OK, I'm going to be open and honest and looking for the same from my fellow compatriots.
From what I know, ADT, once it gets going, will physically affect our family jewels. Shrinkage is one of the things that is likely to happen.
What is the best way to try and reduce these effects?
I see that some suggest Vacuum pumps, but do they really work?
I must admit I read a humorous account of one guy who bought himself an electric pump and didn't use it correctly and before he knew it, the device had sucked up his entire manhood including testicles into the glass tube. He said that the entire experience was like watching an octopus squeezing its way into a bottle. I did laugh but then thought ..... glad that wasn't me!
So are there any proven "safe" ways that we, as proud big fellas can protect our little fellas?
Can't help you with the ADT but I had RP and experienced no shrinkage. However, surgeon still recommended a "Vacurect" pump because he said until nocturnal erections returned you WILL lose size! If you use a quality pump with a base type sealing ring you won't create an octopus! I used it every other day for like 6 months along with 10mg of Tadalafil until my erections (nocturnal and regular) returned. No loss of length/girth to date....that was 2 years ago. Good luck to ya sir!
I had RP many years ago and used a pump almost daily and took sildenafil 3-4 times a week. I bought an expensive medical grade pump but ended up using an inexpensive one for rehab. I only used manual pumps and believe the daily pumping helped my recovery significantly. RP guys don't have issues with the "Jewels" shrinking but need to get regular erections for penile health.
Given the testes produce Testosterone and ADT shuts it down....there has to be an effect. They shrink...and later regain size as T production increases after ADT is discontinued. Try resistance training to keep your body in the best shape (avoid the muscle loss) and to take your mind off the little things (pun intended). You are alive.... that's number one....and your prime focus.
I am currently 2 months into a 6 month course of ADT and dreaded starting it but realised it was my last remaining option with RP & Radiation already on my Prozzie Cancer CV and PSA still heading in the wrong direction.
Here in the UK they are still prescribing Lupron. With a 3 monthly Prostap shot in the arm.
I guess we all react differently to specific treatments. OK I am having side effects but my balls are not significantly smaller 2 months in; and the old todger is not disappearing, well not any more then it has since the previous treatments. But as I progress further into treatment perhaps that will hit me in due course.
Still taking my daily Cialis and although my sexual desire is obviously blunted I am still managing to get aroused if I take the time to get stimulated. I am not able to get as hard as before ADT but blood is flowing in and I am sure if I got the pump and out took my time, I could get it harder.
Therein lies the problem I think as the ADT makes you a lot less interested in sex, so I am taking time to find stimulating content....if you get my drift.
VEDs (Vacuum Erection Devices) are proven to substitute for the usual erections (and their benefits) that men usually get daily (frequently at night). Oxygenated blood flow to the penile tissues, maintaining elasticity (and size).
A man might be better able to control the function with a manual pump, but one with a vacuum gauge is a benefit. DO NOT over-vacuum. Edema is an alarming consequence but is temporary. Permanent damage can occur if you go crazy. Seeing one's size inside the vacuum chamber is mightily encouraging to over-pumping.
Avoid sucking the testicles into the vacuum chamber by 1) holding the chamber tight against your body right where the scrotum and penis meet and 2) having the entrance to the chamber properly sized (spacer rings should be available with a medical grade VEDs).
There is a subforum on the support group "FrankTalk.org" focused on VEDs. I suggest you check it out. No membership is needed to read, but to post, you must join. Unlike a lot of sites, you will not be attracting spam if you go there. It is a legitimate men-only support group with loads of good advice about men's sexual function. I post there as "Lost Sheep" since 2016.
I note that medical grade VEDs and novelty shop (sex toy shop) VEDs differ in many ways (durability, ease of operation, etc) but a vacuum is a vacuum and how it is produced makes no difference to your penis. As long as you get a good seal and good control, any vacuum chamber will do as well as any other. I also note that VEDs are used for sex and used for therapy. Therapeutic use does not involve the constriction ring one uses to maintain the erection outside the vacuum chamber.
Hi everyone. I have noted by some others that it is sometimes easier to reply once to everyone who has taken the time to reply by doing a comment here.
Firstly thank you everybody who have replied. Answers have been very helpful and very honest and some very funny. I am staggered at the knowledge and light heartedness (which we all need) on this site.
Lost Sheep, I will look up that info you sent. thankyou.
Jaffa, I get your drift!
John and Addicted 2cycling ..... Funny, - love it
London 441, - true, who cares much about the sack, its the trunk that we worry about
JPnSD, yes i know that the body should take precident over the manhood and I will try to make that happen.
allie2020 - pumps seem to be important according to your experience - i think your right.
T_A, - you're a treasure
Don 717 - your post gives us all confidence that we can do something about this issue
Thanks to everyone and any future posts. This site is invaluable.
Long (no pun intended) story short: was part of a study that focused on prostate cancer in gay men. The study provided pump, meds, various "toys," counseling/advice/education. Anyhoo, the pump was manufactured by NuPath and it seemed to help in keeping the blood flowing, as it were. I still experienced some shrinkage in girth but no impact on testicles (that I am aware of). The most difficult part was having any interest in anything sexual but I followed the study's directions and used it and ED meds regularly. Obviously, cannot know where I'd be if I had not participated. For the record: erections occur now and interest in sex has returned (seems like a long time for that to occur but have always had a low T). So, good luck to you, and I'd recommend its usage. Make a fun time out of it with another "helping."
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