Cyclist - numb penis. Permanent erectile dysfunction?

[MC1000]

Strangely enough, the main symptom listed by this site is extreme pain, but this hasn't happened to me at all. No pain whatsoever! Just numbness.

I've cycled for several years, and about a year ago after a bike ride I found that the outer shaft on the underside was numb. Went to the doctor, she said it probably wasn't permanent. Advised a change of saddle.

Changed saddle. Throughout the course of the year, it got no worse so I continued cycling.

7500 miles later, and it suddenly gets much worse after one short ride about 1.5 months ago.

No more pressure sensation any more. Used to very sexually sensitive when I pressed on the erectile tissue. Now it can't become properly erect (probably about 80% max) and it has a strange sort of ache. I can't really get horny any more.

When I do become erect, the blood takes longer than usual to leave the penis (several minutes extra). Doesn't indicate full-on priapism, does it?

Strange that it happened so suddenly. Two months ago my sex life was fine.

Several weeks off the bike now, as advised by neurologist. Feeling occasional burning or sharp pains in my penis (as the neurologist said would happen with regeneration) but only weak sensations and once or twice a day which doesn't fill me with confidence. No return in proper erection.

So specifically in my case - is it possible I've done permanent damage, or is it likely to be temporary? Could I typically expect to see nerves and erectile function improve in the coming weeks?

[stephanies]

MC1000,

While I don't know the answers to your question about when you can expect improvement, I do think staying off the bike is a good idea. Have you been checked out by a urologist as well as a neurologist?

Stephanies

[Violet M]

So specifically in my case - is it possible I've done permanent damage, or is it likely to be temporary? Could I typically expect to see nerves and erectile function improve in the coming weeks?

I wish it were possible to answer that question definitively, but everyone is different and I think it's impossible to say with certainty what you can expect to see. Some people improve with just lifestyle changes but some don't.

According to the Mayo Clinic website priapism is when an unwanted erection lasts more than 4 hours.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-cond ... n-20029378

All the best,

Violet