HT and affect on penis

Hello BitOrange 

Whilst HT did shrink my penis (and testicles) in all honesty I thought it made it feel softer! I can't see what you describe on the list of side effects so I think it's a case for the GP (remind him you are still on HT).

Best wishes - Brian.

My penis shrank too. 

My wife's comments of "Are you sure?" were of no practical use. 

The other symptoms you mention are not present. 

If it were me I would probably be calling someone. I am a great fan of getting things checked out as soon as possible. 

After all, shrinkage is better than falling off! 

Thanks to both Brian and Steve . I called the cancer centre, left a descriptive message and was told later to contact my GP. Did so online ( no genital photos allowed) and amazingly got an appointment 4:30 pm today. I saw a female GP with experience in genito-urinary who reassured me that what I had was common, benign and a type of cyst (can't remember the name). She even popped one on the spot!  Job done.

I hope that I had my last Zoladex implant on August 1st under the PACE NODES regime, 18 months. Just need a reassuring PSA result next month now.

Regards BitO

Hello BitOrange 

Wow that's amazing service from the NHS. I am pleased it's nothing serious and thanks for letting us know the outcome.

Good luck with next month's PSA test.

Best wishes - Brian.

Have you been prescribed low dose Tadalafil since being on HT?  It maintains blood flow to the penis so you continue to get night time erections.   Men have many more erections than they think - and they’re unaware of them as they sleep.  These are important to stop penis atrophy. Not to be confused with higher dose Viagra, which is used to stimulate erections for “bedroom action” when you have no libido.   AW

First, great response yesterday by the NHS, as mentioned by Brian.

Thanks, AW, that's very useful to know, although maybe a little late for me. Tadalafil has never been mentioned to me. Is it available on the NHS?

Meanwhile, is there life for my penis after Zoladex?

Best wishes 

BitO 

Hi BitOrange - yes it can be prescribed.  I’ve been on 5mg tablet a day since starting HT.  it’s not too late.  Don’t despair- get another appointment with your GP (or email your consultant) and request Tadalafil fir blood flow (it may be the lack of blood flow circulation that caused the ulcers too - bit I’m not medically trained, so you may want to pose the question if they refuse for blood flow only).  Anyway, they should prescribe it, and you could ask for a penis pump (vacuum) to extend length and exercise the penis whilst still on HT with no libido.    AW

Hi

Me again. I see that free daily Tadalafil was moved to only a limited number of conditions in 2023.

"Once daily tadalafil – the item is removed from the guidance due to its price now being comparable with the “as required” treatment."

BitO 

That’s crazy - sounds like postcode lottery medical service again. You’re off Zoladex (hopefully) but it may take nearly a year to get your libido back (I was on it for 18 months too and it took from Dec - Sept to regain some libido) .  However, all is not lost - it is a relatively cheap drug and available online.  Mention this to your GP (as you will be taking medicine on a self advocacy basis) - the GP may relent and provide / agree it’s ok to proceed.   AW

Also, the quote from you may be for men reporting ED as a primary care condition.  You are reporting side effects of cancer treatment (Zoladex that require counteracting.   AW