Erectile dysfunction cause by pain meds?

Hi There! I'm not a guy, so I can't give you an answer with a guy's perspective personally. But my husband, while on Opiates several years ago was having problems substaining an erection while on those meds. The problems went away as soon as he stopped taking them. As a female's perspective, I also was on large doses of Opiates and was having trouble reaching orgasm as well as having a low libido while on my meds. They too went away after discontinuing my meds. So hopefully you won't have to be on your meds for too long!! Good Luck! Stace

The first thing I worry about when someone has erectile dysfunction in the presence of a disc herniation is a pinched nerve (specifically cauda equina syndrome). Typically, cauda equina syndrome also causes urination problems (trouble flowing or uncontrollable going). The bowel incontinence can also be a serious indicator of nerve problems. If the nerves are working well, then I consider sexual dysfunction to be a two-fold problem: pain inhibition of sexual function (when the brain senses threat/danger, it will shut down system not immediately needed like reproduction and digestion) and/or medications lowering the testosterone levels. I will check testosterone and PSA levels before starting someone on testosterone supplementation usually a cream or gel. It also comes in pills and patches. Dealers choice. Sometimes it works well. But it is not a 100% rock solid solution, just a possible solution.

Dr. Christina Lasich, MD