I remember that reply, but at the time I did a bit of research on it and couldn't find much evidence. However, I also didn't realise just how much of a niche condition this was.
Still suffering.....
I'm not sure that Dr Artem Agafonov's "answer" (see top of page) is correct. The only reference I can find to spinal ependymoma involves SRPE being CAUSED by the REMOVAL of the ependymoma: "Background: A 45-year-old man presented with repeated awakenings at night caused by nocturnal painful erections, in sharp contrast with normal erections at other times, 2 years after surgical removal of a thoracic (Th6–7) ependymoma."
Also, although it might be worth checking out ependymoma, stressing is only going to make the SRPE worse, setting up a vicious cycle. From my (long) experience, the best thing is not to obsess, (which is I suspect why most of us who have suffered long enough don't post too many updates -- we just get on with life and "the problem" becomes less central in our lives.)
I do, however, agree with the good doctor that wearing very loose clothing (or none at all) is helpful, and that remembering that the penis needs to do its own thing, like have an occasional stretch and yawn, is more conducive to a restful night and healthy tissues.
Has anyone noticed a decrease in the the amount of sperm after an ejaculation?
Has anyone experienced normalcy after sitting up from laying down and the gas that your body releases?
Ever tried sleeping while sitting?
Has anyone noticed a decrease in the the amount of sperm after an ejaculation?
Has anyone experienced normalcy after sitting up from laying down and the gas that your body releases?
Ever tried sleeping while sitting?
Has anyone here successfully impregnated their wife while going through this issue?
I'm 43 and have had it for at least 5 years now (maybe longer, not sure). I wake up several times a night maybe 3-5 times.
I don't have a stressful job or stressful ife at all. I work out a lot (strength training pretty much daily). I cycle daily ( my means to get around town).
The time this problem started is a few years after I've tried Propecia for about a year. I've seen other posters mention this.
The problem also coincided with the time I got more very consistent with strength training and eating a high protein diet (could be a coincidence I'm not sure).
I think the name SRPE is a bit misleading. My erections are strong and disturbing my sleep but they aren't painful. Other posters have mentioned this too. I think for a lot of people the erections aren't painful. Perhaps we should come up with a new name?
I always sleep on my stomach. This is the way I was raised. Some people mention sleeping on the stomach might make it better, I highly doubt that.
There's one guy in this thread who said that his problem went away after psychotherapy. Very interesting idea in my opinion. I wouldn't be surprised if this problem is psychological.
I've been to my doctor. He didn't know anything about the problem. I've been through testing for apnea: negative. I'm in good health. I have high testosterone levels. Highest within the normal range. I wonder if diet could have any influence. A diet higher in fat seems to boost testosterone. I'm going to experiment with this.
One thing that has helped me deal with this problem: I sleep with a big bowl next to my bed. When I wake up with the erection I can immediately urinate into the bowl. I mostly fall back asleep quite quickly, not always though.
If there are any other good forums where this is being discussed please share. Anthony.
Eugene here...
Yes SRPE is not painful. It just for me is a nagging discomfort and wakes me up usually in REM sleep. Usually urinating helps it subside and helps me return to sleep.
I think someone who does not have SRPE named it.
Perhaps it should be called Sleep Related Persistent Erection.
By the way, the questionnaire is at _[removed]_
Contact me and I will send you the questionnaire.
I have permission from Steadyhealth.com to give this email to collect data fpr a publication to raise awareness of this little known affliction. See my notes in the past on this site regarding the questionnaire. So far I have about 8 questionnaires filled out.
Been off a little while as my wife and I recently welcomed a baby into the world. Despite 4 years of problem nighttime erections, I'm happy to know that everything still works as it should other than late night!
I've been using the wedge pillow as described on here and have to say that it has improved my sleep. Still get up 2 times or so but I have not used any prescribed medication based on what has been shared here. I take 500 mcg of melatonin every night and typically sleep 4-5 hours than get up. Erection goes down, then I go back to sleep for an hour at a time until finally waking up for the day. Not great but also not impossible to deal with.
If you haven't tried a wedge pillow I encourage looking on Amazon. The one I have is about 9 inches at the top end. I sleep about halfway down it with a softer pillow on top of it. Tried the jock strap as well and it did not work as I had hoped. Erection was very powerful with it and wasn't comfortable. Glad to hear it works for some. Still need till fill out the questionaire. Will do that soon.
John
No changes here of late for me. In fact, waking up on several occasions per night right now due to a combination of summer heat and erections. I've been trying some mental exercises (trying to tell my brain that there is no for me to be erect right now, and that it's just a misfiring of some chemical reaction or electrical signal) instead of getting out of bed to pee. It's hit or miss....
Rezz