Taking Vytorin After Blood Test. Experiencing Low Libido And Erectile Dysfunction. What's Going On?

Posted on Wed, 20 Feb 2013

Question: i am a 51 year old active adult male, taking Vytorin 10/20 once a day and, after doing blood tests, my AST is 79 and my ALT is 73, i am also experienced low libido and some Erectile dysfunction last week,what might be going on?

Answered by Dr. Susanta Padhy (24 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for the query.

Vytorin 10/20, as you know, is a lipid lowering agent.

Sometimes, high lipid profile can cause atherosclerosis - which can be associated with hypertension / diabetes (that in turn can cause erectile dysfunction). This problem can be identified by doing a "penile Doppler study".

Moreover as you had hernia operation in 2005, any nerve injury to nerves can be responsible for erection problem. I understand that it was in 2005; but any partial injury to nerves during that time may add the problems caused by high lipid / atherosclerosis.

Hence, still may be a better idea to consult an urologist first to rule out such causes. Also, may be a good idea to do a serum testosterone or consult an endocrinologist.

Hope, my answer would be of some help. I am available for further discussion

Wish you a good sexual life...

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Susanta Padhy (25 minutes later)

in the labs i attached to this message i have normal lipid levels, normal blood pressure (122/78),testosterone within normal range and no diabetes whatsoever... i kept a normal erection after my 2005 surgery and this episode of ED happen last weekend for the first time in my life, after a very normal performance a weekend before, would still be possible a nerve injure or atherosclerosis be causing last weeks issues?

Answered by Dr. Susanta Padhy (2 hours later)

Then, in that case, do let me know the reason for prescribing lipid lowering agent, Vytorin, by your doctor.

Please clarify for further discussion.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Susanta Padhy (32 minutes later)

my GP started years ago as a preventive measure, since last 3 years havent had high LDL

Answered by Dr. Susanta Padhy (13 hours later)

Hi
Thanks for writing back.
Atherosclerosis (i.e thickening of blood vessels) of penile blood vessels takes time to develop and takes tie to resolve. Process of development of atherosclerosis is complex, depends on many factors, increases with increasing age etc.

Not all the time, having normal LDL means having no atherosclerosis

This does not mean that you definitely are having atherosclerosis and it is the cause of erectile dysfunction

Moreover, doing a penile doppler study (ultrasound of penis)will be able to tell you whether the cause of erectile dysfunction is psychological or organic. So that would be the most logical step ahead.

wish you good luck

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli