I've been dealing with Sexual Dysfunction and Emotional Numbness for 3 years with no solutions or diagnosis (depressed, appetite)

[DCT2019]

Hello everyone,

I am a 25 year old male. For almost 3 years now I've been having sexual dysfunction and emotional numbness. The sexual symptoms that I've been dealing with are:

1) Erectile Dysfunction. My erection quality is significantly diminished. I don't wake up with morning erections anymore and I don't get random or spontaneous erections.

2) Loss of Sex Drive. My sex drive is gone. I used to have a very high sex drive. I used to always have sexual thoughts, dreams, desire, attraction, etc. All of that is gone. I have no libido.

3) Reduced sensitivity to my penis. I notice there's less sensitivity to my penis. When I stimulate it, I don't really feel anything. It feels numb and dead.

Regarding the Emotional Numbness my emotions are gone. I feel like a zombie 24/7. I can't feel adrenaline anymore. I can't feel arousal. I can't laugh like I used to. It's like my brain has been zapped from all emotions. I also lost my ability to feel a stress response. I no longer feel adrenaline rushes when I am in adrenaline inducing situations. I no longer get the sensation of my heart beating out of my chest. It's like my stress response has been muted. It's like my body and brain has become desensitized to stress and that my stress receptors have been burned out.

The emotional numbness and sexual dysfunction have been the most bothersome but other symptoms I have in addition to this are muscle tension, I have a reduced appetite, and I have head pressure.

These symptoms began after I went through a chronic and intense period of stress, depression, and anxiety. I was going through quite a bit during that time in my life, but things got better. However ever since this episode I just woke up one day with these symptoms and things haven't been the same since. It's like that episode altered my brain chemistry or caused inflammation to my body.

I thought this would eventually go away over time but these symptoms weren't going away. This prompted me to seek medical attention.

I've had my Hormones checked. I've had an MRI of my Brain, Pituitary, Neck, Lumbar, and Pelvis. I've had a ACTH Stimulation Test. I had an EMG on my legs and lower back. I've had a Chest X-ray and a Echocardiogram.

Most tests have come back normal. The only abnormalities found were my ACTH Stimulation Test revealed slightly lower than normal Cortisol and the Endocrinologist had me take Hydrocortisone for 8 weeks. I felt no difference from the Hydrocortisone and he came to the conclusion that he don't think I am dealing with a Hormonal issue.

I've tried quite a few treatments. I was on Cialis and Viagra to no avail. I've tried sexual supplements like Horny Goat Weed, Maca, L-Arginine, etc. All failed to help. I tried vaping CBD Flower. I tried various vitamins and supplements. All have failed to help.

I've been seeing a Psychiatrist for the last 7 months. He prescribed me Wellbutrin. I started at 150MG, then 300MG, and finally to 400MG. I felt no difference. Then he paired the Wellbutrin with Rexulti. Still no help. I then sampled Trintellix which was no help. He currently has me on Auvelity. I've been taking it for a month now and I don't feel a difference.

I've also went to see two Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists to address my Penile issues. The first therapist did an internal exam on me where she stuck a gloved lubricated finger into my rectum to assess my pelvic floor and she noted it was a little tight. I saw her for 4 sessions and then she basically came to the conclusion that there wasn't much else she could do. I went to go see another one who noted she feels more weakness than tightness. I am currently taking a break from Pelvic Floor therapy because the Physiatrist who recommended the therapy wants me to try trigger point injections to help loosen up my pelvic floor in conjunction with physical therapy. I am waiting to save up a bit of money since the injections are quite expensive.

I just started seeing a Functional Medicine Practitioner who is also an MD who ordered some blood work for me as well as a test called the DUTCH Test. He told me that he would be interested in getting a closer look at my Cortisol levels. He also told me that the gut and brain are connected and that stress can affect the gut microbiome.

Two Doctors brought to my attention that I could possibly be dealing with Anhedonia which is defined as the inability to feel pleasure. It commonly is a symptom of Major Depression but I don't think you necessarily have to be depressed to have it.

I've read about things like Adrenal Fatigue, but they say that's not a real condition. I've also read about HPA Axis Dysfunction.

Perhaps I am dealing with a Psychosomatic issue since this all started from psychological issues. Perhaps this is a Neuropsychological issue.

All I know is that I've been dealing with these symptoms for almost 3 years and I just want them to go away. I want my emotions back. I want my sexual function back. This is not normal for me and I really hope this is not permanent and that I can resolve this.

What do you guys think and what do you suggest I do?

[LKJ1988]

Sounds about like me. Also mine has shrunk from the good days when i was younger.