - 37) U/L
ALT 19 (0 - 41) U/L
Alkaline Phosphatase 54 (52 - 132) U/L
Total Bilirubin 32 (3 - 22) umol/L
Direct Bilirubin 4 (0 - 7) umol/L
Calcium 2.43 ( 2.15 - 2.65) mmol/L
Uric acid 394 (255 - 430) umol/L
Total protein 79 (63 - 83) g/L
Albumin 51 (35 - 60) g/L
Magnesium 0.97 (0.65 - 1.05) mmol/L
Serum iron 23.4 (9.5 - 29.9) umol/L
Transferrin 2.8 (2.0 - 3.4) g/L
TIBC 64 (47 - 78) umol/L
TRF saturation % 0.37 (0.20 - 0.50)

[chipdouglas35]

Some of the units used in the above you may not be used to.

Here's where I usually convert to those used in the U.S. : http://www.globalrph.com/conv_si.htm

[chipdouglas35]

Can you post a detailed description of your diet?

I have good quality protein source every time I eat. My intake of carbs is mainly complex carbs, save for the last month or so where my stress level has increased quite a bit because on in-hospital training. So yes, I've had quite a bit of simple carbs lately.

I tend to have a good deal of veggies : red, green, yellow, orange peppers, lots of broccoli, cabbage, raw carrots, romain lettuce, plenty of onions and perhaps a few more, but overall that's what I have so far as veggies.

So far as fruits go, I have mainly blueberries--almost everyday I'll whip up a blueberry shake, and have an apple or two.

Only meat I have is lean chicken (skinless), and occasionally, I'll have some lean beef. I also have salmon dishes every now and then.

So far as carbs cravings, I've found out that Magnesium can make a very noticeable difference--I've found this about two weeks ago, as I was getting out of control. This may not look good for self-image to admit to this, but then there's no point in lying.

Sounds like your fat intake is very low (lean chicken and lean beef). That could have a negative effect on libido. Are you by any chance on the low-fat bandwagon? Maybe download CRON-O-Meter and see what your macronutrient intake is.

I'll get that CRON-O meter--I'm intrigued. I'm not really on a low-fat diet, but then I do not get that much fat as part of my diet either.

[Chaos Theory]

Hey, Chip. As to the porn issue, I'm going on personal observation as well as anecdotal reports and some realizations I came to. I think any guy who says he has "low libido" yet he still gets aroused by porn needs to turn it off and abstain for as long as possible. I'm willing to bet that many of the "low libido" complainers regularly watch porn and crank one out. The equipment is obviously working in this scenario. What is missing is the strength of the sexual imagination, which in my opinion is the most significant factor in libido.

Overall it would seem that the less outside sexual cues you have coming in, the stronger the inner sexual drive becomes. Just look at what happens in prison. Lock a bunch of straight guys in a building for enough years and they start looking at other men.

Don't get me wrong, I think porn is great. I just think for some people overuse can be detrimental. I don't expect to convince anyone of this. I suggest anyone having persistent libido issues at least try abstaining from porn for as long as possible and observe the results. If your imagination needs a boost try erotic literature.

[lynx]

hypothyr. >5.00
hyperthyr. <0.01

What units are those in?

[chipdouglas35]

hypothyr. >5.00
hyperthyr. <0.01

What units are those in?

They're in mUI/L

[chipdouglas35]

Hey, Chip. As to the porn issue, I'm going on personal observation as well as anecdotal reports and some realizations I came to. I think any guy who says he has "low libido" yet he still gets aroused by porn needs to turn it off and abstain for as long as possible. I'm willing to bet that many of the "low libido" complainers regularly watch porn and crank one out. The equipment is obviously working in this scenario. What is missing is the strength of the sexual imagination, which in my opinion is the most significant factor in libido.

Overall it would seem that the less outside sexual cues you have coming in, the stronger the inner sexual drive becomes. Just look at what happens in prison. Lock a bunch of straight guys in a building for enough years and they start looking at other men.

Don't get me wrong, I think porn is great. I just think for some people overuse can be detrimental. I don't expect to convince anyone of this. I suggest anyone having persistent libido issues at least try abstaining from porn for as long as possible and observe the results. If your imagination needs a boost try erotic literature.

I have to admit that what you does make sense to me, so it might be what's wrong with me.

[chipdouglas35]

In the labs I posted above, a few things seem to come out more :

Elevated serum DHT
High uric acid (which might be indicative of IR)
mildly off the chart total bilirubin levels (which it appears might be Gilbert's Syndrome, which is a benign liver condition)
TSH is according to some authorities too high, but I'm not sure it's entirely accountable for the low libido on it's own.
Lowish serum potassium

I might have forgotten a few, but I'm in a rush...

I've also been told that my T/E2 ratio is screwed up. That's why I question about DHT in another post.

Ok, got to run, but hey thanks again for looking at my test, I appreciate.

[platypus]

Hey, Chip. As to the porn issue, I'm going on personal observation as well as anecdotal reports and some realizations I came to. I think any guy who says he has "low libido" yet he still gets aroused by porn needs to turn it off and abstain for as long as possible. I'm willing to bet that many of the "low libido" complainers regularly watch porn and crank one out.

Masturbation is resulting from your libido! I believe that for healthy people pron generally increases libido, maybe through hormonal effects.