Suggest Treatment For Lack Of Libido And Small Testicles While On Truvada

Posted on Wed, 22 Jun 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 22 Jun 2016 Answered on

Wed, 13 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am HIV Positive and am taking Truvada and Tivicay for about 3 years. I have lost a lot of my libido. My testicals are so small now. My bag is tight like leather that's gotten wet and drying out and my Penis has lost
length and width. I used to enjoy sex with my wife but now I am so embarrassed I put it off as offen as I can. My wife says she understands how I feel and its ok but let me tell you its not ok and there needs to be a change somewhere. I have a lot of joint pain all over, Please help. Are the Meds causing this or what is happening to me.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Truvada can cause such problem, But HIV itself is responsible

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern.

Truvada can cause erection problem and impotence.

In people with HIV positive erectile dysfunction is very common problem. There are multiple factors involved. Basic cause is low testosterone level due to hypogonadism. You yourself mentioned that testicles are small. This is the main reason. For confirmation you can go for serum testosterone level. In case of deficiency of testosterone, supplement can be given but it has many risks sand side effects so bit must be taken in liaison with HIV specialist and endocrinologist.

In long run due to aging as well as HIV infection sex life is also affected as whole body gets affected.

You can take 5-PDE inhibitor group of drugs.
5-PDE inhibitor group of medicines includes sildenafil (viagra) or tadalafil (cialis). It is proven drug for male erectile dysfunction. One of them should be used 2 hours prior to sex. They cause headache, stuffy nose nausea and gastric discomfort like common side effects. Proper physical check-up of cardiac system should be done by a doctor before starting the same. These are prescription medicines and you need to consult doctor/psychiatrist/sexologist for the prescription.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (3 hours later)

What about the sack tightening up and drawing my testicals up inside of me. Is there any natural foods or anything I can do to help resolve any of these issues. I'm not going to do the Viagra or Cialis as I don't need any more side effects or problems. Thank you again for your help and any information you are able to share with us.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
sorry but there is no natural food can help in this condition

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for follow up.

In patients with HIV low testosterone level is common finding which is responsible for testicle atrophy. Reason for sack tightening in your case is the same. Supplement of external testosterone can help.

I am sorry to say that there is no natural food which can help for this.

Trying cialis is worth option if you want to enjoy sex life. It is not that each patient suffers from side effects. Just ask your doctor if you want to go ahead.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar