The TV seems to be full of adverts for Viagra these days. I've always hated my male anatomy, certain aspects more than others & really can't stand what is generally deemed desirable by the producers of said products. I find it deeply depressing that I have no need for such medication. Obviously I'm trying to avoid any graphic details here but if anything I tend to suffer quite the opposite problem. To use a phrase I once heard "You couldn't kill it with a stick". So my question is, does anyone know of anything which would have the opposite effect of Viagra? Smoking & bad diet haven't worked so what else can I do. P.S. I know HRT would probably do the job but I'm not in a position to go there right now.
@sashabennett Sasha the best way to prevent erections is to reduce or block testosterone. Whilst not HRT it is frequently used in combination with HRT. There are a few options which are not terribly expensive however here at least a perscription is needed for all. I recommend Bicaluamide which has been used for many years as a treatment for prostate cancer. If you do go down this path you need to have a full set of labs done first as it potentially can cause liver issues.
@mistressb That's interesting to know, thank you. I'm just trying to think how that conversation with a doctor would go? I think it would almost be simpler to simply ask for HRT.... LOL. As I am in a very remote location the local surgery doesn't hang on to doctors for any length of time. We are on a permanent rotation of locums up here & they rarely stay for longer than a month at a time so it is impossible to build any kind of relationship with a doctor. I would think that it would be quite difficult to manage any kind of transition when you have to keep going through the details at every visit. It's bad enough for normal medical issues never mind such a long term project.
It sounds like I'm being down on the NHS, actually I'm not, the people who work for it are doing their best under difficult circumstances & as I know only too well, have been literal life savers in the past.I just find it frustrating that it has been allowed to get this bad.
Being from the US, I don't know much about the NHS and how healthcare works in the UK.
I agree with @mistressb regarding testosterone blockers. They will get you the results you are looking for. While blockers are not considered HRT on their own, they can and often do result in some breast growth. Suppressing T will allow the small amount of estrogen your body produces to activate the estrogen receptors in your breast tissue. Hence breast growth.
Obviously, estradiol in conjunction with a T blocker is going to be more effective at feminizing your body. It will also have a pronounced effect on your mental health and emotional wellbeing. For me, that's been the most positive change.
The most effective way to reduce T is by getting an orchiectomy. This removes the source (testes) of nearly all T in your body. To get an orchie, you may need a diagnosis of gender dysphoria from a qualified clinician. Living in a remote location with a rotating cast of docs may make that challenging. And that brings me to my last point.
Like I said, I don't know much about healthcare in the UK. Is it not possible to do telemedicine visits with a qualified gender medicine specialist? In the US, this has been a lifesaver for patients that live in far-flung remote places. Something worth considering.
Gender dysphoria really sucks. I hope you find a solution that works.
/LK
@emilyalt Thankyou, those are all valid points. I would probably be able to go down this route privately but I was looking for a "more off the shelf" solution. As I said, I am aware that HRT / T blockers etc would achieve the desired results but I'm not in a position to go there right now (see transitioning barriers for my reasoning on that).
Obviously, having a vested interest in the topic, I have read up extensively over the years & not found a satisfactory solution yet but there is always more to learn, you never know if someone else has come across the answer until you ask
Sasha
@sashabennett So, HRT did it for me. Bigtime! I began HRT in late-2005 and have never wavered from the prescribed dose, not ever. Estradiol and spiro only. Ir changed my body in many ways. Now a slight fraction of the body hair I had back then. Zero arm and leg hair: they melted off, wow! And small but real breasts such that now I have a bit of natural cleavage. And "down there"? It's fab smaller, all of it. The nuts hide themselves with zero effort, really. All else tucks inside easily! For real. But.... that's me. I'm glad to share.
@evainnj Hi Eva, That would work for sure, sadly, as I said, it's not an option right now. Hence the search for a more off the shelf solution. I'm not convinced that such a thing exists but the investigation goes on, I've had a few interesting leads & maybe one day I will manage to access HRT but for now it will have to just be the tuck.......Thanks for sharing your story, I always love hearing from others, it gives me hope.
@sashabennett Hey, like there aren't any rules or standards in identifying as a transgender soul. Surgery is not required to be a trans person; nor HRT. Me, I think myself --my gender-- to be a blend. In July 2007 I was booked for bottom surgery near Denver, CO, and I cancelled it because I came to feel I did not need to change my body to be my authentic self. That was my "calling,' and not for anything else. It's personal and private. No one else needs to know what's private to oneself.
@evainnj I agree entirely but it is something I would love to do nontheless. I am (fortunately) mostly content with where I am right now but to have curves & real boobs rather than silicone add on's would be wonderful. It wouldn't change who I am but it would make me happy.
Hi again Sasha, my Dysphoria is more on appearance and needing more feminization after the ravaging of testosterone so many years. Unlike you I like my parts but want to be femme on outside as I feel inside so I am trying social transition under therapy to see if I can manage better. Although HRT is always on my mind, but my SO of 46 years who I love and adore won’t accept me fully living as a woman. Hence me managing a dual presence to cope with all of life’s demands.
KayDee
@kaydee65 Hi again KayDee, Friend request accepted, thank you for asking.
I must say Mrs B would (probably) continue with her understanding nature, she isn't at all bothered by the fact that I spend pretty much full time in a dress, forms, wig etc, at least when I'm at home. I think however that she would be supportive rather than happy about it were I to go further right now & like you I have no desire to upset the love of my life. I have reached a point now that I am happy with my appearance most of the time but it's beginning to feel like I need more than just that.
The idea of going any further though is somewhat terrifying. There are other people & things to consider, even though many might (& do) say that you have to be true to yourself, no one exists in isolation. In an ideal world such a big change would be accepted without judgement, sadly it's not so & that being the case, like you, i am managing a double life.
Therapy is not for me, I know myself all too well, one of the benefits of age being wisdom. I don't believe that a complete stranger would be able to tell me anything about myself that I don't already know, besides, getting any sort of medical attention is getting damn near impossible in the UK these days. The current waiting list for an initial assessment with a gender therapist in Scotland was 7 years the last time I looked!
Anyway, I'm waffling on a bit so I'll leave it there for now but thanks for your thoughts
Sasha
@kaydee65 This certainly is a good example of how we may differ...as women. In my case (at least for now), I'd prefer to still "get wood" in the morning...and even have a special regimen for maintaining urogenital function (basically, herbs, Chiropractic and Acupuncture). In fact, after having made some amazing discoveries, I've shared with friends...that--were I twenty years younger--I think I'd re-open an office...and specialize in sexual dysfunction cases (probably with a a couple of other docs). We'd do PLENTY of good...and make some serious bucks too!! I've seen some MIRACULOUS results. ; )
@judith A different perspective indeed. Pretty much the polar opposite to mine. "Morning wood" is the bane of my life as it is just a constant reminder that nature gets it wrong sometimes. The irony of things hasn't escaped me, constant adverts in the media for viagra & how to restore your "youthful vigour" contrasted with my constant desire to somehow turn it off, still, that's life I guess. It could be worse, at least I'm not having mental issues with the situation, I'm not happy but I'm also not despairing about it either. If you ever come up with a regimen for down rather than up let me know, I could use some miraculous results right now.
@sashabennett Delighted to hear from you, Sasha!! As my counselors have (pretty much constantly) reminded me...that our "community" exists on a "Spectrum." Who knows...I may change my stance...but--so far--no dice. Now, to reply to your question: Take heart....as there are many meds which may lead to "ED." In fact, I was facing this something like twenty years ago...based on my being on several meds which can cause this effect (which--to me--was a "thumbs-down"). I have to be going, but...as just a start, these include heart meds and some of the meds for ADD and BPD (and also--based on more recent experience, HRT (and, yes, T-blockers)). And, finally...ABSOLUTELY an Orchi. I suspect that this would be the "BEST ANSWER" for your needs. It would VERY largely reverse the reflex...and shouldn't have any particular "global" negative health results. Nowadays, it's pretty much a "routine procedure."
@judith Yes, as mentioned antihypertensives, antihistamines and Beta blockers are the most common and well as antidepressants. Go for a non drowsy antihistamine such as dramamine as the safest option.
@mistressb Ah, it seems that B is a "Very smart little cookie!!!"...as they used to say...in the States!! ; )
As I see it, Sasha can go for a "Chemical Castration)(probably ideally, Estrogen and a T-blocker) (Sorry, I REALLY hate that term!!).--PLAN A...or she can hunt for a surgeon who will provide here with an Orchiectomy--PLAN B. Either way, I really hope she'll get some counseling first. If nothing else...just to help clarify her feelings and target-goals.
I don't know where she is living (nor the "political climate"). Where I am (in Los Angeles, Calif.,USA) there are some VERY enlightened LGBT centers who CAN be ENORMOUSLY helpful. Oh, I now remember that she's in some remote area of the UK. Seems to me that--at the worst--she might find a doctor in France or Holland or Denmark. Not so, Mistress B?
In my case, nearly four years ago, they got me on estrogen and progesterone IMMEDIATELY (after maybe two months wait for the doctor's appt.), and pretty soon counseling began. Eventually, they provided a list of surgeons and a letter for surgical referral...and I got my BA roughly three years into the program...which went SPLENDIDLY. Now, it happened that my "Medi-Medi" insurance covered everything (with a couple of glitches or "communication problems" here and there), though--as I recall--they'd advised that they PREFER that a patient have insurance, but that they USUALLY could find a way to pay for necessary meds and surgical procedures (for a patient who meets some (very reasonable) qualifications...so these guys were INCREDIBLY helpful.
Once things were really rolling, I had to do some "research" online re the surgeons (which I was GLAD to do, as I wanted to be VERY INVOLVED...and not just "submit" to someone else's agenda), and--as it happened--I wasn't quite happy with the first surgical consultation (She had only one or two sample photos of her work, seemed to have HER OWN agenda (which did not entirely comport with mine), and wanted to use the (implant) "over the muscle" approach, rather than the "sub-muscular" approach), so I decided to "continue my search."
Dr. Eric Kim and I seemed to be MUCH more "on the same page," so I'm very glad I waited (even though--by this time--I was getting VERY impatient)!!
I don't know if any of you are interested in my story. It IS legit...no baloney here (just a little PASTRAMI, maybe!!)!! 
@judith Personally I have a problem with counselling, I really don't see the point. I think I'm a pretty down to earth person & I don't see what a complete stranger can tell me about myself that I don't already know anyway. I have watched a few of Dr Z PHD's videos, just out of interest & it isn't giving me any stunning insights. Maybe some people just need encouragement or reassurance but I don't think I'm that person. I find it intensely annoying that anyone should have to justify themselves to anyone else simply to be allowed to be who they really are.
It must be nice to live in a place where you can access services so readily though. As you spotted, I am in a VERY remote area of the country, in fact it's one of the least populated areas in Europe so as you can imagine, enlightened LGBTQ centres are in short supply around here but I love the place & wouldn't have it any other way.
I'm sure that I probably could travel to find services & procedures but that is VERY expensive & there is no chance I could afford that. I'm glad that you have had such success with your treatments though & I'm always interested in everyone else's story. I hope that you continue to enjoy the fruits (or pastrami's) of your labours.
@mistressb That's interesting, I have never heard of side effects like that from antihistamines. This is the kind of thing I have been looking for so further investigation is warranted, thanks for the idea. Sniff, sniff. Oh dear, I think I might be developing hayfever
@sashabennett Yep, the most common "sleeping pills" are just a double dosage of what you'd use for a cold or other minor inflammation. ZZZZZZ!!
@judith Hi Judith, thanks for your response. I have been considering your recommendations & have concluded that this would indeed be the answer to the problem. However there are also problems with this approach. I don't know how the medical system works in the U.S. but it would be difficult to manage in the UK. Not having a heart problem I wouldn't be able to access any meds for that & without an underlying medical issue there is no way anyone would be prepared to carry out an orchi, I do know that it's a pretty minor operation as they go, having had a vasectomy many years ago. Shame he didn't slip with the knife & do it then (chuckles). HRT & all that goes with a gender care package would be the way to go for sure but for me, this is an "ideal world" solution rather than a real world one. Mistress B's suggestion of antihistamines is a good starting point & I'll give that a try. It's too bad that my misspent youth & poor lifestyle haven't resulted in what "they" say in that respect but there you go, I'm just lucky I guess. Where I go from here is a story yet to be written.
As to the old "spectrum" debate, I would tend to agree with your councillors. I take it from your response that you don't? I have found from my contact with others here & on CDH that there are as many who are as happy with just dressing up as there are who would love to take the plunge & go all the way. Also there are many, like myself who would like to but can't for one reason or another. So we all have our own take on things & they are rarely black & white.
@sashabennett Well, as just a simple reply...high dosage antihistamines would probably not be dangerous, but WOULD probably put you to sleep (one of the effects of that med). I fail to understand your statement about "no one" being willing to perform the orchi procedure. Not in ALL of the UK? I suspect that once you've been in a counseling program, and get a referral letter, there'd be DOZENS of sympathetic surgeons. Even better, if there are clinics who SPECIALIZE in "gender issues." You MAY just have to "put on your investigator hat"...and do the research (and be determined)!!! 
@sashabennett Dear, in one of these messages you say "not having a medical condition." But, if I not mistaken...you DO!!...and it's called "Gender Dysphoria!!"
As a matter of fact, I was all set up with the surgeon....and ABRUPTLY there seemed to be an "insurance problem." (and while the surgeon is top notch, his office staff can be a bit "clueless," in my experience). I put on my "Big Girl" pants...and called my primary insurance entity (MediCare), and was INITIALLY told that the procedure probably wouldn't be covered. Then, the young many mumbled something about...though it might have been diff. if I'd had a diagnosis like "Gender Dysphoria." (!!!!!!!).
I "took a beat" and then said, "Erruhm!! (cleared my throat)...then bellowed, "What--the hell--do you think my DIAGNOSIS IS?!!! That is PRECISELY what my diagnosis is (and supported by letters from my doctor and counselor)!!"
He then replied, "Oh, then let my check about that."...and a moment later, "Looks like we have no problem...you're all set!!" 
@judith I see your point but I don't have a professional diagnosis of gender dysphoria. Without that, any kind of intervention is not going to happen. I will admit that if I were to get my ass in gear & push for it I could get on the waiting list but it's a LONG list & I really can't be bothered to wait that long. I realise that I may be prevaricating but I can only do what I feel is right for me. A long wait or emptying the bank account isn't going to do it for me I'm afraid. I admire that you have had the courage to push on through & in many ways I wish I could find the same determination but that's just how it is. At the moment I have reached a balance which seems to work for myself & Mrs B so I don't feel the need to change that too much. There have been too many stories of damaged relationships floating around these days & I value what I have above all else. So that's my story to date. I hope you can understand where I'm coming from.
@sashabennett I look at the system in the UK & the US and in soooo many way we are so much better off in Australia. Sure there is the councillors, medical referrals, gender dysphoria diagnosis mainly for the younger generation, but we have a more more sensible option for the more "stable" of us. No offence intended. Mainly if you are mature, well versed in being transgender, understand HRT and surgical options and state to have dysphoria you can elect, sometimes on your first gender specialist (GS) visit to take on the full responsibility for your transition by undertaking, "informed consent". This effectively removes all gate keeping and you walk out with a script for HRT. Being a clinician myself, this was the option I choose, after considerable education and research. I basically determined my own plan and just had my GS sign off on it.
Don't get me wrong however, I do labs at least every quarter confirm my drug regime changes with my endo and consider all available options, including any new insights into the process. I also attend counselling when I stumble or I'm just looking for impartial advice. I am also heavily involved in the on-line communities, much of which scares the hell out of me. In Australia we seem to be advancing transgender acceptance where as the UK & the US they seem to be going in the opposite direction.
Booked your ticket yet??
@mistressb Sounds wonderful, where do I sign up! I've never been called "stable" before, more usually it's "as mad as a box of soapy frogs"! so thank you, someone gets it at last. 🤣
It would be nice if that system was adopted here, it would take the onus off the NHS & save them plenty of money at the same time. Bit of a no brainer if you ask me. It seems though, that the powers that be do love a gatekeeper & they always seem to say, Oooh I don't know about that, lets take a couple of years to think about it shall we?. We do have a new government as of last week & so far I haven't heard their policies for gender care. To be honest they could hardly be worse than the last lot but I suspect that other things will be prioritised. Still, we live in hope.
@mistressb Nice reply, B!! "Scares the hell out of you?!!" How so?!!
I'm doing pretty well here...but "Down Under" sounds like a good option for those in the UK! Maybe she could "stow away" on some kind of merchant or pleasure cruise vessel?
She TRULY would not want to (if she traveled to the States) be in Texas or Florida...where the situation for LBGT folks seems to be getting screwier (and more oppressive) by the minute!!
Hope ALL HERE are doing well. In "Lost Angeles" it's gettin' a little TOASTY!!!
TALK about an "About-Face!!!!" Then, when we had an appt. for the procedure, out of the blue...the staff advised that we had some kind of problem between the hospital and my "secondary insurance carrier." By now, I'd learned the value of being VERY "pro-active," so i called the insurance carrier. (In the midst of all this, I gradually learned that the "problem" was that the hospital needed a VERY explicit word from the carrier that they'd pick up any charges not already handled by the "primary carrier"). So, during my call to them...I explained this...and the guy was SO professional..that WHILE I WAS ON THE PHONE...he called the hospital to give them a 100% UNAMBIGUOUS word that we were "all set to go" as far his "end" was concerned....and we were "cooking"...and I got the surgery shortly after this!!
I'm guessing that SOME folks...at some point in the process...just give up...but I was NOT willing to SURRENDER!!!
I have always been an advocate of 'you make the best decision you can, at the time you need to make the decision, with the information you have at the time'. That said once you do, you have to be prepared to not look back and lament that you should have done this or that other thing. And if you can make that decision, based on all those prerequisites, then no one can have cause to critique what your decision was. You have to be you, and live your life the the best and fullest you can, in order to achieve your own level of happiness and be the asset to society we all strive to be. If you choose the path of HRT, then great, if not, then that is equally as great. The same hold true for any surgeries that may, or may not, be in your future. Are you happy, do you have a plan, or working on one, for your future, and are you a respectful and thoughtful positive member of this, or any other community? Those are the keys. Hugs
@michellelarsen1 HRT & surgeries are a dream which seems unlikely right now. Fortunately I am mostly content right now but things seem to be moving in an inevitable direction. Planning? not so much, I'm along for the ride & looking forward to the magical mystery tour that awaits.
@sashabennett What? Not planning.... Just along for the ride..... Nope, I don't think so..... You see, you are here. That was step 1 of a plan. 'Along' and 'forward' are also part of planning. So yes, yes you are planning, even if it is in the very early stages of formulating that plan. Some guy (Thomas Watson Sr., CEO) at IBM had the famous 'THINK' on his desk. Thinking is planning. Hugs
@michellelarsen1 Well, I guess by that logic I must be then. Lets just say there has been nothing formulated at present. However there is plenty of thinking going on so the future must be bright.
Sasha
@michellelarsen1 Oh Michelle, such amazing words and wisdom to pass on to these sisters! Thank you! This point of view mirrors my feelings on the subject perfectly. The paramount thing we must keep in focus is, we have to be true to ourselves, it is not our responsibility to pretend to be somebody we aren't just to keep the world around us happy! Hugs
