Spondylitis Association of America Forums General Discussion Men Only Message Board Sexual Function (or dysfunction as the case may be)

I was a little reluctant to open this sensative subject...well, here goes.. I am new to AS (the treatment and dx) although apparently not new to the disease. I also have been a single, custodial parent of three children for about 10 years so have not "dated" much, particularly in the last 6 years.

Having said that, I am wondering what effect AS and the drugs used to treat it may have on male sexual function and what the possible remidies may be (Viagra, etc). I hope this doesn't seem a trivial or unimportant topic or offensive to anyone.
mike

This is a good topic and its the reason for this part of the site. I havent noticed any direct effect on my sex drive from meds accept Celebrex had a bit of a viagra effect on me. The biggest part is getting my wife past some fear...she's afraid to cause me more pain. I also have psoriasis so when everything flares up I don't like to be touched sometimes. The trick is to find positions and methods that are comfortable and enjoyable. Personally I have always had a strong sex drive and it irks me to slow it down when I need to. That does happen when my SI joints are really flared up. It helps if the woman is adventurous and willing to try new things. Of course, being in a strong loving relationship where these things can be discussed well is very important.

I have not had problems with sex from the AS except I'm too lacking lithe flexibility and often don't feel good enough to persue a new woman. it's best if you can talk about it a bit rather than suddenly realize your in pain... AS makes sex possibly more delicate for me but it's therapuetic. One other thing is that sometimes with a new partner things are awkward the first time anyway...and my ladyfriends weren't turned off by my iflexiblity.

Best wishes...Erik

I was also concern about this. I ask my doctor if the Sulfasulozine that I take may cause impotence with continual usage. She told me that some of her married patients could conceive child even while taking the meds. It does lower your sperm counts though.

Mike,
You asked a great question and even though some might not want to admit dysfunction, it's either a problem or bound to be a problem for men with AS. The truth is, even if you have the hottest number on top of you bounce'n up and down, if you're in pain from your hips and back, things don't look up. Regardless of the pain, there are many meds that have a negative effect on performance. All narcotics have an impact and also anti-depressants (which again, something many won't admit to but it is something that many people face when dealing with chronic pain). So please know that you're not alone and the best direction to take is to ensure you talk to your significant other and be upfront with your doctor.
Best Regards,
Craiger

I have had A.S. for 24 years. I'm 34 and have been on most meds over the years. Been taking Enbrel for six years now.

I can only speak for myself that I have not experienced any problems in that area as a result of meds.

But, remember guys. Sometimes it's in your head. (psycological) If your stressed or worried or have a lot on your mind, or in a lot of pain, or depressed, all of those can play a role as well. And also as we get older things don't work like they did before.

Here is a link to a site that has sexual health products. web page
This site isn't the greatest, but I'm sure there are better sites and products.

I also always ask my doctor (primary) about whether or not a med will affect my "function". She always responds with, "Why, you have a hot date tonight". lol She says that jokingly cause she knows that it's important to me. Even though I am not very successful with the ladies, I have talked to her and made it clear that I won't take any drugs that may cause problems.

But, anyways guys. There are a lot of products out there and help aids to help. And more important I think, is I want to say I hope all us guys here feel they can come in the men's section and discuss anything. And nothing should offend anyone. Thats why this is here. For support and we are all mature adults.

-Storm

Hope y'all don't mind, tired of talking about illness, would rather talk about sex.

I had posted about Jerry having a problem with the urination flow and other things, which we think turned out to be his blood pressure meds. He had them adjusted and his blood seems to be flowing like usual .

We are, I would say, more active than a usual couple with 3 children, but last week our AC went out and we are broke. We bought a window unit for the bedroom and now have all 3 children in the room with us, so it has put a damper on things. Jerry has noticed more pain in his lower back and hips. Now this could just be a ploy , but it could very well make sense, since that's about all the physcial activity he gets.

He's on enbrel, atenolol, and the max dose of hydrocodone which he takes everyday. This has not hampered his drive or ability. The pain doesn't seem to have any effect either.

Anti depressants have slowed him down, making it longer to 'achieve', but had no effect on the drive.

I guess everyone is different.

Sarah

HEY, who let the broad in here?
Quick, hide the porn and ditch the cigars!

And for God's sake, Jay, stop sitting around the clubhouse in your underwear!


Spenser23

Actually if a young man is having some prostate pain that is due to inflammation and the frequency changes, that can bring on more pain in the prostate and sometimes lower back area.
How do I know, I remember back to when I was 26 and first started having prostate problems and
went to the urologist for about 2 years.I also think that was the beginning of
my hip problem and Si inflammation.
Mike

Ditch the cigars at least. I don't go there.

Sarah