Your experience with sexual side effects of IBS/UC

I'm reasonably certain (as I've mentioned many times here) that my UC is mostly or even entirely in remission. I have no blood, mucous, etc. and my GI has suggested that my ~4 daily BMs and urgency are products of IBS. I've been taking Librax, VSL #3 and Miralax daily to try and stay as regular as possible.

An issue has recently arisen, however, where I'm finding that my libido is very low. I know this because my sex drive was off the wall a few months ago. I was in a casual relationship with a girl (who I'd say I was only mildly physically attracted to, with no emotional attachment) where I was craving her to the point of almost not even being able to control myself. But this changed about a month and a half ago when I started seeing a girl who I am wholly in love with now. She is completely accepting of me in every way, and didn't even bat an eye when I told her about my UC and IBS. It's sudden, I guess, but she's now my girlfriend and I can't imagine losing her.

My problem is that I've been experiencing delayed ejaculation at times during sex. My first thought was that my sex drive had gone down. I was not feeling the "cravings" I had, even before I started seeing/sleeping with my now girlfriend. I attributed this to the decreased libido that many discuss as a side effect of IBS or IBD. I know that Librax can lead to certain sexual dysfunctions as well.

My girlfriend is even understanding about this issue too. I can't tell you what kind of anxiety this produces in me, where she's so great and amazing and I can't hold up my "end of the bargain," so to speak. I know the psychological implications aren't helping but I do get extremely aroused during sex or foreplay, I'm just not able to ejaculate every time. It can lead to severe "blue ball" discomfort or just emotional issues for me internally.

I find myself questioning things about myself that I'd otherwise dismiss as a result, and am wondering if anyone else here has experience with the type of complications I'm talking about or anything else. Are there any suggestions as to what I can do to overcome this from a physical standpoint? I'm more than willing to see a therapist, GP or any type of professional who can help me with my anxiety, but I know this is at least 50% related to my chronic conditions and would like to overcome the side effects if that possibility exists.

I don't know that it's a med. If it is, the only one I can come up with would be Librax. I've been able to have sex/ejaculate while on that in the past, though. It could also be diet. I've been eating a lot less lately as my IBS has been giving me more problems over the last 6 weeks or so. My guess is it's not any one thing, which is just another frustrating aspect of my body.

Thankfully this isn't an issue 100% of the time (with her and others), but I'd like to make it a NON-issue as often as possible.

Have you considered having your testosterone levels checked? It's a simple blood test and if you find you are low there are ways of increasing it naturally (in some cases) or by doing hormone therapy. Do some research to find out what the normal range is for a man your age so you're well informed before you get results back.

Many times docs will say you're in the normal range, but that range includes men up to age 90 or so. And you should be producing much more than a 90 year old.

hekela said...
Have you considered having your testosterone levels checked? It's a simple blood test and if you find you are low there are ways of increasing it naturally (in some cases) or by doing hormone therapy. Do some research to find out what the normal range is for a man your age so you're well informed before you get results back.

Many times docs will say you're in the normal range, but that range includes men up to age 90 or so. And you should be producing much more than a 90 year old.

I did about a year ago. They told me everything was normal, but I guess that just means I'm healthy enough to be 90.

What type of hormone therapy could I do? Wouldn't low testosterone make it less likely that I become aroused during sex? Arousal isn't the issue, it's just "finishing what I start" sometimes.

Sorry didn't know you've been on it for 5 years. Hmmm then I don't know that I would blame it because it would be weird to just now pop up unless of course you have increased the amount you take. Also, sorry about not remembering you dislike rectal meds. Hard to remember what everyone likes and dislikes.

sherbear46 said...
Sorry didn't know you've been on it for 5 years. Hmmm then I don't know that I would blame it because it would be weird to just now pop up unless of course you have increased the amount you take. Also, sorry about not remembering you dislike rectal meds. Hard to remember what everyone likes and dislikes.

My IBS has been worse for the past couple of months than it had previously. I think it tends to get exacerbated during winter time.

And don't worry about it. I only mentioned my aversion to rectal meds because there may be others who do remember me mentioning it and I don't want to seem redundant.

Since UC entered my life I could care less if I ever have sex again. All I crave in bed is sleep.

Sara14 said...
Could it just be nerves since your relationship is new and you really don't want to lose her?

Agree with that opinion 100%. Were you on any meds when you had the huge sex drive?

sfc425 said...


I did about a year ago. They told me everything was normal, but I guess that just means I'm healthy enough to be 90.

What type of hormone therapy could I do? Wouldn't low testosterone make it less likely that I become aroused during sex? Arousal isn't the issue, it's just "finishing what I start" sometimes.

The symptoms of low T are many and can vary with each person. It could be this is the only symptom you notice but with increased T you'd find you feel much better overall (if you have low T now).

Do you have a way to find out what your actual T number was when you were tested? Could be that things are lower now than when you were tested. If low T is a byproduct of your lifestyle (stress, diet, poor sleep etc.), it can be increased by making changes. If your body just isn't producing enough T on its own, you'd need the T replacement therapy. I'm not sure what all is out there for T replacement but I know there are multiple options, all with prescription I'm sure.

Diet and exercise can play a role in sexual health, as can getting enough sleep. I think you're worrying too much about it. It would be a bigger concern for the girl if you weren't able to maintain an erection.

iPoop said...
First and foremost relax... Worrying and stressing about your performance in bed is the worst possible thing you can do. As if you are nervous or anxious than it only becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Forget about your worries, enjoy the moment, and such. As long as you both get an 'o' than who cares how long it lasts... and over time it'll take longer. Perhaps it is just the excitement of a new partner.

Other than changing meds, have you considered wearing a condom as that would dull the sensation a little bit and perhaps you'd last longer?

Re-read what I wrote. My issue isn't in going too fast, it's in not having an "o" at all sometimes.