Adjusting Mentally After Implant - Need Guidance

[Annon101]

Hey guys,

I’m quite new to posting here, but I feel like I’ve reached a point where I need to put my thoughts into words and reach out. I’ve been carrying this quietly for a while, and it’s been weighing on me more than I expected. I've dealt with this problem, as I figure most men would - in quiet desperation.

I had the implant surgery last year in February. Physically, everything went perfectly — no complications, no pain, and technically, the implant works exactly as it should. On paper, the problem is “fixed.” And I am grateful for that. But the reality is, what I’ve been struggling with isn’t the physical side — it’s the emotional and psychological side that has been far more complicated than I anticipated. The mechanics work. I can have sex, even have what most would call “good sex.” But that’s not where my struggle is. What’s been difficult is something deeper and harder to put into words.

Not long after the surgery, I got married, and I can honestly say I have an incredible wife who has stood by me every step of the way. She’s been patient, loving, and more supportive than I ever could have asked for. I know how lucky I am. She’s been with me through this entire journey, never once making me feel pressured or ashamed. And yet, despite all of that, I can’t shake this feeling of being… disconnected.
The disconnect is from her but from myself.

The issue is that my sex drive just isn’t the same. To be precise — I do think about sex, but it’s nowhere near as often or as intensely as I did before the surgery. The natural urges, the spontaneous lust, that constant background hum of desire that used to be part of me — it feels muted now. Almost like someone turned the volume way down. Physically, my body can do what it’s supposed to, but mentally, my head doesn’t feel connected to my body anymore.

Before surgery, I had what I’d consider a normal libido. I’d want sex whenever the opportunity was there, and sometimes even when it wasn’t. That sense of hunger, of instinct, was just part of who I was. Now, it feels like there’s a wall between me and that side of myself. It’s like a psychological barrier I can’t break through. I end up overthinking it, and this gets in the way when I'm trying to be intimate and it's a mental block. It's almost like I'm preventing myself from having sex, which is any guy's nightmare.

This has bled into my relationship, even though my wife has been nothing but understanding. We’ve had multiple deep, honest conversations about it. She reassures me constantly and has shown nothing but empathy, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel guilt. She deserves not only the physical side of me but also the passion, the energy, the impulsivity, the spark that comes with desire. I know she understands, but I also know she must feel the difference.

And to be clear — I know she can’t fix this for me, and it’s not her job to. It’s all on me. I have to figure this out. That’s the most challenging part: usually, when I face a problem, I tackle it head-on. I solve the problem, find the fix, and then move on. But this isn’t that kind of problem. This is slow, drawn out, and there’s no quick solution. I’ve had to face the fact that I can’t just “fix” it the way I’m used to. What I think I need is patience, knowledge, and probably some guidance — but that’s easier said than done.

I want to make progress and grow and I don’t want to sit around being passive, waiting for things to magically “fix themselves” (which is what my thought process has been up until now) I want to be proactive about this. And I know that the best place to start is by reaching out to a community of men who might understand precisely what I’m going through.

So, I guess my questions to you are: has anyone else here experienced this kind of shift after an implant? Did you notice your libido or natural drive just wasn’t what it used to be? If so, how did you deal with it? Did time eventually bring it back? Did therapy or counseling help? Or was it more about patience and waiting it out?

When I scroll through this forum, I see a lot of guys posting about the amazing sex they’re having post-surgery — and I’m genuinely happy for them. But for me, things aren’t that simple right now. And maybe someone else out there has felt this too and can share how they navigated it.

At the core of it, what I’m really asking is: how do you rebuild the psychological side? How do you find your way back to that natural lust, that fire, that excitement?

Thanks for reading this long post. It honestly feels good just to put it out there. And if any of you have advice, personal experiences, or even just encouragement, I’d really appreciate it.

I'll be checking this post daily for responses, and I hope my message reaches the right people.

Thanks guys,
Anon101

- edit: I forgot to mention that I've taken steps to address this medically. I reached out to a specialist and had a full round of bloodwork done. The results showed that my testosterone levels are a bit lower than the normal range, and my vitamin D levels are also low. Based on this, I was prescribed Fertomid (25mg) to help stimulate testosterone production, along with vitamin D supplements. My doctor explained that while TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) could raise testosterone more directly, it carries a significant risk of reducing sperm count. Since I’m still in my 30s and very much want to have children in the future, that’s not a risk I’m willing to take right now.

[drayan123]

Hey bro u don’t have to try this but give Trt a shot

[Gt1956]

I'm inclined to agree. It used to be called male menopause. If you read in many of the signature lines you'll see testosterone is mentioned often.

Just a warning, hormone replacement isn't treated to a lab test result. It is treated according to symptoms. You can have normal testosterone results & still have low testosterone.

[alans4570]

Find a place in your area that specializes in TRT. They should be able to help with the sperm count. There are medications they can give you for that. HCG and Gonadorelin come to mind. Your GP won't know anything about thesre medications as I found out.
The increase in testosterone will increase your libido. Good Luck!

[UpNorth]

In your 30’s is pretty young to have to go through all of this, even though your not old enough to have dealt with ED as long as many of us have. Having to deal with a broken dick for so many years puts a whole different perspective on sexual feelings and the romance that naturally came along with those feelings once you have your implant. I am just so happy that Turbo is magical again.

Good luck

May want to put a who, what, where, how, when, and why in a signature. It helps out reading these post and someone will be asking for it.

[Kodixx]

Annon101, sorry to hear about your situation. Curious to know if your level of physical sensitivity was reduced by the procedure. Some guys, including myself, experienced reduced physical sensitivity post-op. For me it has been slowly coming back. I don't have experience with hormone therapy or other therapies that increase T. However, a long time ago, I found that PT-141 increases libido very directly. Its a simple SubQ injection and the effect lasts around 24 hours, and lingers a total of 48 hours. Also, THC (pot) can also increase libido -- especially sativa. But as with all things medical, be sure to check with your PCP, urologist, and any other medical professional you rely on prior to trying these.

Best wishes on working thru this.

- Chuck

So, I guess my questions to you are: has anyone else here experienced this kind of shift after an implant? Did you notice your libido or natural drive just wasn’t what it used to be? If so, how did you deal with it? Did time eventually bring it back? Did therapy or counseling help? Or was it more about patience and waiting it out? My doctor explained that while TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) could raise testosterone more directly, it carries a significant risk of reducing sperm count. Since I’m still in my 30s and very much want to have children in the future, that’s not a risk I’m willing to take right now.

[LetoMan]

Hey Brother,

I’d consider talking to a sex therapist. You’ve been through a lot… ED, implantation, marriage. Talking to someone may help you identify mechanisms to reconnect with your sexual side.

Getting an implant is intense. The whole journey through ED is intense. There are deep questions of masculinity and identity tied up in there. Of course there are going to be issues.

What’s great is that it sounds like you have a living partner. That seems to be a key for resolving some one of these issues. A little advice from a professional that knows something about this may help you get back on the path.

Be well,
Leto

[Wooody]

Low T is a big factor for libido. Been there... I went on TRT in my 30's, supplemented HCG with it and had 3 beautiful children, no problem! My recommendation, talk to a TRT specialist. And don't let them just check total T, have them check Free T. Read about why on ChatGPT. It matters!

[dan_bionic]

Low T is a big factor for libido. Been there... I went on TRT in my 30's, supplemented HCG with it and had 3 beautiful children, no problem! My recommendation, talk to a TRT specialist. And don't let them just check total T, have them check Free T. Read about why on ChatGPT. It matters!

You are right, the free TRT is more specific and shows the amont of TRT that is able to communicate with your adrenal functions.
Dan

[UpNorth]

Hey Brother,

I’d consider talking to a sex therapist. You’ve been through a lot… ED, implantation, marriage. Talking to someone may help you identify mechanisms to reconnect with your sexual side.

Getting an implant is intense. The whole journey through ED is intense. There are deep questions of masculinity and identity tied up in there. Of course there are going to be issues.

What’s great is that it sounds like you have a living partner. That seems to be a key for resolving some one of these issues. A little advice from a professional that knows something about this may help you get back on the path.

Be well,
Leto

Well put Leto it is rough enough going through this when you’ve gained a few years. I couldn’t imagine going through this as a youngster.