Penis question (medically-related)

[J'Bip]

This is actually a medically - related question that's been bothering me for a good while now.

During and immediately after I finish lifting weights, my penis "shrivels up," (like I've been in a cold pool) which makes perfect sense because blood is being shifted away from non-vital parts and to the muscles that need it. The problem is that it only resolves itself after about a week of not lifting weights (and I lift at least 3x/week). During that time, it remains "shriveled up," there's definitely a loss of sensation, I experience a degree of impotence and less intense erections, and I can simply tell there's less circulation because it's typically very "veiny."

I should also mention that I'm pretty religious when it comes to aerobic work and have normal BP; thus, can preclude HTN and low cardiac output as causes.

I've come up with a few theories as to the root cause, i.e., dehydration, muscle mass obstructing blood flow somewhere (I can put significant mass on very quickly), or a hypersympathetic response that compromises blood flow to the non-vital parts of my body.

Any thoughts?

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[smugrinch]

Stop using 'roids?
Hope that helps
🙂

 

[GeddyLee]

Well I've never heard of anything like this. I guess it could be due to increased testosterone receptors in the muscle mass, thereby decreasing the total amount of free androgens.

Either way....if lifting weights were causing my penis a problem, I'd certainly stop, or at least slow down!

 

[redleft123]

Originally posted by GeddyLee
....if lifting weights were causing my penis a problem, I'd certainly stop, or at least slow down!

I'd want my BF to stop IMMEDIATELY if such activity caused such relatively long-term side effects. Weeks of shriveled up d!ck don't do me no good! 😱

Are you getting any action while this is happening or are you not hooking at all?

 

[Back34]

That sounds like it's circulation-related. Not too sure about the testosterone theory, though.

 

[Mutterkuchen]

If this isn't a joke, go see a real doctor. What you are experiencing doesn't sound normal to me. And more importantly, us med student really don't know much yet.

 

[emedCleo]

I agree with JBJ. Go see a real doctor & test out your theories with him. If you spend time asking med students you'll come up with zebras & your doc will laugh at you.

Learned a lot from my primary care doc, especially learned to calm down a little. Med school hypochondria would make a good thread....

Cleo

 

[descartes]

Chronic alpha adrenergic stimulation of the branches of the arteries supplying the erectile tissue restricts blood flow. Just a theory, but perhaps your excercise regimen is causing you to produce more adrenalin type hormones. I bet a trip to the doctor would get you hooked up with some viagra, which would counteract the blood flow restriction by causing vasodilation in your junk. But a trip to the doctor is definitely warranted in your situation because your problems could have more serious underlying causes such as metabolic or hormonal disorders.

 

[woolie]

Biochemistry aside, I have always heard that weightlifters had very small penises, and that the weightlifting was responsible for the 'shrinkage'. Interesting question, tho ... try posting it on the IM forum.

 

[Doctor Wyldstyle]

It sounds like an underlying endocrine problem. You might have an overactive sypmathetic system, but no-cardio problems or weight loss is kinda weird. Better see the doc, regardless, it could be something more seroius than you think.

 

[trauma_junky]

Just take a NTG SL after working out!! Oh ya and stop the roids! 😀

 

[ItsGavinC]

Originally posted by trauma_junky
Oh ya and stop the roids! 😀

Are bitch tits present? 😀

 

[Homunculus]

maybe you strained too hard lifting and broke your pubococcus . . . 😎

 

[Sheon]

If it were a circulatory problem it certainly wouldn't resolve with two weeks rest. Unless, of course, you are dehydrated (which is a very real possibility). If you sweat alot during work outs and aren't adequately rehydrated afterward that could cause exactly what you are talking about.

Testicular atrophy is a function of long-term steroid use, penis atrophy is not, and it is not reversible. Even if you are using steroids the senerio you described doesn't fit with atrophy it fits with creamaster muscle contraction.

The testosterone theory does make sense. Intense working out would increase testosterone production. Interrupting training for two weeks might allow testosterone levels to normalize and may increase receptors in testosterone sensitive tissues. This would likely take about 3-4 weeks rather than just two though.

I can understand your reluctance to see your PCP but, I would agree that if it is causing a problem STOP LIFTING AND SEE YOUR DOCTOR.

 

[Bridaddy]

Originally posted by Sheon
If it were a circulatory problem it certainly wouldn't resolve with two weeks rest. Unless, of course, you are dehydrated (which is a very real possibility). If you sweat alot during work outs and aren't adequately rehydrated afterward that could cause exactly what you are talking about.

Testicular atrophy is a function of long-term steroid use, penis atrophy is not, and it is not reversible. Even if you are using steroids the senerio you described doesn't fit with atrophy it fits with creamaster muscle contraction.

The testosterone theory does make sense. Intense working out would increase testosterone production. Interrupting training for two weeks might allow testosterone levels to normalize and may increase receptors in testosterone sensitive tissues. This would likely take about 3-4 weeks rather than just two though.

I can understand your reluctance to see your PCP but, I would agree that if it is causing a problem STOP LIFTING AND SEE YOUR DOCTOR.

I feel fairly confident that I can speak for the majority of males here, but if doing something was making your penis shrivel up, would you have to tell us to go see a doctor?

I think you'd have to be careful to get out of my way, while I ran to the docs.

 

[referee]

Roids would not do this. 1) for the reasons mentioned above 2) if roids were present, anything that has a hole better watch out. It decreases sperm production, but increases drive (aggression) What do you do for cardio. Do you bicycle, or ever bicycled as part of your training regime? You might be cutting off your blood flow. Also, where is your protein intake at? Is it in the form of red meats? What are your cholesterol levels? Your diet and cardio might be the root of the problem.

 

[LuckyMD2b]

Originally posted by irie
don't be such med students..."always looking for a zebra in a field of horses".

Have you tried taking a hot bath or sitting in a hot tub or sauna after working out? What you are describing is long term contraction of the muscles that contract to pull the testicles up when they get cold. Does this sound like what is going on? Maybe you just have cold balls....j/k.

Go aks your doctor...he or she will know what is up..haha, up.

A hot bath? Are you serious. There is something very wrong with not being able to have an erection for a week after lifting. 2ndly the OP is talking about his penis, not testicles. -- I like the hypersympathetic response theory; if that's the case viagra should be an affective therapy.

J'Bip, you must be joking, if not then I recommend you go see a neurologist as well as a urologist, because you must have serious braindamage if you haven't been to the doctor about this yet.

 

[isis]

Originally posted by Homonculus
maybe you strained too hard lifting and broke your pubococcus . . . 😎

 

[elvingomez]

not sure if anyone here is familiar with the OVERTRAINING SYNDROME, but that may be the culprit. have you noticed any other symptoms such as excessive soarness or lethargy? I know i feel a little smaller everywhere when i begin to overtrain

 

[PwnerOfAll]

Lol. You worry too much. This is completely normal.