Question:
I have been experiencing significant numbness in my penis for about six months. I have been using Viagra for about 3 years -- often daily for months at a time. Could this be from overuse of the drug? I should also mention that I have been in a stressful relationship (girlfriend/lover) for the past year, but it is difficult to imagine that stress could localize in my penis. Note: I am not a bicyclist and have not been taking any other medications or drugs.

Answer:
Yes, Viagra is your most immediate problem, but do not underestimate the effect of emotional stress on the sex organs. Numbness indicates a deficiency of acetylcholine and the spreading of collagen scars/fibrosis over the erectile tissue. The damage-induced collagen occurs when Viagra forces your penis to erect without sufficient prostaglandins E-1 and E-3 to support the elasticity of erectile tissues, nerves and blood vessels. In some situations, the erection will also induce excessive release of the inflammatory hormone prostaglandin E-2, resulting in penile pains.

Serious adverse side effects of Viagra are persistent erection (priapism), severe hypotension, myocardial infarction, ventricular arrhythmias, stroke, and increased intraocular pressure, while common side effects include sneezing, headache, flushing, dyspepsia, palpitations and photophobia.

In addition, any kind of physical or emotional stress, such as what you're experiencing in your current relationship, will also raise the levels of stressor hormones like prostaglandin E-2 and cortisol, leading to general inflammation, numbness and pains.

Herbal supplements are a much better alternative to Viagra. Damiana is good for improving blood flow to the genital area and increasing desire. Sarsaparilla contains a testosterone-like substance for men. Wild yam contains natural steroids that rejuvenate and give vigor to lovemaking. Yohimbe bark expands the blood vessels in the penis, increases blood flow and nitrous oxide, which is important for achieving an erection.

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