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 About 5 yrs ago I used to have a practise of delaying ejaculation for several hours (4 or 5) a couple of times per week. After about a year of doing this, a friend mentioned that I may be causing damage and putting undue pressure on the bowel and so I checked with my family physician. He told me that there was no danger he knew of from being able to perform for hours. About 2 years after that I began to experience discomfort after ejaculation. The most annoying thing being a type of acid reflux/gas backup. Other symptons after ejaculation include a very low urine flow sometimes for about 12 hrs afterwards as well as an inflammation in the perineum area. It is also more difficult to pass gas. My new family physician referred me to a gasto specialist and I had a type of mini-colonoscopy called a flexi-sig to determine if there were any blockages but that came out ok. I then went to see a urologist and told him all my symptoms. He took a urine sample as well as did a digital rectal/prostate check and told me there was nothing to worry about. In the last 6 months, I have tried to reach orgasm quickly, tried going weeks without release at all, but it doesn't seem to make a difference. I can live with the other symptoms, but the gas backup is the most uncomfortable and something I would like to fix. All the doctors I have seen have told me it is impossible that the delayed orgasm would have an affect on my gastrointestinal workings but I disagree. Am I mis-diagnosing myself? Is there any way I can rectify the problem or has the damage done become irrepairable? I have tried taking saw pawmetto and other prostate meds for several months but did not notice a difference.
Answer There is no known medical connection between delayed ejaculation and bowel gas. The inflammation in the area of the perineum or prostate may indicate some degree of prostatitis. This is partly confirmed by your statement of discomfort after ejaculation and low urinary stream. I would suggest you get a second urology opinion. Meanwhile, try sitting in a hot tub for 5-10 minutes twice a day, avoid caffeine, hot spicy foods and alcohol. These measure might help and won't hurt anything.
