hi i'm new here and would really like as much feedback as possible. i'm 20 and gay, and was wondering if you could still have anal sex with the j pouch?? is it possible? does it take time to heal first? and also, how common is it to lose erection and semen ejaculation?? i'm pretty worried about all this, and can't stop thinking about it.

and what does step 1, step 2, etc. mean? i'm still not fully educated on all this but i know have to get my colon, large intestine, and rectum removed--sucks!!

I sent you a Private message

Erectile dysfunction is not common, affecting perhaps 1-5% of men. Usually, the condition is temporary, but it can be permanent. The newer nerve-sparing techniques have greatly reduced this complication.

Anal sex is definitely not recommended. The thing is that it is not so much about anal intrusion (because we have scopes, digital exams, suppositories and enemas), but about force and trauma. Ileal tissue is more fragile and less elastic than the rectum. You want to be very careful about this.

The steps refer to the number of surgeries involved- A 1-step is just that, one surgery. A 2-step means there will be an ileostomy that will be reversed at a later date. A 3-step is where the colon is removed first, then the pouch is created with an ileostomy, then the ileostomy is "taken down" at a later date. The 3-step is generally for those who are very ill.

These are all questions to ask your surgeon.

Jan

Thanks Jan Dollar and Holly in SUNNY FLA (i got your email btw! thanks!), very VERY unfortunate about no anal sex. i don't know, all this bad news is taking a toll on my mind, cause i think about this and then that leads to this which leads to this, etc. whatever, i will do my best to be positive and cope with it...just unfortunate to have this condition at age 20!! but thanks for writing, i appreciate it!

Looks like jan said it all I heard from other gay guy's that they tried it anyhow and had no feeling anyways ...

Related to your question about anal sex... It will be interesting after your surgery. You may find that your bowl will be very fluid. Not having that much left in deference to your colon will make that experience not painful but more... well better do it in the tub or shower. You will probably not be able to hold your stuff...

Gymguy - you might want to PM Eric who's a member here. He'd be glad to give you information since he's been through this all. Do a 'find' on Eric's name to PM him.

kathy