HomeAnswersSexologyerectile dysfunctionI have been experiencing a significant decrease in my erections after discontinuation of gym and whey protein. Please help.

What are the ways to restore normal erections?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Ashok Kumar

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At September 14, 2023
Reviewed AtSeptember 14, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 30-year-old male, and have noticed a significant decrease in my erections in past month. I have never had any similar issues previously. The only recent change in my lifestyle is that I stopped going to the gym and discontinued using whey protein. I want to know what can be done to normalize it.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ashok Kumar

Hello,

Thank you so much for visiting icliniq.com.

I am here to assist you.

Loss of erection or the inability to achieve a satisfactory erection can occur due to various reasons, and it is important to consider factors beyond gym exercises. I kindly request you to provide the following information in a point-wise manner so that a diagnosis can be made and appropriate remedies can be offered:

  1. Have you experienced similar issues in the past?

  2. How did the problem start? Did it develop slowly or abruptly?

  3. Apart from the factors mentioned above, do you think there could be any other factors contributing to the onset of the problem?

  4. How frequently have you experienced this problem in the last month? How many instances of failed sexual intercourse or masturbation have occurred?

  5. Are there any specific factors that seem to worsen the problem?

  6. Are there any factors that alleviate the problem? Please provide a detailed description if applicable.

  7. Do you experience early morning erections?

  8. If yes, how frequently do they occur, and how intense are they?

  9. Please provide details of any past medical illnesses, including their duration, any complications, and the treatments you have received to date.

  10. Have any investigations been done thus far? If yes, please attach the reports.

  11. Do you have any psychiatric illnesses?

  12. Is there any other problem you would like to report?

  13. What is your current body weight and height?

  14. How old are you?

  15. Have you used any bodybuilding substances? Please provide details if applicable.

Once we determine the cause, I can guide you better regarding the appropriate treatment.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

Here are the replies to all your questions:

  1. Have you experienced similar issues in the past? - No, I have not experienced similar issues in past.

  2. How did the problem start? Did it develop slowly or abruptly? - The problem started abruptly.

  3. What could be the factor, according to you, for the onset of the problem other than those mentioned above?- I cannot think of any other factors besides what I have already mentioned.

  4. What has been the frequency of the problem in the last month? How many instances of failed sexual intercourse/masturbation have occurred?- There have been no instances of failed sexual intercourse or masturbation in the last month.

  5. What are the factors that increase the problem?- I am not aware of any at the moment.

  6. Are there any factors that relieve the problem? If any, please provide a detailed description.- I am not aware of any yet.

  7. Do you experience early morning erections?- I have not experienced any morning erections in the past.

  8. If yes, how frequent and how intense? Please answer this question if applicable.- Not applicable.

  9. Details of past medical illnesses, such as duration, any complications, and treatment received to date.- I have not had any past medical illnesses, complications, or treatments.

  10. Have any investigations been done to date? If yes, please attach the reports.- No investigations have been done thus far.

  11. Do you have any psychiatric illnesses?- No, I do not have any psychiatric illnesses.

  12. Is there any other problem you would like to report?- No, there are no other problems to report.

  13. Your body weight and height.- Body weight: 176 pounds and height: 5 feet 10 inches.

  14. Your age- 30 years.

  15. Have you used any bodybuilding substances? If yes, please provide details - I have used whey protein.

I hope this information helps.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Thank you and regards.

Answered by Dr. Ashok Kumar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I suggest you do the following test and provide the results.

  1. Serum testosterone.

  2. Serum prolactin.

  3. Luteinizing hormone (LH).

  4. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

  5. Lipid profile

  6. Triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

  7. Liver function tests (LFT).

  8. Complete blood count (CBC).

  9. Renal function tests (RFT).

Thank you once again.

I hope this helps.

Regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor, Thank you for the reply

My test results are attached here. Kindly help.

Thankyou.

Answered by Dr. Ashok Kumar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I have reviewed the attached reports (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity) and found them to be mostly normal, except for a few anomalies, which include:

Evidence of infection, which is indicated by an increased total leukocyte count and absolute neutrophil count. The cholesterol levels are abnormal, with increased LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and decreased HDL (high-density lipoprotein). The prolactin levels are also abnormal. These levels are particularly important when it comes to sexual functioning.

To address these issues, I suggest you to take the following steps:

  1. Engage in regular physical exercise. It is not necessary to go to the gym, but a brisk walk for 200 minutes per week is recommended. You can divide it into 40 minutes of walking for five days a week.

  2. Decrease consumption of high-calorie foods.

  3. Reduce fat and sugar intake if possible.

  4. To correct the increased prolactin levels, you can start taking potent antioxidants. I often recommend one capsule of Nervon Forte (Alpha lipoic acid 100 mg, Benfotiamine 150 mg, Chromium picolinate 200 mcg, Folic acid 1.5 mg, Inositol 100 mg, Methylcobalamin 1500 mcg, Selenium dioxide monohydrate 55 mcg) once a day or one Cap Corus (Ascorbic acid 30 mg, Cholecalciferol 200 IU, Elemental copper 1 mg, Elemental iron 10 mg, Elemental selenium 60 mcg, Elemental zinc 5 mg, Methylcobalamin 750 mcg, Retinol 1500 IU, Riboflavin 3 mg and Thiamine 10 mg) once a day.

  5. There are other treatment options available, but considering your marginally high prolactin level, I believe this should help to a significant extent.

  6. Ensure adequate consumption of citrus fruits such as lemon, orange, etc.

  7. Manage stress, as it appears to be another contributing factor to the sexual problem.

Follow up after one month to check prolactin levels.

I want to assure you that your problem is largely correctable, and there is nothing to worry about.

I hope these recommendations will be helpful to you.

Thank you and take care.

Regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for providing the answer regarding the medication recommended for elevated prolactin levels. I would like to inquire about the duration for which this medicine should be taken. Should it be taken for a specific number of days, or is it necessary to continue taking it indefinitely? Furthermore, I would like to know when I should schedule my next follow-up with you.

Answered by Dr. Ashok Kumar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I want to re-assure you that the observed prolactin level is only slightly elevated and is likely to return to the normal range within three months. As mentioned earlier, it is important to monitor your prolactin levels monthly. Remember to have the test done after fasting for at least 8 hours, preferably in the morning, as this is crucial for obtaining accurate results. IIn my opinion, you will be free from any concerns, and and be able to discontinue the medication within three months. However, it is important to prioritize stress management and continue practicing it for an extended period. Please schedule a follow-up appointment after one month and provide the latest fasting prolactin level for further evaluation. In addition, if you wish to take whey protein, ensure that it is not adulterated. In some cases, whey protein is mixed with steroids for bodybuilding purposes, which could potentially cause erectile dysfunction.

I hope this information helps you further.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ashok Kumar
Dr. Ashok Kumar

Geriatrics

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