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What Causes Erectile Dysfunction When Diagnosed With Shingles?
Question: I am a very healthy 77 year old male---I have been going to the gym 7 days a week for ten years. But now there is a problem. Three weeks ago I came down with the shingles. (Had them before---when I was 21). I still have scabs. The lesions were on my lower back/right buttock, back of right thigh---and in the cavity between my right upper thigh and my pubic region. Now I have generalized anesthesia of my buttock, which is no problem. But my penis is also heavily numbed. Hence I am flaccid at all times and impotent. For a man who experienced sexual release practically daily for nearly 60 years, this condition is devastating. I anticipate a lot of anger, frustration and even depression coming over the horizon unless and until I can at least get the straight dope on my prognosis. After all, I am age 77, so this is serious business. My doc put me on Neurontin perhaps ten days ago, and now am now at 900 mg at bedtime.. I was also on acyclovir but that Rx is now exhausted. My health care has been generally excellent (I get health care at the VA). But i am furious at my previous VA doctor who saw me for 7 or 8 years and never gave me a shingles shot although she gave me a pneumonia shot.
Brief Answer:
Nerve involvement due to Shingles
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for your query.
Shingles is notorious for affecting the body along a particular distribution of nerves.
Since, the lesions in your body are along the upper thigh and pubic region, the nerves in the region are also affected resulting in numbness in the buttock and genital area.
The healing of the nerves occur in gradual manner and takes about a month.
Once the nerves are healed, the sensation will return back.
Kindly continue the Neurontin as suggested by your treating Doctor.
In addition you can also take Nervigenic agents like Vit B6, B12, Folic acid.
This will be helpful in better healing of the lesions in nerves.
Also continue your BP medications (Atenolol and HCTZ/Lisinopril), as uncontrolled BP level will further delay the healing process.
There is no need to worry, you will be fine.
Wishing you a good health.
Take care.
Nerve involvement due to Shingles
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for your query.
Shingles is notorious for affecting the body along a particular distribution of nerves.
Since, the lesions in your body are along the upper thigh and pubic region, the nerves in the region are also affected resulting in numbness in the buttock and genital area.
The healing of the nerves occur in gradual manner and takes about a month.
Once the nerves are healed, the sensation will return back.
Kindly continue the Neurontin as suggested by your treating Doctor.
In addition you can also take Nervigenic agents like Vit B6, B12, Folic acid.
This will be helpful in better healing of the lesions in nerves.
Also continue your BP medications (Atenolol and HCTZ/Lisinopril), as uncontrolled BP level will further delay the healing process.
There is no need to worry, you will be fine.
Wishing you a good health.
Take care.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
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