Circulation issues have been plaguing me for the past several months, and getting a doctor’s appointment is taking an eternity. As I’ve been waiting, the issue has only worsened, to the point where I am quickly losing sensitivity in my hands and fingers. EDIT: “Quickly” as in over the span of a few days or weeks having cold hands, not hours. If that makes a difference.

As a cis male, this has also begun to affect a certain part of the body that requires good blood flow to properly function. Without an incredible amount of sexual excitement, it remains worryingly cold and lifeless. I’m enjoying what I have left while it lasts, but it would be horribly fitting for me to lose feeling there too before I can even set foot into the vascular specialist’s office.

It’s brutal. It really is. I’m in my early 20s, and this, on top of a multitude of chronic health problems, is hitting me all at once. I’ve never had a partner, but I was always so excited to find one someday. But now, things have just gotten a whole lot harder. (That is, except for one thing.)

I don’t want to lose hope. I’ve already tried that in the past from my other health issues, and it only makes things worse. But it’s kind of difficult to imagine what a relationship looks like without functioning parts. Especially when this doesn’t magically make me asexual. I still want to enjoy some kind of sexual activity, but I’m not sure that I’ll be able to do it in the way that most women who would otherwise be compatible with me are hoping for.

I’d appreciate any kind of hope or encouragement, or just practical advice for what to do if the worst comes to pass. I feel that this is a scenario that I need to be prepared for, because god knows that the medical system isn’t fast enough to do anything except record the damage that has already been done.

Thank you, and I wish you all luck in dealing with whatever fucked up shit has come your way, too.

EDIT 2: You know what? Maybe this isn’t about my junk as much as it is my entire fucking body. “Oh that’s weird, the lack of circulation has spread from my fingers to my entire hand in a few days.” Uh, yeah, you THINK? My feet are turning blue, my hands are going numb, my mouth is getting cold, and I’m worried about THIS? Maybe the commenters telling me to get care immediately have a point. Maybe I’m the meme guy who worries about the economy while a meteor crashes into Earth.

  • i_dont_want_to@lemmy.blahaj.zone
    18·
    20 hours ago

    I am dating a trans woman. Her parts similarly don’t function (but it’s due to the HRT).

    I can’t speak on what might help it come back, but I can tell you there is plenty of sex you can do without an erection.

    I am assuming you’re straight. (Man only interested in women.) It might be more challenging to find a straight woman that would be open to working with this, but it’s not impossible to find a woman that would love it. The best thing you can do is be confident in who you are, what you have to offer, and your worthiness as a person. (This is sexy no matter your identity.)

    If you’re also interested in men, I hear there are some men that don’t use their penis at all. I don’t know a whole lot about that, so hopefully someone else can chime in if you indeed also like men.

    I spoiler’d some more graphic descriptions of sex acts, if you’re open to ideas.

    sex stuff here

    There’s lots of stuff you can do without a penis. The stuff you’ve probably thought of, like oral or fingering. There is also something called tribbing. In your case, this is where genitals would rub together. She might straddle you, or you might get between her legs and grind up on her.

    Sex toys are pretty damn great. You can use a dildo, hold it or use one as a strap on. You don’t even need to strap it to your crotch. You could even strap it to your thigh and let her ride that. For people that need the extra mobility, there are dildos with holes in the base you can attach to a handle.

    Lastly, there are hollow dildos you can put over your own penis. It might feel affirming to you.

    But there is more than just dildos. Vibrators are great. You might know about the regular penis shaped vibrators (vibrating dildos, they can be good), stick vibrators (meh), rabbit vibrators (meh), and wand vibrators (Hitachi type, great!) There are also small vibrators that are really versatile. You can use them alone, or put them in your strap on for stimulation for yourself while you’re penetrating someone with the strap. Don’t be shy with vibrators, they’re great on penises too.

    I kind of focused on the partner, but let’s not forget about you. I’m not sure about your numbness, but depending on that situation, you might still find pleasure from oral.

    If you haven’t already, you might also explore anal. If you’re straight, it will not make you gay, promise! Always flared base. Look up resources on how to work your way up to something bigger. You have a prostate, which makes anal very pleasurable for some men.

    It can be limiting to think of sex as penis in vagina, ends when the man orgasms. It can be so much more! Explore your partner’s body. Watch their body react to your touch. Find out what drives them crazy. Help them do the same for you. End on your terms. When you both have orgasmed? When each person signals they’re done? It’s all up to you.

    Good luck!