Can't tell if spiro is doing the trick.

[Ayaname]

I've been on a slightly lower than average dose of spiro for 3 months now, but my experience isn't living up to what I've read about most other mtf experiences. I thought that by now there would have been more of an effect on my erections, but the only difference is I get fewer in the mornings. My ability to become erect whenever I want and the hardness of the erections has not changed in the least even though I have an almost non existent sex drive. (which wasn't any better before taking spiro)
Should I be expecting more of a change than this or does this sort of thing just happen sometimes even with enough anti-androgens?

[becky007]

Hi Ayaname
I don't mean to seem like a cyber stalker - It's just that often you say things that are more interesting - than others. There is some ban on talking on these forums about dosing. And it seems so much is related to that though. Too bad we can't all compare - and decide for ourselves what is - or not working. Based on hearing - or seeing first hand experiences - not theory. Information is dangerous. For me - I first started on cyproterone. Then switched to Spiro. I pretty much do not get erections. It seemed to stop that really fast. I have even been in situations that - I can't believe that nothing is happening down there. From what I have read - the ability to do so is often dose related. If you can't - you are at the right dose. But I'm not sure I'm convinced. Because I wish I could loose more muscle.
I have been thinking of upping the dose - but there are issues with that. I sort of wish I could get hard on demand. Or some thing. Is there a girl friend that you have to perform for.

[Asfsd4214]

Only a blood test can conclusively tell you what the story is. Sorry but there's really not a whole lot I can think to advise. I will say that it's not impossible that this is still happening while your testosterone is in a female range. But again, only blood test can tell you for sure.

Hi Ayaname
I don't mean to seem like a cyber stalker - It's just that often you say things that are more interesting - than others. There is some ban on talking on these forums about dosing. And it seems so much is related to that though. Too bad we can't all compare - and decide for ourselves what is - or not working. Based on hearing - or seeing first hand experiences - not theory. Information is dangerous. For me - I first started on cyproterone. Then switched to Spiro. I pretty much do not get erections. It seemed to stop that really fast. I have even been in situations that - I can't believe that nothing is happening down there. From what I have read - the ability to do so is often dose related. If you can't - you are at the right dose. But I'm not sure I'm convinced. Because I wish I could loose more muscle.
I have been thinking of upping the dose - but there are issues with that. I sort of wish I could get hard on demand. Or some thing. Is there a girl friend that you have to perform for.

This forum basically uses the same mentality as abstinence only sex education. That being the mentality of "if we deprive everyone of information, and just tell them to not to it, they wouldn't do it anyway right?".

Of course we all live in reality where the harm reduction model of free access to information virtually always shows better overall outcomes.

The other possibility is that they're just THAT afraid of being sued... which seems a bit overly paranoid, it's exceptionally unlikely, they could be sued for something else just as frivolous anyway, and even if they WERE sued, providing the ability to talk about dosages isn't a crime in the US.

So, yeah, sorry I just like to have a little rant about the conservative thinking behind the no-dosages rule.

[Ayaname]

I guess I'm really not so concerned with the dosages I should or shouldn't be taking since I already have a handle on the norm where that's concerned. I just was curious as to whether or not my situation is freakishly odd compared to most other peoples' experiences with being on spiro for 3 months.

And no, I have no females to please(straight) so strong erections are more just a deterrent from wearing pants than anything. Random erections have actually been more common for me in the last few days than when I just started taking spiro. 

[lilacwoman]

My ability to become erect whenever I want and the hardness of the erections has not changed in the least even though I have an almost non existent sex drive. (which wasn't any better before taking spiro)

the first and last stement seem mutually exclusive to me.

I'd be inclined to say that spiro alone may take a while to work on your sex drive as there is your youth and general health to take into account...plus whatever erotic stimuli you indulge in during your non-sleep hours...

[Ayaname]

the first and last stement seem mutually exclusive to me.

I'd be inclined to say that spiro alone may take a while to work on your sex drive as there is your youth and general health to take into account...plus whatever erotic stimuli you indulge in during your non-sleep hours...

I don't randomly start fantasizing about sex like I did about 99% of the time as a teen. It's something that never enters my mind unless I consciously think about it. If I do it's very easy to have an erection even if I'm not mentally aroused by thinking of sex. If I really try to fantasize in hopes of rekindling the kinds of erotic feelings I used to have long ago, all I get is a cold and lifeless feeling mental image that has no allure to it. I think that side of it is more a mental issue (I've had lots of emotional trauma in the last 10 - 15 years), but the fact that I can still respond to it physically with no real effort seems to show that the spiro might not be doing it's job.

I don't really indulge in any erotic stimuli. There is no point to masturbation anymore since, even as a teenager, ejaculation was never the main goal. I'd immerse myself in a vivid fantasy and everything working up to orgasm was the part I found most enjoyable. Without the fantasies masturbation is about as enjoyable as taking a piss. I also just don't like touching that part of my body because I don't like being reminded that it's there.

And my "youth" isn't really part of the issue since I'm not all that youthful.  (28 y/o)

[Suzy]

Only 3 months?  Sweetie, hold on and ask is in about 6 at the very least.  You have been poisoning your system with T for a long time now.  Your body will fight back at first and may even produce more T in an effort to keep you the same.  But just give it a little time. 

And yes, a blood test is the only way to know for sure.  (Speaking with a huge bruise on my arm right now!)

Good luck!

Kristi

[JennX]

Just about 45 days on Spiro + E has killed pretty much stopped all spontaneous erections for me. Nothing much going on down there. Now with a lot of help, maybe, but fast and fleeting. I also had a low T level to start, so that probably played a part, but everyone's physiology is different.

[Randi]

My Testosterone levels were very low and my E level was already in the low range for a GG when I started taking Spiro. I did get a slight increase in T levels but that quickly went away.  I am already in my 50's and age plays a role in it so if you are younger that will make a difference. Kristy is right-give it more time.
Randi

[Smith]

I really agree with sister Kristi, you have to be patient, 3 month is to early.
Don't give up sister Ayaname

Only 3 months?  Sweetie, hold on and ask is in about 6 at the very least.  You have been poisoning your system with T for a long time now.  Your body will fight back at first and may even produce more T in an effort to keep you the same.  But just give it a little time. 

And yes, a blood test is the only way to know for sure.  (Speaking with a huge bruise on my arm right now!)

Good luck!

Kristi

[Ayaname]

UPDATE:
Just over 8 months on spiro and still no changes "down there". I even switched to a 'normal' dose shortly after the posting of this thread. Is this at all normal? It's getting really frustrating not being able to get excited without way too much activity going on in that region. It really kills the mood.

[AmySmiles]

For what it's worth I'm a bit similar, but to a lesser degree.  The vast majority of the time I don't get them, and in the mornings I don't get them, but if I get turned on there's definite activity down there for at least a couple mins.  If I don't touch it, the little bugger calms down pretty quick but the dysphoria usually ruins any exciting feelings I may have had.

It's super frustrating, I definitely agree.  Wish I knew what to tell you, but you are not alone

[ClaireA]

For what it's worth I'm a bit similar, but to a lesser degree.  The vast majority of the time I don't get them, and in the mornings I don't get them, but if I get turned on there's definite activity down there for at least a couple mins.  If I don't touch it, the little bugger calms down pretty quick but the dysphoria usually ruins any exciting feelings I may have had.

It's super frustrating, I definitely agree.  Wish I knew what to tell you, but you are not alone

Somewhat the same experience here. I only get them on occasion, and when they happen they only last for a minute or so.

[kaLeY]

Just thought I would share a little about my experience so far...I've been on a "normal" dose (I think) of spiro+estrogen for just over one month and have had pretty similar effects as described by both ClaireA and AmySmiles.  No more morning erections and probably have a couple throughout the day (if any) when I become aroused.  However, it definitely doesn't get as stiff as before and only lasts for a few mins at most.

And it definitely sounds like it sucks...I wonder why you haven't seen much of a change...have you gotten a blood test recently to get your hormone levels checked??  That's probably the only way to get a definite answer..

[Ayaname]

...have you gotten a blood test recently to get your hormone levels checked??  That's probably the only way to get a definite answer..

I don't have the option of getting my levels checked. I still need to go through all the hoop jumping just to get a referral from a therapist so that an endocrinologist will look at me. My insurance was supposed to cover psych, but it doesn't. I've just gotten too tired of being jerked around by my insurance and no longer have the steam. I battled with them constantly for over a year just to get what I have. It's just too much of a bureaucracy to deal with. I know I need to get that all straightened out eventually, but it will have to wait until I at least have the motivation to pull myself out of bed before 5pm each day.

[kaLeY]

Ohhh..no wonder..that freakin sucks!  Insurance companies are evil...I hope I don't run into similar problems with my insurance co, but I have a feeling I probably will..

And about the therapy..have you considered doing online therapy?? There are a few trans friendly licensed therapists that are pretty cheap and who have a lot of experience working with the GLBT community.  I personally have been doing online therapy since the beginning of December with Melissa Leonhardt and she has been really good so far!  I saw her weekly for a little over a month before she wrote my hrt reccommendation letter and I am now doing sessions every month or so with her.  The endocrinologist I saw had no problems with her letter and she will even write one of the letters for GRS later down the line.  Sorry if I sound like a salesmen, but it's just a suggestion!

Anyways, I hope you are able to get all of that figured out and I hope you do find the strength and motivation because all of the hard work will eventually pay off and life after transition will definitely be worth it!!

[Ayaname]

Ohhh..no wonder..that freakin sucks!  Insurance companies are evil...I hope I don't run into similar problems with my insurance co, but I have a feeling I probably will..

And about the therapy..have you considered doing online therapy?? There are a few trans friendly licensed therapists that are pretty cheap and who have a lot of experience working with the GLBT community.  I personally have been doing online therapy since the beginning of December with Melissa Leonhardt and she has been really good so far!  I saw her weekly for a little over a month before she wrote my hrt reccommendation letter and I am now doing sessions every month or so with her.  The endocrinologist I saw had no problems with her letter and she will even write one of the letters for GRS later down the line.  Sorry if I sound like a salesmen, but it's just a suggestion!

Anyways, I hope you are able to get all of that figured out and I hope you do find the strength and motivation because all of the hard work will eventually pay off and life after transition will definitely be worth it!!

Thank you for the suggestion. I've never heard of online therapy before. Where would I look to find these therapists?

[kaLeY]

Thank you for the suggestion. I've never heard of online therapy before. Where would I look to find these therapists?

No problem, check out this link: http://www.lauras-playground.com/gender_therapists.htm

Also, try checking out the therapy section (Community Conversation>Transition>Therapy) on this forum because I think there are some threads discussing information about it.

[Kaelleria]

If your insurance is giving you a run around you can try to find a trans friendly General Practitioner. Some of them have experience prescribing hormones as well.