Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
About two months ago, I started taking a protein supplement. I was very active in the gym at that time, and my goal was to gain weight. The supplement had about 1250 calories and 50 grams of protein, so I figured it would be beneficial. I was taking it before and after the gym, or on off days, after every meal, to make sure I was always in a caloric surplus.
Around the same time, I also started taking 5 grams of creatine monohydrate daily. However, I was not aware that the protein supplement already contained 1 gram of creatine. So, I had been drinking protein shakes with whole milk while also taking two 2.5-gram doses of creatine monohydrate.
It was not until I had sex with my girlfriend at the time that I realized something was wrong. I began sweating much more than usual and actually lost my erection, something that had never happened before. That was also the first time I struggled with premature ejaculation. Since that day, I stopped taking both the protein supplement and the creatine monohydrate.
Since then, I have not been getting many morning erections or spontaneous erections during the day like I used to. My libido, or sex drive, is inconsistent, and I cannot mentally get an erection without some type of physical stimulation. I am still struggling with premature ejaculation.
After doing some research, I read that my kidneys may not be processing the protein in my system properly and that I may have proteinuria. I have been paying more attention, and my urine is usually foamy, something it never used to be. I did not mention this to the primary care physician I saw recently. I had blood work done today, but unfortunately, I did not have a urinalysis, so I cannot confirm whether that is the issue.
I know my erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) are not emotionally driven because I am not depressed, but this situation is making me anxious since I have never struggled with it before, and it is taking a toll on my self-esteem. I have also attached my blood work results from a few days after I stopped taking all the supplements.
Please advise.
Hi,
I am glad you chose icliniq.com for your medical-related queries.
I understand your concern.
Your blood work, that is, renal (kidney), liver, and thyroid function, seems good. I could not trace your testosterone report, though. The current problem causing you concern is the recent onset of erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, impotence, low sex drive, and absence of morning erections. Please reply to the questions below for further guidance:
Do you smoke?
Do you consume alcohol?
If yes, how frequently? Were all the problems you mentioned of sudden onset, or did they develop over a few weeks or months?
Is there any history of drug use, such as cocaine or marijuana?
Any recent history of hair loss?
Yes, excessive intake of creatine is associated with the kinds of problems you are experiencing now, due to a disturbance in your body’s internal balance (homeostasis). All of this occurs because of excessive stress on the kidneys and liver, as you have rightly mentioned. However, these effects are reversible, especially since your liver and kidney function test results appear normal. Creatine can damage the renal tubules and impair the kidneys’ ability to concentrate urine, leading to excessive urination (polyuria) or complete lack of urination (anuria), even if basic kidney function tests appear normal.
I suggest you stop taking these supplements. Your symptoms should gradually resolve over a period of four to six weeks. Also, drink plenty of fluids. Please undergo a complete urine examination (CUE) and test for urine specific gravity and urine creatinine levels.
To rule out any underlying hormonal (endocrinological) causes for the above-mentioned problems, the following blood tests should be done:
Prolactin.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
Luteinizing hormone (LH).
Serum testosterone.
My suggestions:
Please try not to be anxious, as anxiety can further worsen your symptoms.
Stay composed and calm.
Avoid excessive use of pornography and frequent masturbation.
Refrain from sexual activity for a few days and maintain abstinence for at least five to seven days.
Eat well, sleep well, and continue regular exercise.
Avoid smoking, alcohol consumption, and any kind of recreational drug use.
Stop taking nutritional supplements and instead focus on consuming natural, nutrient-rich foods such as pulses, eggs, meat, dairy products, soy milk, black-eyed peas (lobia), chickpeas, and others.
Please follow up if your condition worsens or if your test results indicate any abnormalities. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further.
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