Poor sleeping quality due to frequent erections at night

My urologist thinks this may have something to to do with the Mediterranean anemia (thalassemia) I have. He says he's dealt with similar cases in young men with sickle cell anemia and referred me to a hematologist. Anyone else dealing with these symptoms been diagnosed with any kind of anemia?

MJ from NJ

My doctor told me it may be sickle but I'm tests revealed that I did not have it. As of recently, my sleeping habit has been excellent ( the past 2 months) . I very rarely have unwanted sleep erections . I owe it all to prayer and GOD. I never tried any medication the doctor wanted me to try. Absolutely overwhelmed with joy. Pray for healing. Neff
I can pray for anyone that needs healing.

Has anyone had a vasectomy after coming down with this condition? I know one person on this thread did and said he needed to get it reversed. I need to get one but am concerned about the night erection interaction.

John

Neff,
Please pray for me
David

John,

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO VASECTOMY!!!!!

What do you mean you need to get one? You don't need to do sh1t. Who told you you need to get a vasectomy? Never! You already have a problem down there that is bad. Pleasee tell me why you think this? Is the woman in your life pressuring you!?

I cannot see how there could any connection. A vasectomy involves cutting a tube in your scrotum and erections involve nerves close to your prostate. How could there be a connection?

Many men that have this condition, like me, have pain with erections and ejaculation after vasectomy.

After my vasectomy when I would get my SRPE erections at night the pain on the left side where I was cut was excruciating, like being stabbed with a red hot needle. Because of SRPE I would get more intense longer lasting erections and because of the vasectomy the pain where I was cut on the left was unbearable. I considered suicide because I would wake with intense burning pain that was so bad my heart would be pounding and I could not fall back asleep. Prior to vasectomy my SRPE just kind of made my penis and perenium a little sore. Afterwards the pain on the left side at the base of my penis on/in my scrotum where I was cut and burned was just the worst pain you can imagine.

You already have on problem down there, why would you add cutting and scar tissue to it?

I'm begging you to take your SRPE into consideration when making the decision to get a vasectomy.

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I saw this in one of the articles on this site -

"Males of any age can develop a tumor of the ventricles (open spaces) of the brain or the open space in the spinal column called an ependymoma that can stimulate the central nervous system so that he deals with priapism (an erection that won't go down) or painful erections in the middle of the night. Problems with erectile function are most likely when the ependymoma is in the spine rather than in the brain. Treating the tumor is necessary for treating painful nighttime erections. Doctors may offer amitriptyline (Elavil) for erections when surgery is not indicated. Baclofen, the muscle relaxant, usually doesn't help if a spinal tumor is the cause of the problem."

Has anyone looked at this angle ?

Another question is related to prostate massage. I believe that may be what caused my issue. Me and my partner were trying some new things in bed and soon after a few tries I had my first episode. Without knowing a potential connection we played around for a few more weeks which is when it seemed to go full blown. With someone mentioning nerves close to the prostate involved with elections I wonder if this may have contributed.

I take amitryptaline. It helps but does alleviate the problem. I take 75 mgs before bed. Without this I don't know where I would be. Makes it manageable.

The length of this thread with not one single person coming forward to help tells you one or two things: 1. Either there are a lot of stupid doctors on this planet that no one has a clue or 2. There are a lot of jealous doctors that they have decided too bad for us. Either way, you'd think someone would have a clue by this point.

I guess this is why doctors call it a practice, but doesn't everyone say practice makes perfect? Doctors need to come up with a different term. Maybe "open your mouth and let me throw pills at you".

No vasectomy or prostate massages here.

Baclofen has been rendered completely useless.

After my last urologist appointment, he didn't even set me up with a follow up visit, which tells me he's out of ideas. He prescribed clonazepam .5 mg at bedtime. Taken it for a week. No change.

Went to the hematologist as suggested by the urologist. I went to one that I've seen in the past so she had a full work up on me from 09 for a baseline. No change. No explanation for what I'm going through. She suggested I see a neurologist, alluding to possible neuropathy. The fact that one gentleman here is having success with amitryptaline which treats nerve pain tells me she may be on to something.

Here's where it gets frustrating. I call a well-rated neurologist near me to get an appointment, the receptionist speaks to the doctor and she says "he can't help you. Call a sleep doctor". So I find a sleep doctor, call to make an appointment, the receptionist speaks to the doctor and she says "she can't help you. Call a urologist". Since I'm on board with the neuropathy idea, I decided to call around for a neurologist that'll treat me. I finally found one and I have an appointment on Monday.

It's amazing how no one takes this seriously. It's already embarrassing telling my story to all of these receptionists and doctors, just to keep getting tossed down the line. All the while, going through hell trying to just keep my eyes open all day.

I'll update all of you after the neurologist shrugs his shoulders at me.

Any and all prayers are always welcome and I'll be sending mine out to you guys.

I'm thankful for this thread, being that this is the only place I've found any sense of empathy.

MJ from NJ

Thanks for the update MJ. Please follow up after your appointment. I'm the guy who takes amitryptaline, and ambien. It helps but definitely is not a cure. I've been through all the doctors too. It's a terribly frustrating affliction but there must be some explanation.
Keith

MJ, the fact is none of these Doctores can help, I saw neurologist, he did MRI from spine and at the end he said everything is normal, I went to a sleep doctor and she told me that she has another person like me and she can not help; urologist I saw 5 of them, one of them told me he has a patient like me for years and there is nothing that he can do.

Yes, please update us what the doctor says. I had the same experience, my urologist suggested that I see a neurologist but when I tried to, his office cancelled the appointment saying doctor does not treat this condition.
I was the one who mentioned the 'Spinal ependymoma' article in an earlier message. I found another related article. I cannot paste the link here. You can find it on medscape by searching 'Sleep-Related Painful Erections' and the first author is Gilles Karsenty. You can probably bring a copy when you visit your doctor.
Just curious, do you any recurring lower back pain etc? I do not have any such issues.
I will call a few more neurologists next week and see if they can help.
Good luck.