Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Anorexia and erection

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 12/29/2009


Question
It is no mystery that anorexia affects sexual desire and performance. I have been recovering for over 6 months, and atteined my goal weight 2 months ago (and still gaining a bit). I really though all of this was behind me. I'm 17 years old, and male (obviously). I have been trying to have sex for the first time - me and my girlfriend have tried 3 times now. Of course, I had realized my penis did not erect very well during recovery, but I was now able to get normal erections when masturbating, although it sometimes took some time. I could not get hard, at all, and we tried everything. I must admit I'm feeling shameful, and very disappointed. Luckily, my girl is very comprehensive. But, hell, I was wondering if that was going to go back like before? Might I simply not be aroused by simple intercourse (i hear some people need specific stimulants)? It's true I don't get as aroused by women as I did before (not that I am at all by men). Also, and I know this is bad, I don't think I wake up with any erection.
Thanks for reading, and please help!

Answer

Jeannie Rust, PhD
Dear antoine,

I'm so glad that you wrote!  I can appreciate and fully understand the difficulties you're experiencing.  They are not uncommon for someone who is recovering from an eating disorder.

Are you on any medication because oftentimes medications will cause people to have problems performing.  Also eating disorders affect a person's hormonal levels -- I would make an appointment with an endocrinologist for a compete physical.  Find out what's going on with your hormone levels and your physical health.  

That's the first place to start!!

Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol Recovery Programs
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
888-520-1700

Jeanne Rust, PhD

Expertise

I have been treating eating disorders for over 25 years and I have a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am an expert in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders and in co-occurring disorders as well -- depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. I was the official eating disorder therapist for the University of Arizona athletic department and love working with girls and women of all ages! 12 years ago I started my own treatment centers in Arizona where we treat adolescents and adults. I love working with people and have been helping people online since 1994. My hearts go out to the people out there who are unable to find help, who aren't sure whether they need help, and who don't have much of an understanding of the terrible consequences, emotionally and physically, that go hand in hand with the eating disorder. I view eating disorders as coping mechanisms that people use when they are under stress. I believe that eating disorders most times have many similarities whether it is anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. The good news is that people can heal from an eating disorder and learn to create the lives they would like to live.

Experience

I have 25 years of experience in treating eating disorders of all kinds. I also do consultations for people who are starting treatment centers.

Education/Credentials
Northwestern University -- BA Masters in Counseling Doctorate in Clinical Psychology -- Saybrook institute

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