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Concerns About Potential Nerve Damage and Erectile Dysfunction Post-Anal Play

3/27/2025, 2:30:21 AMMale25-34

Hello, I'm a 29-year-old male with no notable medical or surgical history. My troubles began three days ago after I engaged in anal play with my fingers, but I was somewhat rough and neglected to use any lubricant. During this activity, I experienced an unusual feeling at the base of the urethra on the right side. Following this, I developed a nagging and intermittent pain on the right, likely around the area of the prostate. More concerningly, I've found that I can no longer achieve spontaneous erections in response to visual or mental arousal. Now, I can only get an erection through physical stimulation, and they feel noticeably weaker. While I do still experience morning erections, their strength has diminished. I haven't encountered any new burning sensations while urinating, nor do I face any difficulty or pain during ejaculation. I am genuinely anxious about the possibility of nerve damage. Is this a concern? Will I be able to return to my normal state? Thank you for your assistance.

Erectile DysfunctionProstate IssuesUrology

Answers (1)

Cony

3/27/2025, 2:30:40 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel anxious about changes in your sexual health after engaging in anal play, especially with concerns about nerve damage and erectile function. The symptoms you're describing can be distressing, but it's important to know that they may not indicate permanent damage.

Explanation:

After any sexual activity, especially if it involves rough handling or lack of lubrication, it's possible to experience temporary discomfort or changes in sensation. The base of the urethra and surrounding areas can be sensitive, and rough activity can lead to bruising or temporary nerve irritation, which might explain the nagging pain and changes in your erection.

It's also not uncommon for anxiety regarding sexual performance to contribute to difficulties in achieving erections. Performance anxiety can create a cycle where the fear of erectile dysfunction can lead to more issues in getting or maintaining an erection.

Next Steps:

  1. Rest and Observe: Give your body a chance to recover. Avoid any further anal play or potentially irritating activities for a week or two to see if the discomfort lessens.

  2. Use Heat and Pain Relief: Consider applying a warm compress to the area to help alleviate discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage any pain you may experience.

  3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms. If the pain persists or worsens, or if you experience new symptoms (like significant changes in urination or swelling), it's important to seek professional evaluation.

  4. Reduce Anxiety: Engage in activities that help reduce stress and anxiety, which may improve your erection quality. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or light physical activities can be beneficial.

  5. Practice Safe Sex: In future anal play, always use a good lubricant to reduce friction and prevent injury. Consider also communicating with partners about comfort levels and safe practices.

  6. Stay Observant: If there are no improvements in a few weeks in terms of pain or erection capability, or if you're still concerned about nerve damage, seeking a professional opinion may provide peace of mind and tailored guidance.

Reassurance:

Many men experience temporary changes in sexual function due to a variety of factors, including physical stimulation and psychological aspects. It’s reassuring that you still experience morning erections, which suggests that your body is still responsive. With time and care, it's likely that you can return to your usual state. If you remain concerned or if symptoms change, consider reaching out for further evaluation.

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