AboutStephen W. Leslie, MD Expertise Questions concerning erectile dysfunction, kidney stones and prostate disorders including prostate cancer. I have a special interest in kidney stone disease prevention.
Experience Full time practicing urologist with 20 years experience. Assistant Clinical Professor of Urology at the Medical College of Ohio. Editor in Chief of eMedicine Urology internet textbook. Author of only book written for patients by a urologist on the subject of kidney stones "The Kidney Stones Handbook". Inventor of the "Parachute" and "Escape" kidney stone baskets and the "Calculus" stone prevention analysis computer program.
Organizations American Urological Association, Ohio State Medical Association, Sexual Medicine Society
Publications Men's Health, Journal of Urology, Urology, Healthwatch Magazine, Emergency Medicine Monthly, eMedicine, "The Kidney Stones Handbook", and numerous articles in various newspapers. He is also the editor of the Urology Board Review by McGraw-Hill used by urologists to study for their Board Certification Examinations.
Education/Credentials Graduate of New York Medical College with residencies completed at Metropolitan Hospital New York, Albany Medical Center and University of Wisconsin-Madison
Awards and Honors Thirlby Award of the American Urological Association.
Question Hi Dr. Leslie,
I'm a 29 year old male. I've noticed that when drinking alcohol, (even after only one or two drinks) I lose most to all of my sensitivity in my penis, and I'm unable to get and maintain an erection. I've read that this is irreversible, and cannot be helped without drugs like Viagra, and even that only gives you an erection but not increased sensitivity. Is this true? Any suggestions (other than merely to stop drinking) to regain post alcohol consumption sensitivity? Thanks for your time.
S.
Answer If you are losing sensitivity anywhere after drinking alcohol, it is reasonable to presume that this is due to neuropathy. Neuropathy may be transient or permanent. Viagra type drugs may be able to assist in obtaining an erection, but will do nothing to restore sensitivity.
If this is indeed alcohol related neuropathy, you need to decide whether or not you want to risk permanent loss of erection ability and sensation by continuing to drink. Some people are just more sensitive to these effects than others. From what you've described, if it were me, I'd quit drinking totally, completely and right now!!
