Libido Reducing Trial

[Yoomeez2 (imported)]

Hi everyone,

For a long time, I have been interested in seeing how life could be with a reduced libido. As it is, sex in some form is constantly on my mind, and often it is persistant enough to interrupt my train of thought and on many occasions, affects my work. It is so incredibly mentally distracting.

To this end, I am looking at medication I can try on a short term basis (initially at least). I have been through these forums and picked up a lot of information but I would be interested in getting some responses from everyone about this approach. I am looking into either Androcur, Spironolactone, or Depo Provera as these seem to be the main ones everyone discusses. I have tried Vitex in the past from the health-food shop, but it's only effect seems to be to make my wallet lighter. I haven't noticed any physical effect.

One factor which is important, is that in the next year or so, my wife and I will be looking to have another child, so I would need to regain fertility after this 'trial'. Does anyone know of the liklihood of sperm defects from these meds?

Depending on how I go with these meds, and if they provide the relief I am hoping for, I would be considering them to be a semi-longterm option after we've had the second (and last) baby.

I appreciate any feedback.

Yoomeez.

[erikboy (imported)]

As I am recovering from such very brief T-free test with Androcur I would suggest you not to try Any meds before actual pregnancy. My testicular volume loss was unexpectedly quick. In 2 weeks I lost some 1/4 of total volume. By now only 1/3 to 1/2 of lost volume has returned. And people often report that testicular volume never returns after a trial lasting several months.

Also Testosterone is essential for sperm to mature. It takes 3 monthsfor one sperm to mature and move from insides of testicle to outsides being ready to shoot out. Also include time neede to recover testicular volume loss, plus rule of thumb that return to normal takes as many months as many of them you have been on meds. So, 3 month trial could cost your sperm production 9 months to fully recover.

Thats my advice.

I am planning to take a sperm test in the next 3-4 months to see if I have recovered fully.

[Riven (imported)]

I agree with erikboy here. I think you should avoid testosterone suppressing drugs until you and your wife are sure you don't want any more babies.

Have you discussed all this with your wife Yoomeez2? Many men have your problem and it seems that most of them are afraid to discuss it with their partners. But it is a tricky subject. A wife can be made to feel guilty that she isn't satisfying hubby's sexual needs. On the other hand, she might be reassured that he wants to suppress his libido rather than find ways to satisfy it outside the relationship. The latter is my wife's general view, although it doesn't stop her wishing that she could still enter into a 'proper' sexual relationship with me. I do my best to let her know that her not being able to have sex isn't her fault (it's the effect of her cancer treatments) and that I still love her as much as ever.

But in your case it sounds like you're both healthy so I'd suggest you discuss ways to inject some novelty into your sex lives. The fact that you are considering chemical castration makes me think that you (like most of us on the EA) are intrigued by the idea of castration (whereas most men are horrified). Have you let your wife know that you find the idea of castration 'interesting', lets say? You never know, she might find it 'interesting' too. She might be pleased to know a bit more about what turns you on. This wouldn't mean that it's a good idea for you to be castrated (chemically or surgically), but it's good to get closer by talking about these things.

[paring (imported)]

Think twice, if you use anti androgen for only one year, that is enough to shut down your T production and make you sterile for ever.

[Yoomeez2 (imported)]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the replies so far.

Yes I've talked with my wife about this and she knows about my desire to 'curb my enthusiasm' so to speak. While she doesn't fully understand how annoying and irritating it can be to have a sex drive that literally interrupts my thought process every few minutes that it drives me to distraction, she trusts and supports me.

I know that Androcur is a potent anti-androgen, but I don't want to take it if there's the possibility of the T production and sperm production not resuming afterwards. Does anyone know how Depo Provera would compare in this way?

[erikboy (imported)]

Depo provera shouldn't be better. Of very limited knowledge I know that male precocious puberty was previously treated with androcur, but after Lupron came available, doctors prefer Lupron to Androcur as due to mechanisms Lupron acts on shutting down Testosterone sources - it has less damaging effects on long term usage. Androcur as a secondary effect seem to shut down GnRH production permanently after prolonged usage.

[Yoomeez2 (imported)]

Thanks to everyone for their input. I am looking towards depo-provera as a possible medication to try this out. Thinking of a 2 month time-frame. Is there any difference between the depo-provera and the oral provera pills? I know the depo is an injection, but is there any difference in terms of effects or function?

[Uncle Flo (imported)]

All the hormone pills are very tough on your liver, and other organs, you are better off in that respect with injections. --FLO--

[cocktamer (imported)]

Would like to send you a e mail, but your profile settings do not allow that.

[Yoomeez2 (imported)]

I've fixed that now. Feel free to email.