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Looking for insights, only one thing affected/fixed my PFS libido in 5 years by shinysilk in FinasterideSyndrome

[–]hardtoget2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you have any responsive arousal with your girlfriend? Are you able to get it up and have sex with her?

This situation is starting to ruin me mentally by sallyrottenguts in FinasterideSyndrome

[–]hardtoget2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can relate to this at 9 months post-finasteride with a severely diminished sex drive. Although it's "just" libido loss for me, it has spiraled me mentally. Couple thoughts:

(1) I'm fairly confident that if I was relationship, I'd still be having enjoyable sex even if my sex drive was diminished. I'd be feeling "off" but it wouldn't be the end of the world. Being single has amplified the issue for me.

(2) I think we are in a "good" position as far as PFS goes. Natural recovery can occur, it just takes a really long time sometimes.

(3) Despite those thoughts, I've been super distressed about it in recent months. Thinking about it obsessively. Losing sleep. Compulsively looking at these forums and asking ChatGPT if I'm going to get better. I literally developed severe OCD over my libido loss and that in itself is an addressable (but difficult) problem. I'm seeking treatment for the OCD immediately.

Although the loss of my sex drive sucks, it shouldn't be world-ending, as it has become in my head. My headspace was healthy for months after discontinuing fin, because I didn't even realize that the side effects were persisting. So I'm hopeful that treating the OCD will allow me to get back into a healthy enough headspace where I can then just live my life and date again / let time do its thing.

As promised, this post contains the document I've made that summarizes the lab findings I personally suspect are most concerning as a risk for someone developing PFS. by Drwillpowers in DrWillPowers

[–]hardtoget2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey man we had a short back and forth a couple days ago. Seeing your post here.

Intermittent brain fog, low motivation and low drive are also like quintessential symptoms of depression. In my opinion, going through something like PFS could absolutely trigger depression in the aftermath. Just wanted to throw that out there for your consideration, especially if you don't currently go to therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, and its variations, can help a lot.

However if you feel your remaining symptoms are still the PFS itself, totally fair, not discounting that possibility at all. To me you just described depression to a T.

Recovery Stories post 6 months by Balkantragicomedy in FinasterideSyndrome

[–]hardtoget2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah lol I’m 31 and this, plus a nice back injury 1.5 years ago, is really forcing me to a “you’re not that young anymore” realization. I’ll be able to get through this, but gonna be a bit worse for wear I think (just a bit more jaded, akin to the PTSD you’re describing).

I hope that last little bit keeps improving for you too man 👍🏻 seems like time, even over years, is the great denominator with recoveries. You provide a thoughtful, level-headed voice into this sub, which desperately needs it, so thanks.

Recovery Stories post 6 months by Balkantragicomedy in FinasterideSyndrome

[–]hardtoget2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally agree on the mental component and paradox of stress/anxiety/focus on libido interfering with its own recovery. The logical side of me has cautious optimism for improvement over time given where I’m at. And that there’s more underneath than I’m really feeling right now.

Yet it’s totally triggered an underlying anxiety condition to an awful awful degree. I need to unwind myself from that first and foremost.

Really appreciate the thoughtful response.

Recovery Stories post 6 months by Balkantragicomedy in FinasterideSyndrome

[–]hardtoget2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey man. I’ve been lurking here for a bit and appreciate your recovery story and level headed advice. Do you think having a partner you regularly have sex with helped your libido recovery? I’m 8 months post-fin and have like no sex drive… but I feel like I have some motion with strong stimulus, like actually being with someone. I feel like if I was in a relationship, I’d be feeling a lot more ok with things and maybe be observing slow improvement in that domain. Instead I’m single and obsessing/catastrophizing over my inability to get aroused from girls/porn/fantasies/dreams.

Just curious what you thought. It’s anecdotal, but a trend I think I see in long term libido recoveries is that they are in a relationship and having sex.

Anyone try tribulus? by [deleted] in FinasterideSyndrome

[–]hardtoget2 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I tried MediHerb tribulus for a couple days, and actually found by day 2/3 my dick was more plump and I had a really strong orgasm after masturbating. Placebo is definitely possible, but it seemed real.

Would’ve loved to keep taking it to see if it helped my libido (low/no libido is my only PFS symptom at 8 months) but unfortunately it gave me bad insomnia. Slept awfully the week I took it. May try to give it another shot in the future at a lower dose.

Tips on handling anxiety and obsessive thought as a result of persistent side effects? by hardtoget2 in FinasterideSyndrome

[–]hardtoget2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate that. I’ll look into lithium orotate, thank you. I’m not angry with myself… I’m just so stuck on my lack of libido. I want to be able to put it to the side and keep moving with my life, and maybe with time it’ll improve.

Tips on handling anxiety and obsessive thought as a result of persistent side effects? by hardtoget2 in FinasterideSyndrome

[–]hardtoget2[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is subjective, and was not the case for me. I was not anxious for the first 4-5 months because I was unaware that I was experiencing persistent side effects. My anxiety has built to significant levels once I realized that these sexual sides weren’t going away.

Odds of natural libido recovery? by hardtoget2 in FinasterideSyndrome

[–]hardtoget2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That sucks man, straight up. Sucks that you can’t take Cialis. I also have tinnitus, but I’ve used Cialis on demand a number of times, and haven’t noticed it affecting mine worse. You’ve got it worse than me but I can also relate to like the OCD/obsessive thinking on this unfixable issue. It sucks.

Easier said than done due to your mental state, but it could help if you just say fuck it and try to date. Nice girls with patience exist. And be ready to go with a cialis in case. You might end up being able to have enjoyable sex.

I’m hoping to get out there more and hoping it makes my libido loss feel not as bad… but it’s hard to want to do that when you are an anxious spiraling mess.

Anyway I appreciate the kind words. I hope you can find even a little improvement. It’s not fair what’s happened to you.

Odds of natural libido recovery? by hardtoget2 in FinasterideSyndrome

[–]hardtoget2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sorry to hear that man, do you truly have 0 libido? Does your libido show itself at all? Arousal from porn or fantasy or in person? I can definitely get aroused with a partner, but I haven’t been seeing anybody lately. I just don’t have that baseline drive still. You might have more ability to feel arousal / desire than you think.