IVIG Complications In Men

Hello. I'm sort of new to this forum but have a question for some of the guys out there. I've always had some autoimmune problems, mostly related to sinus infections. Things sort of went out of order for me. I was diagnosed as hypothyroid at 18 months, type 1 diabetes at 15, and thrombocytopenia at 31 (I'm now 34 years old).

Since I started IVIG treatments, I've noticed a couple of things that have changed about me.

1)A drop in my testosterone level. My urologist suggests that this is more diabetes related and I can't blame him for thinking so. But I have no interest in sex and my wife and I have only been married for about 18 months. I take low dose testosterone injections which have given me some of my "oomph" back, but still not much interest in sex. The pills don't work worth a darn except for giving me excruciating headaches (those Viagra commercials make it look so easy). Has anyone else experienced this? It's obviously caused a lot of heartaches in my new marriage for both myself and my bride. Fewer things are more de-masculating and debilitating than not being able to get an erection or losing it once sex has begun.

2)I've noticed a change in the texture of my skin. My skin has seemed to turn paper thin. Whatever this condition is, I fear that it's somewhat genetic as my grandfather and his mother had it as well. But this didn't start in me until IVIG began.

I know that platelet counts are just numbers and while they're up and down, I haven't had any scares (knock on wood) since I was first diagnosed. I am not a prime candidate for a splenectomy nor do I want one - it would be an absolute last resort. Any other men out there having these issues?

I am glad you are able to talk about this subject online. It must be difficult to go through at your 'young' age and with a relatively new marriage. I am 59 and had been in a loving relationship with Ellen for nearly 16 years when I noticed my drive was not the same. I have not had IVIG or ITP or diabetes, and have no idea why my testosterone levels dropped. I have never heard of IVIG causing testosterone to drop.

I can imagine how autoimmune problems could damage testes, as they can damage almost every other organ, but I did read that testes are "immune privileged" which means they are less vulnerable to immune responses. Have you checked your thyroid recently? That can cause low libido.

Testosterone is just one factor, but it is an important one. I don't understand why you would need injections when topical treatments (Axiron, Androgel, etc.) work well to normalize testosterone levels. I have noticed my nails grew out stronger (it takes six months, though, for the nail tips to grow out new and strong) and my skin is a little less fragile.

Loss of libido is a common symptom of depression. If you have any signs of depression be sure to seek treatment. Some medications can help, but some, like the SSRIs, often cause a drop in libido.

If you are overweight, diet. Obesity is a common factor in erectile dysfunction. Your body will function better at a healthier weight, and I have always found that dieting itself helps to enhance libido.

Exercise. Get fresh air. Hike or bicycle or go to the gym. Get your heart pumping and your blood flowing. It helps the body as well as the mind.

Finally, focus your energy on 'the other 90%'.

I hope that others will share their experience and knowledge, and add to what I have said.

Above all, I hope you will take an ALL-OF-THE-ABOVE approach. Just one change might not be enough, but together they might bring about the change you are looking for.

Theoretically, IVIG should not cause any of those problems. You should look into other causes, one of which (as Rob said), could be thyroid.

Thanks for your words, Rob. It's not an easy thing to discuss, but frankly it's been such a frequent topic with my wife, talking about it in the forum doesn't really bother me that much. I love my wife so much that I'll do what it takes...I'm just not sure what that is right now.
I hadn't really thought about depression mostly because I've seen members of my own family go through it and don't see myself as exhibiting the same symptoms. However, I'm smart enough to know that depression disguises itself well so it may be worth going to see somebody. I fear more medication as IVIG and diabetes have enough side effects without having to add something else major into the mix.
I tried the Androgel treatments, at first, when I first started the testosterone replacement therapy. While I think it helped, I like with my wife and two daughters and the Androgel is (or can be) dangerous for women to come in contact with, especially those that haven't entered puberty yet. My oldest has just started puberty so it would be less of an issue for her, but the instructions (and doctor) are pretty specific about the dos and don'ts of the medication. It was going to ultimately cause too many lifestyle changes for me, hence why I switched the injection. I've probably been on it since August of last year; not quite 6 months.
Thank you for your suggestions.