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Posted 3/27/2014 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I'm a 20 year old. On Imuran and Humira for last year but have been having trouble with getting erections. Is this common?

Thanks for any feedback.
Posted 3/27/2014 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
If you search on "erectile dysfunction ulcerative colitis" in the search box, top right, you'll find a number of threads on this subject. Hopefully they'll help give you some answers.

www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38&m=2186616

There's some info here as well:
www.ccfa.org/resources/sex-and-ibd.html

There isn't much info on sex on the UK site. It's mainly about fertility, but it does state that "Abscesses and fistulas in the pelvis and anal regions may also cause some difficulties with erection and ejaculation."
www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/Resources/CrohnsAndColitisUK/Documents/Publications/Info-Sheets/Fertility%20and%20IBD.pdf

Stress and being unwell are probably the most likely causes of erectile dysfunction. It's a vicious circle - the more you worry about it, the more it's likely to happen. Please don't be too shy to ask a Dr about this - Life is too short, and they won't be embarrassed. It won't be the first time they've heard this and they'll be sympathetic. Sorry I can't give you any feedback based on personal experience - I'm female!

Post Edited (UCyousee) : 3/27/2014 11:30:49 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/27/2014 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
I think being chronically ill can have a huge impact on our sex lives in general. I have been flaring for 9 months... and only have had sex once in that time.

My poor husband :(
Posted 3/27/2014 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
UC medications do not cause one to loose their sex drive; no warnings for sexual side effects on any of our medications. Although anti-depressents do have such warnings, if you are on any.

Flares cause physical changes that may make us not interested. As when flaring sex can be the very last thing on our minds because flares cause pain, our abdomens to be sore to pressure, and not to mention the discomfort from frequent diarrhea episodes. I know my poor wife suffered because I wasn't interested in it when I was flaring badly for a number of months lol.

When in remission, it shouldn't be an issue at a physical level (i.e., none of the pain or discomfort issues as when flaring). But at an emotional/subconscious level it most certainly can be. As Uc can be a very embarrassing disease and it can have a very negative effect on our self image. When we're constantly worrying about the bathroom and in there so frequently it can certainly make one feel undesirable to the opposite sex. Hopefully, you have a supportive partner who tells you and makes you feel attractive, especially when you feel just the opposite. My DW is real sweet and makes me feel attractive.
Posted 3/27/2014 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
I was interested to see how people responded to this thread as I have never actually heard that UC meds were connected with erectile disfunction, or whatever you want to call it. kor4life: are you on any other meds? If so, this may be more responsible than your UC meds. If not, your physical or mental condition may be more responsible than your UC meds, although anyone can have reactions to meds. I haven't had your particular problems but all of us (males and females), and our significant others, can attest to the huge inconvenience this disease can have on our love lives. I've found that my wife never initiates anything at all anymore because she has no idea if the timing is right for me or not. Back in my bad days I would have to run to the bathroom several times per night around bedtime. Even when I was in the mood I would have to plan my love life around my bathroom trips. Talk about a mood killer and lack of spontanaity!
Posted 3/27/2014 7:56 PM (GMT 0)
No im not on anything else. I agree with what 'iPoop' said that it is an effect on our self image.
Posted 3/27/2014 8:17 PM (GMT 0)
Well, self-image is something that can be worked on and it does help if your partner can reinforce it. A lot of it comes from within, so what makes you feel better about yourself? Whatever that is then do more of it.

For example, I feel better about myself when I jog multiple days a week, go to the gym, or dress a little more sharply as it makes me look and feel more confident about myself (no sweatpants and stained t's haha) or something to that affect. Gary is right in that there are times where you need to initiate. I tell my DW there are times that I am just not in the mood as uc can be rough on me especially in the mornings, so I just say no. If you're uncomfortable due to uc, then it is certainly not the right time.

It's going to take time. But, most certainly, being worried about your own self-image in front of your partner is going to have a very negative effect on your performance and enjoyment.
Posted 3/27/2014 8:37 PM (GMT 0)
Self-image and self-confidence are huge. My husband is constantly pawing at me, so I don't have too much body issues right now... just physical and mental symptoms that make it impossible.

I aree with iPoop about doing things that make you feel good. When my husband gets down in the dumps he likes to dress up and treats himself to lunch. He wears a tie and everything! Does his hair cool. Really helps him feel better.

But at 20... there are so many things running through your poor mind besides adding UC on top of it! ughhh. No good. Good luck! I know it's hard to talk to friends about this kinda stuff, so feel free to post on here and talk to us!

And yes, if you have a steady girlfriend its going to be important that she understands your disease and everything that comes with it. If she does some research on your disease she might find some tips to help you feel better about yourself because of the UC. Or in general.
Posted 3/27/2014 9:16 PM (GMT 0)
As well as the psychological side, I have been learning this week about how improving your body's natural nitric oxide production can help both bowel motility and other vascular problems such as ED. To do this, practise nasal breathing over mouth breathing. Lots of info on net if you Google it.
Posted 3/27/2014 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
I am never in the mood these days. I wish I was. I remember when I was 20, things were different. It makes me wonder if it is UC related because I had a much higher drive before diagnosis. Then again, I remember losing the drive before I was officially diagnosed. Not too long before though. I have had long remissions and I've never gotten the drive back like it was when I was young and healthier. I think i have a hormonal imbalance of some kind.
Posted 3/27/2014 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
Figures the one that says "SEX" in the title gets a lot of views in the first few hours...bunch of pervs we are.

Anyway, in all the many years of UC I have been on everything, all I can say is that Prednisone may have a little bit of effect, and if you are on anything for depression or BP it will have a HUGE effect, but for the most part, no meds directly for UC will have any effect on sexual 'drive' per se.

A majority of it is just feeling downright lousy, irritated, crampy, in a bad mood, worried, etc....all psychological, and not directly related to the disease process or meds themselves, just like most everyone has agreed to above.

A supportive partner will help. and make surer you take care of yourself emotionally as well.

Also remember that a lot of UCers are on depression/anxiety meds (usually SSRI's) and THAT will cause a huge decrease in libido, usually temporarily while your body adjusts to it.
Posted 3/28/2014 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
you keep saying HUGE and no tellin what the number of views is gonna do !
Posted 3/28/2014 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
"Figures the one that says "SEX" in the title gets a lot of views in the first few hours...bunch of pervs we are." Yup Scott it always gets attention.

I have a book by Marilyn Vos Savant (smartest woman in the world?). She has a chapter titled "Sex, Math and Logic." Guess what? That chapter has nothing on sex. She knew it would attract attention.
Posted 3/28/2014 2:21 AM (GMT 0)
Ive been on remicade and its definitely effected my sex drive. Its basically nonexistent I fake my way through things when previously I was very active with my husband. I definitely think biologics effect sex drive.
Posted 3/28/2014 3:04 AM (GMT 0)
My body is extremely sensitive to meds and sex. Anti-depressants and some antibiotics have proven to cause erectile dysfunction for me. I'm on remicade and my sex drive is really high, so I don't think that has effected me negatively!
Posted 3/28/2014 3:34 AM (GMT 0)
Antidepressants definitely can cause ED and numerous sexual problems.

Anecdotally, they are frequently used for premature ejaculation, since SSRI's slow down the response. Any male who has taken them can attest to the fact that it takes FOREVER to finish...which brings the response, "who is complaining"?!?
Posted 3/28/2014 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hahaha @ soy. HUGE

remicade cant possibly kill my libido any further... so ill hope for an increase like t-man. I know my hubs would love that! Lol
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