1

New Theories / Re: Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS)

« on: 26/04/2012 17:48:08 »

Hey guys,

I hope all is well.  I just got a prescription for Adderall this morning.  I haven't taken it yet as it requires 72 hrs for insurance authorization.  I know demo has found relief with ADHD meds (dextroamphetamine salts) and testosterone therapy.  I'm currently on testosterone therapy, so will see if the Adderall also helps. 

Moreover, I have an appointment in a few weeks with Dr. Jason Rosenberg, Director of the Headache Center at Johns Hopkins.  I've written him a long letter about POIS and he's had me complete a long survey in preparation for the visit.  I recently read an interesting article about research on "brain freeze" and how they've tied it to a sudden change in brain blood flow.  Moreover, they seem to believe this may help in identifying and treating migraines:

"The results suggest that these transient headaches are triggered by a sudden increase in blood flow in the brain's anterior cerebral artery. Brain freeze disappears again when this artery constricts, the study found."

I can feel the intense pressure in my head after an O and with Sumitriptan (Imitrex) having provided some relief, along with the relief many of us find with Niacin (the dilation of the vessels decreases the pressure against the walls of the vessels), I believe that we may find relief with neurological treatment.  The other day I was on a flight and got a bit aroused thinking about a hot chick in my kickboxing class who was giving me the look.  I didn't ejaculate, but did feel a bit of the "pleasure" of an O.  And you guessed, POIS kicked in.  It wasn't severe, but it was POIS.  I checked for any semen, and found none, even inside my urethra.

I also hope to undergo cognitive behavioral therapy for as we can all agree, POIS does change our lives beyond the temporary physical symptoms we experience. 

I will keep you updated and as always, best of luck and keep up the good fight.

Pharaoh

2

New Theories / Re: Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS)

« on: 26/02/2012 01:59:22 »

demo,

What do you believe is the underlying pathology?  What theory are you leaning towards?  Just interested to know. Thanks.

Pharaoh, I really don't know any more than you do. All I can personally vouch for is my own experience. After 30+ years of POIS agony, I am now 90%+ POIS-free, primarily from testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

Why? I haven't yet spoken to any medical professional, including Waldinger, who understands why.

This is why NORD research on POIS is so crucial!

Glad to know you're doing better.  I've been on testosterone therapy for half a year now, and quite frankly, it hasn't done much.  Aren't you also on a dextroamphetamine and amphetamine? 

I'm looking forward to my appointment at the headache center.  I'm worried this may be some type of transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke).  Could explain why Imitrex and Niacin have been effective.  We'll see.  Looking forward to NORD's findings as well.

3

New Theories / Re: Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS)

« on: 24/02/2012 23:17:07 »

demo,

What do you believe is the underlying pathology?  What theory are you leaning towards?  Just interested to know. Thanks.

4

New Theories / Re: Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS)

« on: 21/02/2012 21:29:28 »

I'm curious as to how effective hyposensitization treatment has been for any of our fellow forum members. 

Habibou,
Didn't you have a skin ***** test?  Anything come out of that? 

5

New Theories / Re: Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS)

« on: 19/02/2012 02:26:42 »

On yahoo today there was an article about "7 Health Symptoms You Should Never Ignore."  Included was:

"4. Headaches: Although we're all familiar with the occasional headache, it can sometimes also indicate a serious problem like a brain tumor or meningitis, says Dr. Gruver. If your headache is accompanied by a fever, stiff neck, or vomiting or lasts an unusually long time (more than a few days), it should be investigated, she says.
Other symptoms that require medical attention: A severe headache that comes on suddenly; a headache accompanied by slurred speech, vision problems, trouble moving your arms and legs, loss of balance, confusion, or memory loss; a headache that gets worse over a 24-hour period; a headache that occurs with a head injury."

So, although I have found significant relief with Imitrex, I was forced to suspend my use for a couple of weeks.  Reason being that it becomes less effective if taken frequently, i.e. daily or even every few days.  However, following a week or two week break its effectiveness will return.  Moreover, my insurance limits the amount covered to 27 pills per 62 days.  My Dr. has provided a prior-authorization to increase the quantity.  Also, she has recommended I see a neurologist, and in particular a headache specialist.  So, I have an appointment at the Johns Hopkins Headache Center in a few months.  I've been told it's among the best.  I'll be sure to provide an update on my treatment and any progress made.  Best of luck to all of you and we will find a cure soon! 

6

New Theories / Re: Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS)

« on: 01/02/2012 03:28:48 »

I came across this condition while researching the various classifications of headaches. 

Occipital neuralgia (Wikipedia):

"The symptom of this condition is chronic headache. The pain is commonly localized in the back of head and around or over the top of the head, sometimes up to the eyebrow or behind the eye. Because chronic headaches are a common symptom for numerous conditions, occipital neuralgia is often misdiagnosed at first, most commonly as tension headache or a migraine leading to treatment failure or addiction. Another symptom is the eyes being sensitive to light, especially when headaches occur.
Occipital neuralgia can cause very intense pain that feels like a sharp, jabbing, electric shock in the back of the head and neck. Other symptoms of occipital neuralgia may include:
•Aching, burning, and throbbing pain that typically starts at the base of the head and radiates to the scalp
•Pain on one or both sides of the head
•Pain behind the eye
•Sensitivity to light
•Tender scalp
•Pain when moving the neck

Causes

Occipital neuralgia is caused by damage to these nerves. Ways in which they can be damaged include trauma (usually concussive), physical stress on the nerve, repetitious neck contraction, flexion or extension, and as a result of medical complications (such as osteochondroma, a benign tumour of the bone).
One cause is vascular compression."

An exact description of my POIS headaches.  Just thought it was interesting, especially the part about vascular compression.

7

New Theories / Re: Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS)

« on: 22/01/2012 17:30:03 »

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the support.  I'm amazed at how well I feel today following multiple O's last night.  No physical pain and no depression.  In fact, I actually felt upbeat and joked around with random people at the supermarket.  That's rare for me even months after my last O.  I still have some pressure and a friend who also takes Imitrex, but for migraines, recommended I take 400-800 mg of strong ibuprofen if the remaining pain doesn't entirely disappear.  That does help.

Regarding your question daveman, my niacin response was limited.  To be honest, I found little relief the first few times, but gradually niacin was no longer effective.  I always had a feeling there was a neurological dimension to this syndrome.  I recognized that during arousal, prior to orgasm or even pre-ejaculate emission, my head would feel like it was about to explode and I would experience POIS like symptoms.  I always ask my doctors about the link between an allergic response and serotonin and dopamine deficiency.  Their answers were never satisfactory, and in some cases, they could not prove a definitive answer. 

Interestingly, flushing is also a symptom of Imitrex.  Also, I find victor's explanation interesting.  I intend on asking the docs about the link.   

I'm looking forward to seeing the people at Hopkins and I will most definitely provide updates.  I wasn't too keen on cognitive behavioral therapy either, however, the neurologists tell me that the results actually alter the brain.  And that this is supported by functional MRI's.  Quite honestly, given that the Imitrex they have prescribed has provided much needed and unexpected relief, I am more than willing to follow their recommendations.

Thanks again guys and looking forward to reading more of your analyses.

8

New Theories / Re: Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS)

« on: 22/01/2012 05:58:16 »

Hi Guys,

I hope all is well.  I have some news that may interest you.  To begin, my MRI results indicated a small hypodensity on my pituitary gland (about 3-4 mm).  The Dr. says about 10% of people have this and since my prolactin levels are normal, along with all my other hormones, except testosterone, it is unlikely that it is responsible for my symptoms.  He recommended that I see his colleague at Harvard and MGH who specializes in behavioral neurology to discuss my cognitive symptoms. 

Last Wednesday I had my appointment and was prescribed Imitrex, a triptan, to deal with the headaches.  "Triptans narrow (constrict) blood vessels in the brain and relieve swelling. Triptans have other properties that may help treat migraine symptoms." (WebMD)

About 30 min after leaving the hospital I received a call from the doctor requesting I return.  They have a weekly department meeting to discuss interesting cases and needless to say, my case counts. 

I returned to find myself in a room with 9 Harvard neurologists asking me every imaginable question.  Finally, they agreed to arrange that I see neurologists at Johns Hopkins with the recommendation to undergo cognitive behavioral therapy and to continue on the Imitrex.  They will also recommend that I see an Immunologist to explore the allergy theory.

Here's the part you've been waiting for.  Imitrex works, and works very well.  It's significantly more effective than Niacin.  It doesn't eliminate all the symptoms, there remains some back pain, some fatigue, and cognitive impairment.  However, they is far less severe and disappear far sooner.  Furthermore, I noticed that my O's are more "euphoric."  I've O'd multiple times a day, and the following day I do wake up tired, but after going through the normal morning routine (Vitamins and Espresso), I can function normally.  I managed to spend yesterday at the mall where I had no issues socializing or communicating.  Today I O'd and then received a call from a friend inviting me over.  So, let's say I arrived about 1 hr after the O.  I wasn't 100%, I still felt abnormal, however, I had no problems.  I had completely forgotten about my condition during the visit. 

I'm not entirely sure what this all means, and I hope that the results of NORD's project will shed light on why.  So, if you discuss this with your doctors and try a similar medication, please let us know the outcome.

Thanks

9

New Theories / Re: Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS)

« on: 20/12/2011 19:32:43 »

Thanks Demo.  I managed to download the full article from our university research port.  Have a look at this:

10

New Theories / Re: Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS)

« on: 20/12/2011 18:08:10 »

Hi Guys.  I hope all is well.  Yesterday I became thoroughly convinced that this is an allergic reaction.  Please let me explain.  I was in bed fantasizing and expectedly became sexually aroused.  I did not even attempt to masturbate and did not ejaculate.  I then went to urinate, and afterwards while squeezing out the last drops, I began squeezing out semen.  I did it a couple of times, and the amounts were about 4 cm in circumference.  The symptoms began soon after.  Now I'm in full POIS, without ejaculating.  Interestingly, the semen must have been in my urethra, but only when I squeezed it out, that is, it emitted and exposed, did I begin feeling the symptoms.  I looked up excessive histamine levels and found this:

"‎When released from basophils and tissue mast cells, the biological effects of histamine include increased vascular permeability of small venules; contraction of bronchial and other smooth muscle; increased gastric, nasal, and lacrimal secretions. A function not normally associated with histamine is the role of neurotransmitter in the brain.1,2 Elevated histamine levels may also be related to certain forms of headache and schizophrenia.3,4,5 A list of the characteristics of patients with low or high blood histamine levels are shown in Table 1 (p.237)." Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, 1998

http://www.orthomolecular.org/library/jom/1998/articles/1998-v13n04-p236.shtml

I'm having an MRI tomorrow to check if there are adenomas, but I think I'm more convinced than ever that this is indeed a severe allergic response. 

What do you guys think?

Happy Holidays!

11

New Theories / Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS)

« on: 14/11/2011 00:55:27 »

It's clear this is a severe auto-immune disorder.

Pharaoh, I insist that you stop immediately with your totally unfounded statements!

This is a warning.

How is that possibly totally unfounded when it is currently the only acceptable theory in the academic literature?  Was it not Dr. Waldinger who coined the term POIS and hypothesized that it is an auto-immune disorder?  Was his work not published in the elite Journal of Sexual Medicine?  Didn't Dr. Paduch of Cornell also confirm that it is currently the prevailing theory? 

Regarding the anaphylaxis, I've deleted that, but I must say, I'm surprised at how this forum has become censored.  The only "accurate" statements that can be made must be taken directly from Waldinger or any  other scholarly research paper.  Which, again is exactly what I did when I specified POIS as an auto-immune disorder.  It's the equivalent of being threatened for mentioned that influenze is caused by a virus. 

So, who's going to visit Paduch?  I'll see what I can get out of the allergist.  Btw, Lorazepam definitely helps.  It's an anti-anxiety helps calm you down and deal wit the social anxiety.  I was just hitting on a girl in the smoothie shop.  I would never have been able to do that during day 2 of POIS.  The issue is, that I can't drive while on this stuff.  In the past month I think I've introduced POIS to at least 12 doctors and 5 nurses.  Part of the problem were facing is that if  a doctor isn't familiar with a disorder, they have trouble accepting its existence.  And they most definitely wil not attempt to treat it.  We have to keep fighting guys, any progress is good progress.  Good luck.

12

New Theories / Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS)

« on: 13/11/2011 22:03:13 »

 
What we have is Anaphylaxis...

Everyone on this forum is engaged in speculation.  Theories range from ADD to some virus, and even metaphysical causes.  Non of us are physicians or have the training to speak intelligently on the mechanisms involved.  But, we have every right to discuss our symptoms and speculate on what we believe is triggering this given that we are constantly experimenting with different substances in the hope of finding relief.  My postion on Anaphylaxis is that we have a serious auto-immune reaction, more severe than the typical case of Hay's fever, and less than an extreme case of Anaphylaxis.  I believe much of the cognitive problems result not only from the allergic response, but because when the allergic response kicks in, our neurochemical conditions are unique to the orgasmic condition.  This "interaction" of sort may be an area of interest to explore.  Imagine one having sex and as they  begin to orgasm and ejaculate sperm, they stung by a bee.  If this individual has a severe allergy to bee venom (not enough to cause Aanphylaxis) then would they suffer brain fog and social anxiety for days afterwards?  In other words, can we separate the allergy from the neurological symptoms given the mind-altering condition triggered by orgasm? 

No! What evidence do you have for this?




edit - There are 1,500 U.S. deaths yearly from Anaphylaxis.
            Source: National Center for Health Statistics

Pharaoh, you have not responded to my question above.

I now ask that you delete your extremely inaccurate statement about POIS and anaphylaxis from your post.

 Thank you for cooperating.

13

New Theories / Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS)

« on: 13/11/2011 21:09:47 »

Is nobody in the tri-state area willing to see Dr. Paduch : http://www.weillcornell.org/dpaduch/ 
May I remind you the email he sent me:

The problem you are facing is complex and not everyone agrees that POIS is always caused by immunological response – although it is possible.
My approach is to diagnose underlying pathology using our state of the art imaging and decide on improving your treatment.
Unfortunately I don't do email consults
We will be happy to see you for consultation and ultrasonographic evaluation which may include orgasmic ejaculatory study and transrectal ultrasound of prostate with full hormonal evaluation.
Please contact my office to schedule appointment if you wish to see me. My office number is: 212-746-5309

Darius A. Paduch, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Urology and Reproductive Medicine
Associate Director of Male Infertility Fellowship
Male Infertility Genetics Laboratory of Weill Cornell Medical College
Office: 212-746-5309
Fax: 212-746-7287

Unfortunately he doesn't accept my insurance, so I have to wait till the summer to switch.  This guy seems to know what he's talking about and he's affiliated with a top research medical school. 

14

New Theories / Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS)

« on: 12/11/2011 18:17:42 »

The problem with the ADD theory is that POIS symptoms are only triggered following ejaculation and persist for a definite period of time.  The ADD meds work because they initiate dopamine release, thereby counteracting the cognitive symptoms.  This does not address the underlying pathology. 

Kurtosis,

I know exactly what you're going through.  I was taking university courses in mathematics in the summer as a 6th grader.  I could sleep through classes and still manage an A.  Then in high school things started to change.   In university, it was disastrous.  Now that I'm a doctoral student, it's extremely difficult, but I still manage.  The exams are toughest.  To concentrate for that length of time and retain the information I've read is near impossible.  I find that people believe I'm incompetent because I'm unable to communicate, but then are baffled when my work is superior.  No doubt this illness has had an immeasurably debilitating effect on my life.  It's a curse. 

15

New Theories / Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS)

« on: 12/11/2011 13:02:00 »

over-the-counter meds will be as unhelpful for us as it is for people with severe allergies to specific foods or bee stings. 

i don't wanna be rude or anything but i just wanna point out that normal over the counter Claritin has been very effective in treating mine and some others' POIS symptoms. I plan on trying benadryl next.

How has it been effective?  Has it eliminated the brain fog and fatigue?  Do you function normally?  If so, then what's the big deal - it's just a simple allergy and all we needed was over the counter anti-histamines.  I have regular allergies and the effect Allegra or Claritin have on them is no way similar to how it effects POIS.  Nonetheless, the fact that anti-histamines do help supports the theory that this is an auto-immune response. 

As for Anaphylaxis, I understand that it's typically a life-threatening disorder, but many of the same symptoms appear with POIS, without the "shock" symptoms.  I can quote something from the web as well:


Symptoms
Symptoms develop rapidly, often within seconds or minutes. They may include the following:

Abdominal pain or cramping
Abnormal (high-pitched) breathing sounds
Anxiety
Confusion
Cough
Diarrhea
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty swallowing
Fainting, light-headedness, dizziness
Hives, itchiness
Nasal congestion
Nausea, vomiting
Palpitations
Skin redness
Slurred speech
Wheezing
source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000844.htm

Looks familiar?  Sure, we don't need immediate hospitalization, but it's clear this is a severe auto-immune disorder.  I've looked more carefully at Waldinger's paper, and although there is no control, his methods are sound.  And we can not deny that the hyposensitization treatment has worked.  There are many technical explanations for his theory in the papers that are beyond any of our training.  So, I will be following the peer-reviewed academic literature and stop trying every freaking pill in the local pharmacy.  Something to keep dopamine levels up and an allergy treatment is the only way to go now.  I'm wondering how many of us have seen allergy doctors? 

16

New Theories / Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS)

« on: 12/11/2011 01:46:27 »

I went to see Dr. Bewtra and was diagnosed positive.  Both the skin ***** and intradermal tests showed positive.  He prescribed Allegra.  Has anyone here had luck with that?  So far it doesn't seem all that impressive.  I have found quick release Clariton right after an episode to help with symptoms.  I wonder if taking it an hour before helps.  I do want to try to get desensitization therapy done but haven't found anyone closeby.

Allegra hasn't done anything for me.  Over-the-counter meds will be as unhelpful for us as it is for people with severe allergies to specific foods or bee stings. 

I saw a psychiatrist who specializes in sexual medicine yesterday.  He put me on Wellbutrin to help with the cognitive problems and depression, and will contact an allergist for me.  He and his team had printed out Waldinger's papers and have promised to help with finding a solution.  Today is my first day on Wellbutrin and I must admit, I feel a lot better.  Although it's not wise to load up on the caffeine while on this stuff.  I'm going to request the same type of hyposensitization treatment that Waldinger administered.  Will let you know about the progress.

17

New Theories / Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS)

« on: 24/10/2011 00:35:07 »

B_Daniel,

That's exactly why I posted the email.  So that others who are interested may contact Dr. Paduch and possibly help us all find a cure. 

As others have suggested, I am considering changing my health insurance if I can not find an alternative doctor.  However, I've yet to hear back from Dr. Paduch and I believe there must be at least 1 doctor at Harvard, Tufts, or BU who can provide the same care.  I'm sure he has colleagues who have access to the same equipment and possess the same knowledge and experience.  If not, then I'm more than willing to do whatever it takes to see him. 

On a side note, the people at Johns Hopkins are not very helpful.  Interestingly enough, I went to see the psychiatrist at our school's health center and he recognized the same thing.  He described them as "running around in their white coats, more concerned with research, and less with providing adequate care."  Then he mentioned a Dr. Peter Schlegel who performs microsurgery on the vas deferns.  I contacted him, and he referred me to Dr. Paduch.  Dr. Schlegel is the chair of the center Dr. Paduch is affiliated with. 

Let's hope that his approach may shed some light on the "underlying pathology" and a possible cure. 

18

New Theories / Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS)

« on: 22/10/2011 00:53:55 »

Unfortunately I can't see Dr. Paduch because his practice doesn't accept my insurance and the total bill would be over $3K.  However, I wanted to share this email for anyone who is interested.  I've requested a referral to another dr. that can provide the same care.  Good luck.
-----------------------------------
Dear XXXXXX,

Thank you very much for contacting my office.
The problem you are facing is complex and not everyone agrees that POIS is always caused by immunological response – although it is possible.
My approach is to diagnose underlying pathology using our state of the art imaging and decide on improving your treatment.
Unfortunately I don't do email consults
We will be happy to see you for consultation and ultrasonographic evaluation which may include orgasmic ejaculatory study and transrectal ultrasound of prostate with full hormonal evaluation.
Please contact my office to schedule appointment if you wish to see me. My office number is: 212-746-5309

Darius A. Paduch, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Urology and Reproductive Medicine
Associate Director of Male Infertility Fellowship
Male Infertility Genetics Laboratory of Weill Cornell Medical College
Office: 212-746-5309
Fax: 212-746-7287
Executive assistant: Suzy Reyes - 212-746-5309
Clinical RN: Joseph Kiper, RN - 212-746-7585
Research Coordinator: Jordan Bazarnik, 212-746-5706
Genetics Lab: Anna Mielnik, M.Sc.: 212-746-5816
BioImaging Lab: Alexander Bolyakov, M.C.Sc.  212-746-5904
email: darius.paduch@mac.com

19

New Theories / Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS)

« on: 05/09/2011 05:47:50 »

Niacin seems to be working for me.  I started taking 100 mg in the morning yesterday.  Made me agressive and sexually aroused.  Had an O, then took 200 mg.  Had another O.  Not 100% by any means, but definitely feeling better than I would under the circumstances.  We'll see what tomorrow brings. 

A few questions:

1.  Many of us were normal at one point, and then experienced POIS.  Sometimes the development was gradual.  Some have identified specific substances that maybe the trigger, e.g. Animus's herbal male enhancement and baboo's Escitalopram.  So, the question is, how did they become allergic to their own semen?  I suppose I have trouble with idea that one can suddenly become allergic to their own semen.  If it was a birth disorder, then it would be more acceptable.  But, the idea that SSRI's or other neurochemical altering substances can "trigger" POIS leads me to believe there is more to it than a very intense allergic reaction.

2. The quote Horizon provided from reference.com is fascinating.  It basically states that all people can be allergic to their own semen: "Sperm are immunogenic - that is they will cause an autoimmune reaction if transplanted from the testis into a different part of the body."  This raises the question of whether intradermal tests actually tell us anything.  Furthermore, as many have pointed out, and as one allergy dr. my endocrinologist phoned during my appointment immediately identified, there is no control group in Waldinger's work.  According to the research cited, the photos Habibou shared do not show anything unexpected. 

3.  The symptoms of sexual exhaustion seem to be very similar, if not identical, to those of POIS.  This may also explain why multiple O's will lead to more severe POIS symptoms.  Simply because many people can have multiple O's in one day without any consequences does not rule out that some can become extremely fatigued after one.  But, I do believe there is more to POIS than just exhaustion.  I would like more investigation into the condition of the blood-testis barrier and the rete testis in POIS sufferers.  Could it be that we have damaged this mechanism?  This may explain why some people develop POIS after years of normality.  But, why would SSRI's or herbal male enhancements lead to this?  Maybe they are red herrings.  Or, they effected the mechanism in a way that made it more vulnerable to damage. 

My endocrinologist can not make sense of why anti-histamines have no effect whatsoever.  He's gone so far as to recommend I make the trip to Holland.  He also recommended I see Dr. Arthur Burnett.  He's a big shot urologist at John's Hopkins.  Let's see what he thinks. 

Looking forward to your thoughts.

20

New Theories / Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS)

« on: 11/08/2011 20:53:56 »

So, it may be that it is OK to take niacin regularly--that is, even if you build up tolerance so that it no longer causes a flush, it might still be able to prevent POIS because it is still 'using up' the histamine.

I don't think POIS is about histamine though.  Have antihistamines worked for anyone? 

Though perhaps it is also depleting other things involved in immune reactions..

I was prescribed antihistamines (Allegra 180mg/day and Cyproheptadine 4 mg/day) and not only didn't they work, but I suffered from suicidal thoughts during POIS.  I am convinced that the serotonin/dopamine levels are significantly suppressed causing the depression/brain fog/anxiety/anti-social symptoms we experience.

Regarding your previous post about masturbation addiction, this was my hypothesis before I came across this forum and POIS.  I was clearly addicted to pornography and masturbation, and similar to your experience, if I even come across an adult movie title while browsing the cable guide on tv, I immediately feel a rush and elevated heart rate.  There are a number of studies suggesting that pornography and masturbation "rewires" the brain.  The effect is mechanically similar to cocaine addiction and withdrawal.  I wonder, however, how so many men with wives are suffering from this condition.  It would be interesting to have a poll to identify how many of us at one point prior to experiencing POIS symptoms would consider ourselves addicted to masturbating to pornography.  I am seeing my Endocrinologist next Tuesday and will have a long discussion with him about Niacin and Levitra.