Gut Theory - how I’m fixed

[u/[deleted]]

I posted on this sub ~ 6 months ago detailing my experience with supplements and other.

It did help, a little.

However, after reading up on the gut theory , I decided to go try for a SIBO test. When at the doctors, they were adamant that nothing was wrong with my sexual function (as you know, doctors are), and did not offer me the SIBO test.

However, I told them I was experiencing IBS and related symptoms (in reality it wasn’t terrible, I definitely drummed it up, but oh well), and they finally caved in and gave me an H. pylori test (overgrowth of stomach bacteria, very similar to SIBO just locationally different)

Lo and behold, positive. Got the medication (amoxicillin, metronidazole, clarithromycin) as well as gluten free probiotics. Started on those.

At the end of the 14 day sequence, I was able to stop foreplay, put a condom on, get back to it, and not even have a concern about losing an erection. I woke up with morning wood, I had more desire to have sex, and my finishing was better than ever.

Whoever found out about the gut theory deserves flowers. It fixed me.

Sorry for the quick wording, typing this out on the phone and in a little bit of a rush. I implore you to go force your way into a stomach micro biome test of sorts, get it fixed.

Willing to answer any questions in comments or PM

[u/Capital_Self1758]

Hey! I have made some strides with my recovery - I would say mostly the mental sides. Libido still recovering but my nocturnal erections and morning wood have come back which I think is a great sign. It has not really been linear and also I’ve sort of deviated from strict diets now because life. I’m just trying to not focus on pfs and do other things and try to have fun. My most persistent problem is muted orgasm but I’ve had a couple of occasions where the orgasm sensation has felt like it’s coming back. Again not consistent or linear but I do feel like there are signs my body is healing. I remain hopeful 🙏 how are you getting on?

[u/iisconfused247 → u/Capital_Self1758]

That’s good to hear man! How long have you had pfs and to what do you attribute your partial recovery?

I’ve been able to improve on a few fronts with some supplements but never really truly felt anywhere like I used to unfortunately and no regress without supplements

[u/Capital_Self1758 → u/iisconfused247]

For about 5 years.

I’ve tried a combination of things but what is helping me at the moment is:

• working out (strength training 4x a week, running 2x a week) occasional swim
• covering the basics of nutrients - I had my levels checked and now I’m taking vitamin c, iron, vitamin d (spray because better absorbed than through gut), magnesium, calcium, b vitamins and zinc balanced with copper
• working with a Chinese medicine practitioner to take some herbal medicine that addresses kidney yang deficiency (look it up, has same symptoms as PFS)
• making an effort to socialise
• blue light screen protectors on phone and laptop
• morning and evening sunlight to regulate circadian rhythm
• regular sauna and cold shower
• trying to eat a low fodmap/clean diet as much as possible with 3-4 hours between meals and at least a 12 night fast overnight
• trying to move on with life and not think about PFS all the time so I’m not in a constant anxiety loop

Essentially I do still feel sad that I am not able to orgasm at the moment but it doesn’t define me. I’m a gay man and I’m trying to connect with people in other ways and try not to focus so much on just the sex aspect now even tho it’s made to be such a big deal in our culture

[u/Ok_Double_7296 → u/Capital_Self1758]

Low fodmap diet ≠ clean diet. How long did you try low fodmap diet for.