Hi everyone

Approx 3 years ago I apparently slipped L5 disc the pain was acute but gradually it went away with physio chriopractice treatments. Every now and then I still get the bad pain but it does not last too long.

However, ever since the slipped disc I suffered impairment of erectile function. I never mentioned this to the doctor as I was embarrased. The situation is not total, just impaired and I have had to work around the problem with some success. Two weeks ago I was diagnosed with sciatica in left leg with knee jerk weakness on testing. The leg is painful to walk on.

I cannot help but think this is related to the previous disc injury. The pain is more down the leg than central pain in the spine. No other symptoms, bladder, bowel okay .

Is this typical in a spine related problem like disc injury, I am 48 years old

I am really concernd that this may progress to some form of debility. I dangerously read on the Internet about Caudia Equina but the only red flag I have is 3 years of erectile dysfunction but even here some articles do not mention erectile function as a red flag, only bowel, bladder and saddle numbness as red flags.

Please if you can comment I would be thankful

UK Man

Mid 40s is when a lot of guys start experiencing... um... 'maturation' in that area, so I wouldn't want to speculate, and speculating is all you're doing at this point - a LOT of it. It could have been entirely coincidental (or not).

I would want to see some docs (including a urologist, neurologist, orthopedist), get as many facts (and medical opinions) as possible, and take it from there.

Keep us posted.

Doc

Yes, cauda equina syndrome is definitely a consideration and is a medical emergency if it fact exists. Normal bowel and bladder control, power stream, etc., is good and would suggest otherwise but I nevertheless would speak to your ortho/neuro immediately to rule it out. Time is critical.

Well I saw the Doctor again, he said that they ( Doctors ) should have asked the question about Sexual dysfunction 3 years ago but none of the doctors did.

He said that with caudia Equina ( first time he has mentioned it ) he would be looking for severe back pain and bladder / bowel disorder / saddle problems, and bilateral weakness. and that if I did show this combination I would be at hospital today and they would be 'chopping away at my spine', quote

I am showing sciatica and sexual dysfunction. Because this started nearly three years he did not want to label this current problem with what happened three years ago becasue so many other problems can cause ED.

He is looking for for another cause and treatemnt for my ED. inthe meantime I can have physio. Remarkably all this was done without any Scans or specialist oppinions..... of course this is the NHS i am dealing with

thanks for your replies i will keep you posted

ukman

You have numbness from lumbar discs areas and don`t feel it , that is why you have problem with you erectile and should have gotten surgery long time ago , if not treated your nerve will get damaged by constant pinching of the nerves to your erection . Look up CES cauda equina syndrome .You don`t have to lose bladder , as you might not feel the urge to empty or urinat and bladder get full without you net feeling it , red flag is for men erectile disfunction and surgery right away .And if nerve damaga is is really debilitating , I have the lumbar and mid back and neck spinal nerve pains and discs pains and weakness to neck by constant pinching and all is just not caring about it . So seek medical help and talk to neuro surgeon and tell him about yoyr erectile disfinction and for how long , bed rest a lot , so discs can get away from the nerves and give them a breather , as when standing get compressed and nerves get strangulated , and you do not fell the numbness comming as it is slow and don`t have to tingle or something .Be persistent as most don`t listen , make you self understud . Good luck

I'm sorry but I have to disagree with Kimberly. Right now, surgery is NOT indicated. I doubt a surgeon would agree to operate on you UNLESS you showed more symptoms than you're showing right now.

Naturally if you showed bowel & bladder dysfunction like your doctor said, they WOULD have you in the operating room. But believe it or not, I've had sciatica for the last 26 years -- and I haven't had surgery!! I almost wish I had, but it wouldn't guarantee they could ease the pain, so why bother?

They're probably right that therapy right now is the best. I hope it DOES work for you, and eases the sciatica. Many times it does -- it's just AS effective as surgery! Best of luck and I'll be anxious to hear how the therapy works out for you. Take care & God bless. Hugs, Lee

I agree with Leesa, and I agree with your doctor (looking for another cause & treatment for ED). There are many possible causes; please read:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erectile_dysfunction
and google other sources of information.

One cause that is not specifically addressed is the anxiety and stress that can accompany accute and chronic pain syndromes (like lower back pain and sciatica). Just something to consider/think about.

It may be a cultural thing (I don't know) but ED isn't as big a deal here as it was many years ago (in fact it's not a big deal at all anymore, and it shouldn't be), no doubt in part to heavy marketing of the three medications (Viagra, Levitra, Cialis) now available for treating ED. Typically, men go to their doctors, mention the problem, are screened for contra-indications (medical history & exam) and given a sample and prescription.

Medications are not the only options; that's a choice/decision between you and your doctor. Other options are explained in the link above and on other medical sites.

Doc