Resolved question:
I'm a 26 year old male. I've been sick with a cold for about 2 weeks. Coughing, sneezing, body aches, headaches, sinus pressure, etc. No vomiting or diarrhea, so I don't think it's the flu. It went away for a few days but then came back. The issue is: Since I've been sick, I've noticed it's harder for me to get an erection and keep it. My sex life with my girlfriend is great and there's no issues with it at all.
I'm not sure if the ED is happening due to the OTC cold medications I'm taking or the cold symptoms or...if it's something more serious. It's like my erections aren't as hard as they were a few weeks ago (before this 2 week cold) and the slightest thing now can cause my erection to go away...even DURING sex. I've never had to actively try and focus on keeping an erection but since this cold it's all I can do to maintain one. Even during sexual acts, my erection either just doesn't happen or isn't very hard at all. I've never had sexual performance issues in the past either. My desire for sex hasn't changed. That still remains normal.
I'm in great health and have no major health issues. Non-smoker and I do not drink alcohol.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Sexologist
Hello
Thanks for your query at DoctorSpring.com. I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through.
Your suspicion is right. Cold symptoms cannot cause sexual dysfunction. It is the medicines used for cold, acting or histaminc and sympathomematic systems, that can cause sexual dysfunction. I have many patients coming to me with such a problem.
The good part is it is completely reversible ones you are off the mdicine and it may take another 4-5 days after you stop taking these tabs. You may discuss this issue with your girlfriend who will probably happy to cooperate with you for time being. You wont need any add on medicines as of now. Try taking some rest and use steam inhalation. If you are still not on antibiotics you may start on some like cefexime or augmentin etc.
Hope that helps. Would be glad to answer any follow-up queries.
Wish you good health.
Kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy MD