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What the hell? I was able to get semi-erect?

Discussion in 'Porn-Induced Sexual Dysfunctions' started by Anonymous86, Feb 1, 2017.

  1. Anonymous86

    Anonymous86 Fapstronaut

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    I haven't been rebooting actively because I haven't worked out a plan/lifestyle that's good enough for me to commit to with my therapist. But I will say this...

    I had a sudden, semi-erection for a good amount of time (a few hours or more) two months ago one planned day around another gay man that I met in real life. The erection wasn't that strong as they use to be, but it was there. No sex, just a simple get-together.

    Does this rule out venous leak as a cause and more in line with porn-induced erectile dysfunction? My penis has droopy balls, shrunk, and mostly unresponsive to sex.

    Anyone else able to experience something like this before in a flatline or...?
     
  2. Tommy_0113

    Tommy_0113 Fapstronaut

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    Doubt you have venous leak...
    Have you been watching P? or even P-subs? Have you touched yourself in any sexual way these last few months?
     
  3. Anonymous86

    Anonymous86 Fapstronaut

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    Yes, I have been. Again, I haven't planned anything out for a way to get out yet because coming up with a better lifestyle has been a struggle.. But I have made some lifestyle goals for next month, so a transition to get away from Porn and more social around people is in the works. I have made driving lessons a priority.

    Again, I had the same experience. My penis grew a bit when talking to an attractive man when I went to a geek meetup. The fuck, is this PIED?
     
  4. PostiveChange1974

    PostiveChange1974 Fapstronaut

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    I'm not sure what you are asking.

    It seems like you are disappointed that you aren't having a strong reaction to sexual situations, and you are still using porn.

    It also sounds like you are surprised that you are getting some movement when you do talk to men.

    PIED would be if you were having issues getting reactions to any real life sexual stimulus, and instead can only respond when viewing porn. The first one sounds like Porn Induced Erectile dysfunction.
     
  5. Anonymous86

    Anonymous86 Fapstronaut

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    I am disappointed that I am not having a strong reaction to sexual situations, despite porn use. I guess it's understandable because I do still use porn-subs at the moment and that's why I have had this issue for almost a year now.

    I am also surprised that I get some movement down there, though the erections aren't as strong as they normally would be before I got this PIED.

    You're correct. I don't get turned on as easily to real-life sexual stimuli, but in these situations I kind of did have some erections to men when meeting them in real life when I verbally talk to them and compliment them (gay or straight, regardless), I do get small woodies. I don't plan on 'rewiring' with a guy right now for this to be fixed.

    I get small erections when doing the texting or reading the texting through a gay dating app. Is this PIED?

    I am gay. I accept it. It has nothing to do with sexual orientation.

    My question is if this all has to still do with how Porn-Induced Erectile Dysfunction works? I don't understand because I got small woodies around certain men. I thought that was suppose to not happen during PIED at all?

    I would appreciate it if no one here criticizes me too harshly on how I should stop watching porn immediately. I know. I am working on fixing my life up because I have made some goals already. I am in psychotherapy. I've had one year to emotionally digest this issue. It's been very tough.

    Thank you.
     
  6. PostiveChange1974

    PostiveChange1974 Fapstronaut

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    No judgement, we welcome all to discuss here, and ask honest questions. (It is fine if you are gay, I don't think any differently of those that are. NoFap isn't anti-masturbation either.)

    To answer your question, yes, I think it is likely you may have PIED. (But... it's dangerous for me to just say that).

    Where you might be getting confused is that PIED isn't the same as 'Erectile Dysfunction'. In ED there can be medical reasons and emotional reasons why a person can't achieve an erection, or possibly only achieve less rigid and determined erection. (The medical reasons are more common in the overweight, smokers, and people over 40.) (The emotional reasons can be most common due to stress, conflict in beliefs, lack of restful sleep, and relationship issues).

    Given that you are a mature male, it's important to you to go get the basic medical factors checked, just to see if there is anything holding you back. This includes (Testosterone levels, Estrogen levels, Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, Thyroid function, prostate health, depression, anxiety, and a review of all prescription meds you are taking). The best place is to start with your regular doc, and then go to a urologist. Here in the united states, we also have mens health clinics (which are kind of your regular doc + a urologist). Discuss the issue with them openly, including all your habits and sexual health. Tell them you want a full panel run for a health check (this check is good for health monitoring even if you weren't having difficulties). The more open you are, then better care you will receive. (As a bonus, as long as you are heart healthy, many men get ED meds just for the asking)
    (As a warning, if you truly have PIED, then ED meds won't help much. For instance, I have delayed ejaculation, and had mild-ED. The ED meds gave me headaches, muscle soreness, and sniffles..... and while I was able to get and keep an erection better, I didn't have any more additional sensation (in fact the ED meds made my orgasm longer to achieve. I no longer take them because of this (and my GF said she can't tell any difference)
    ). That being said, I'm still pro-ED meds as an experiment, because they are so simple to try (and who knows, might change your life), and lets you have confidence in what you are really dealing with. (Sometimes I think ruling out a thing is just has helpful as properly identifying it in the first place.)

    (By the way, I went through this, and found I had low-Testostorone, but keep reading, because I still need NoFap to address all my concerns).

    In Porn Induced Erectile Dysfunction, its not strictly a medical or emotional condition (it can be both). You can get erections, and can respond to Porn. Or even mild arousal to other stimulus. Some on NoFap believe that there is a brain chemistry mechanism that extensive porn users go through. Many sexual therapist believe it is more of an emotional conditioning thing. The point is that if you have PIED, it's hard to learn how to relax and feel sensations with a real partner. This over time can lead to a lack of arousal to real world stimulation, and inability to enjoy more subtle sensations that another human partner can give.

    There is also the concept of 'death grip syndrome'. It means that over time, you're masturbation grip and style can become harsh and more energetic than you would encounter with a real partner's body. If you become conditioned to that, it can leave you disappointed and stressed in real bedroom situations. It also means your sessions can leave your manhood a bit bruised and inflamed, causing you to feel less.

    There is another concept of 'sexual exhaustion'. When you masturbate, especially to porn, it may be possible to have a shorter 'refractory period' than in real life (this means you can get up and ejaculate again after orgasm). If you do this, and start a habit where you either 'edge' which keeps you in pleasure (but avoiding final orgasm) for extended times (hours in some cases), or you use more energetic masturbation to get you over the finish line 2, 3, or more times. You may be putting your body under stress, and depletion of sperm (possible vitamins and minerals). (This is also where some in NoFap believes your brain gets flooded with a neuro-chemical that makes the next attempt harder to achieve (but also more desirable, because it's more challenging). It also means that you can get confusing signals in arousal. (Kind of 'I would kind of like that, but not feeling it, but emotionally I want that, and know I should want that, because yesterday I would have totally rocked that, but now there is no magic down below')

    All these conditions have a compatible method of treatment. I know you don't want to give up porn (so I won't tell you to). However, before your next sexual encounter, you may want to at least 'pause' on masturbation for at least 1 to 2 weeks before (In my case, it takes at least 3 to see a change). (The length of pause gets longer the older you get, but it's different for everyone based on health, and stress levels). (Even if you don't do this, if you can get an patient partner (with some stamina), you can sometimes over come these issues by going through sessions of slow learning. It's a process where you are trying to explore and communicate what feels good, bad, and blah (without worrying when you orgasm). It can help you gain confidence, and you may not actually orgasm in the first session. It's a process to learn how to become more in touch with your body, and relearn how to get to the reward of orgasm, without needing props like porn in your head/body. That being said, often this is very difficult to impossible, if you've recently been masturbating. These sessions can often be most effective if they are 1 to 3 hours. (and it does require someone that isn't going to pressure you, get frustrated, or get tired). (Given that I have delayed ejaculation, I've found through an understanding partner, that I can have intense sensations. It's there and working. I just have to relax to let the ejaculation part work, and I'm doing NoFap reboot to help with that.)

    If you do have PIED, the best and only result I have found is going to do a NoFap reboot. There aren't really any way around it. If you aren't ready for that, then you might try changing things to move towards that goal. This means instead of telling yourself 'NO', say 'Yes, but not right now', or 'Yes, but not so much'. This would include reducing your masturbation schedule and change your style. You won't see as much progress. But it can open you up for other exploration. For instance, if you are having a very frequent masturbation schedule such as daily, try to reduce that to one ever 2 or 3 days (once a week is better). Change your masturbation to include a simple but effective mens toy and a lubricant. (I can recommend some that are decent, but won't here. This will allow you to avoid 'death grip'.) It also means practicing good foreskin maintenance by using a good skin lotion (we can recommend one that is good uniquely for foreskin). Limit the amount of time your masturbation schedule allows (don't edge for hours, or climax 2 or 3 times in a row). Try to keep a limit on it, and say under 45 minutes and walk away. Again, these practices won't change your life, but they might prep you for the next phase, which is confidently doing a reboot.

    I know this is alot, hopefully it gives you the answers you need.
     
    HopefulChristian likes this.
  7. GG2002

    GG2002 Fapstronaut

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    Hello,
    My question first is have you ever had sex with another person ? The gender really does not matter? If not then I don't think that you can be sure that you have ED. Unless you are having difficulty when you masturbate? I don't think just because you don't get fully aroused when you are near someone means you have an issue. Now if you are engaging in sexual contact with no arousal there may be an issue. Many men don't realize they have ED until they are with a partner because in their solo time everything goes great. Particularly men who are single for a long period of time. If you think your PMD is too much stop and see what happens. Another question would be do you have an erection in the morning? If so chances are if you have ED it is not a purely physical problem. If you have any Shame about your sexuality that can cause performance issues too and this is the case no matter your sexual preference. Many heterosexual males who were raised in Uber religious homes have issues, good luck!
     
  8. Anonymous86

    Anonymous86 Fapstronaut

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    I went to the doctor and he said my physical results (including bloodwork) all came back fine. I actually went twice. I've never ever had a sexual encounter in my life.

    I still think (and hope) that this is PIED.
     
  9. Anonymous86

    Anonymous86 Fapstronaut

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    1. Nope.

    2. I have no morning erections. My penis has shrunk is size and my balls droop.

    Though I do get small erections sometimes when I'm around men I deem 'attractive' and start talking to them. I guess this rules out venous leak or a physical issue?
     
  10. PostiveChange1974

    PostiveChange1974 Fapstronaut

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    Ok cool. Now, I would keep an open mind about your doc. Was it a urologist? Here is why I ask. My ex wife went without diagnosis for 10 years with a thyroid issue. She asked the docs, and was told that they didn't think it was an issue. Had she gotten a referal to a 'endocrinologist' she would have been diagnosed immediately. Not questioning the competency of your doc. Just if you don't know the difference, you may want to 'check again' with a specialist.

    Moving on though.... it can most definitely be PIED. There is no recognized medical sexual dysfunction called PIED. But there are medical conditions that recognize arousal issues from emotional or intellectual hangups (and conditioned attachments to external objects/circumstances. If you keep with the reboot, you should be able to start to tell in 90 days, what the situation is. That is usually enough time, that you allowed some of the conditioning of porn to fade, and allowed you to be open to new experiences.

    If not, this could mean you have an emotional block, that is causing you to 'hold back'. It's not even something you would consciously process. There are things that can help in that case, and there are 'sexual therapist' which can help you identify what is going on. (if you are really concerned, you can seek a therapist now, but I think it is still helpfull if you kept on the reboot, just to rule it out, before talking with them. Then you can have confidence. Still its your call, as they aren't conflicting goals.)

    I have 'Delayed ejaculation'. This could be because I have an emotional hang up, and I'm trying to address this with a lot of different approaches, including NoFap. I want to learn to let go when a woman 'takes me'. I feel that I'm not connected enough at times, and if I could accomplish a woman bringing me off orally or manually. Then I would be both confident in how vulnerable I am, and get the most out of my sexual and relationship life. Unfortunately, 'Delayed ejaculation' can also just mean that I've always had sensory circumstances where I require more pressure/higher frequency than a normal human being can provide. (It can be 'just who I am'.) I'm preparing my mind for that same possibility.

    I was before I did my NoFap reboot suffering from mild-ED (and what I think was PIED). I was having trouble getting a confident erection, and from a sensory stand point at times it felt like 'nothing' during penetration. (50+ days in, and I can tell you that is gone. I'm not as rigid as I used to be, but I now posses a confident erection that feels good during penetration. Not 'mind blowing' yet, but much better to the point I didn't have to push far/long to know if I could reach conclusion.

    I have no idea if I'm helping or rambling at this point.... but stay on your reboot. Stay strong.

    Don't give up, because there are many ways to attack your ED issues. You are not without avenues of opportunities here. You are also not alone anymore. (If you do want to know possible other ideas for ED cures, I can discuss what I've tried, and found. It's just alot....)
     
  11. Anonymous86

    Anonymous86 Fapstronaut

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    This medical doctor was not a urologist. I actually went to a urologist before seeing my primary care medical doctor and they couldn't find anything wrong. They just sent me to have a bloodwork and ultrasound done on the penis and testicles themselves and couldn't find anything wrong with me. I took those results, brought them to my primary care medical doctor and again, they found nothing wrong with me. And I went for a physical check-up back (just in general) in December with the same primary medical doctor and again, he stated he guaranteed nothing was wrong with my penis.

    I've come to the conclusion that it's PIED or an emotional/mental block. Most likely PIED. I seem to match the symptoms except I can get a small erection in circumstances where I'm directly talking with males I deem "attractive".

    I have no libido and my penis again, is shrunken. It's like smaller now. Balls again, droop.

    I hope that this is PIED, otherwise I'm fucked. I don't think it's a venous leak (right?).

    I'm in psychotherapy for depression and anxiety, but I used masturbation to visual stimulation for many years to cope with my stress. I gotta stop that.
    As long as I know it's not permanent. What do you think?
     
  12. PostiveChange1974

    PostiveChange1974 Fapstronaut

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    I think this sounds absolutely like PIED. As hope, I'm 50+ days in, and mine is nearly entirely cured.

    That being said, Nofap explains this as mechanic of neuro-chemical buildup of dopamine. I'm a little skeptical (but I've been witness to the success of a NoFap reboot). As you mention though, this can also be emotional as psychs and sex therapist both long recognize conditions that cause arousal issues due to stress, anxiety, and emotional conflicts. In short, PIED isn't in the medical diagnosis catalog, but only because those people believe that is other contributing factors than just 'porn'. (My point to this paragraph is that while the 'how' of NoFap remains ongoing research, the results stand for themselves without having to argue the mechanical points).

    Have hope. It is fixable. Stay strong in a reboot. There are other things you might try, to assist you with your reboot. But many find just sticking to the Nofap reboot much of what they need. You're therapy will also assist.

    (That being said) many common diagnosis for depression and anxiety include a SSRI, or other anti-depressant. Keep in mind that those drugs can have side effects that can affect arousal. That being said, I've had severe depression, the meds were far more important to me than any possible impact to sex. I function well now, with the Nofap reboot in support. But do discuss this as a possible concern to your therapist, and see if they offer any alternatives, or a plan. Let them deal with it, and don't deny yourself healing because the meds might have a secondary effect, but do be aware, and ask questions/discuss with them.

    I am excited for you. I think you will achieve your results. Just remember that you're not alone anymore. We stand with you. Ask any questions you need to help you accomplish your goal.
     
  13. Anonymous86

    Anonymous86 Fapstronaut

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    Thanks man. Did you find working out a good stress reduction technique during your PIED issue? Like a distraction?
     
  14. PostiveChange1974

    PostiveChange1974 Fapstronaut

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    Yes. I did. Working completely alieviated blue balls. And made my urges manageable for most of the day.
     
  15. Anonymous86

    Anonymous86 Fapstronaut

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    What exactly is blueballs? I don't have it. Does everyone with PIED get it?
     
  16. PostiveChange1974

    PostiveChange1974 Fapstronaut

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    Not everyone gets it. It's a vasocongestion issue. (I'm not sure I spelled that right).

    Basically, once you're reboot starts to work, it's possible that you will feel 'full' from having all your sperm/semen available to you. (That fullness isn't the issue). The blue balls come from being aroused for long periods without release. It can mean your testicles, groin, and some of your lower abdomen can be sore (ache). It's due to the dilation of the blood in the area (from arousal), which is not common for extended periods. In my reboot, and in some others, once my erectile health started to work, I encountered random and extended erections, which were like my body tempting me to 'go back' to PMO. (It's not your body tempting you, it's your sexual function healing itself, and when you go from numb/nothing, to starting to come back, there can be real temptation attached to use it immediately (which will work against the healing).

    If you've ever been on a date, where you were aroused heavily, thinking that you might get released at any time, but didn't know how, or couldn't seal the deal, or circumstances interrupted and didn't give you the opportunity, and felt a pain from being erect and sore the next day (that is blue balls).

    Lifting something heavy, or pursing your lips and breathing under pressure like you would if you were can relieve the aching. (Masturbation immediately releases the aching too). (but during the early part of you reboot, you want to refrain from that).

    I got this heavily in the about 3 to 4 weeks in, and it lasted nearly 2 weeks (off and on). It will go away on it's own, without you having to do anything. Not everyone gets exposed to arousal, or has the chronic issues like I did, so not everyone will have the pain. (Before my reboot, I think I only had 'blue balls' 2 or 3 times in my entire life).

    If you are curious, women can get a similar condition. They can become extremly aroused, and if they don't receive release it can create muscle tension, stress, and soreness. They can feel an 'empty feeling'. (There is a medical condition called 'blue vuvla' which is a result of higher blood pressure to the uterus, ovaries, and vulva, which can ache (so not as localized as men's sensation). In short, it can be every bit as uncomfortable for them.

    (I know this was alot to write for a simple question).

    By the way, many guys engaged in 'locker room' talk, will talk about blue balls. They don't usually mean the medical condition. They just mean they want laid, and feel it's been too long. (Again, sperm retention isn't the issue here), but won't stop the more un-elightened jest about 'she needs to give it up, she giving me blue balls').

    There are other possible issues once you start to reboot. (This was one my first real tests).
     
    darkenedverse likes this.
  17. darkenedverse

    darkenedverse Fapstronaut

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    I needed to read this. This is my second experience with flatlining. I wasn't concerned, but I wanted to hear what other people's experiences were, so I can understand it better. Your post helped me to prepare for the next battle I will face, when the erections return. As you point out, that's just your sexual health returning, but that's not the way your mind may read it.
     
    PostiveChange1974 likes this.
  18. Anonymous86

    Anonymous86 Fapstronaut

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    Are there any reports of men getting small semi-erections or erections during a flatline in various circumstances that aren't porn related? Like when actually talking to women/men and a small boner happens but it recedes afterwards? That's what happens to me. I also don't have a colder penis really.

    I am curious if these are still definitive flatline symptoms. Despite me having small erections in certain circumstances and a dick that's not exactly "cold".
     
  19. darkenedverse

    darkenedverse Fapstronaut

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    Heck yeah, at least for me! I've experienced flatline before and everything was just limp. I meant dead. At first, they were semi-erections. Then it was just like nothing. I experienced flatline like 1 1/2 days ago, but that never happened. During that time, I was actually pitching more tents than before, but it was semi-erections, like a car trying to get started but the motor doesn't turn on fully.

    Today, I had regular morning wood and everything seems to be fine. In fact, things look bigger (or my ego wants to believe so), even when I'm not making a tent. I don't know if this is just a temporary phase in a flatline or "I'm back".

    All I know is that everyone's NoFap journey will be different. Your flatline may not look like mine because I don't have the same body, mind, experiences etc. as someone else. My advice: Feel free to ask questions and look up stuff to calm your mind. Don't stress it, though. Your body is just adjusting to a new level of awesome. Keep marching forward.
     
    Anonymous86 likes this.
  20. Anonymous86

    Anonymous86 Fapstronaut

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    I didn't know everyone's flatline experience would be completely different. I've been in a flatline since last year March 2016 but haven't been able to abstain from porn completely successfully. Perhaps my porn use has prolonged my flatline?
     
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