Do you think that the stress of a PhD and working very long hours can completely stop a hydraulic pressure unit from working in a very short space of time? The plumbing is not really old enough to be blocked with 'lime scale' or any other calcified deposits and was not a problem until about a week ago, when all of a sudden...
I'm beginning to realise that broken plumbing can cause a lot of problems with my new relationship. I could see a 'plumber' about this, but it's the equivalent of seeing one about a toilet blocked with loo roll, if you know what I mean - embarrassing. I've done some research and I'm really terrified that there's something broke and I'll have to have one of those new parts to make it work. I don't want to use 'Mr Muscle' or 'Cilit Bang' because, really, it's fairly new and shouldn't need such agents.
I'm really sorry if this comes across as too much information or disgusting, but I'm really worried that it'll stay broke. And who would want to stay at a bed and breakfast, long term, if the plumbing is faulty? Plus nothing like this has ever, ever happened. I'm really not sure what to do, who to talk to, why it's happened or whether that's it for me now? Can a PhD and long nights really do something like this? I would really, really appreciate any advice because I'm very worried. :-(

ignored the men only comment.

Have you tried laying off the booze? and taking your vitamins? and a good nights sleep?

Do you check the 'tanks' for foreign objects regularly?

I will say this in direct terms. I had not had this problem myself. But through personal intimate experience I can say for sure that stress and long hours can crush libido. Depression can effectively kill an errection. You should be working again in due course. But if you are really worried, do see a doctor. They have seen everything and will be very reassuring.

Hi Sneaks, thank you. Got some vitamins yesterday, have decided to no longer work extremely late nights and get more sleep, there's definitely nothing in the cistern. I have maybe had a bit too much to drink of late if I'm really honest. I've never experienced anything like this, though - so it's frightening. I'm going to have to go and see my plumber and it's going to feel like I'm on Embarrassing Bodies. In fact, I'll bet there's a locum the day I go and it's...http://www.tvscoop.tv/christian_01.jpg

There might be too much Kalms in Circulation? Viagra can also help boosting the Hydraulic Systems.

Thanks, for the input, Chrisrolinski. I'm suspecting I might be really stressed about work or something, but if it's that, it's shocking what it can do to your body. I'm definitely going to see my GP. I'll just have to swallow my pride and embarrassment, because I've spent a week worrying about it and getting very little work done. Goodboy, I've been on a detox and am no longer on Kalms. Thanks for your suggestion.

You aren't on any new medication are you (or even over the counter vitamin supplement)?  Even some mediation that doesn't list this as a recognised side effect could have an effect. Pluck up the courage and see a doctor - it won't be the first time he's come across this (I speak from experience of my husband who had similar problems but wouldn't go to doctor, came off medication because of an adverse reaction with another short term medication and hey presto problem solved - doctor has now changed original medication).

PS I have also ignored the chaps only instruction (in fact it's usually us girls who know more about men's health)

It took me a couple of reads to understand the problem (my dad is a genuine plumber so I was expecting a thread on how to fix a leaky tap!).

Medication can cause problems, when I was on medication for depression I had the same problem. Stress is as a common problem as well. If you're doing long nights, tiredness won't be helping. However, although don't let this scare you too much, there can be physiological problems that may be causing it. Sadly there is only person who will be the best to know, and just remember, your GP will have seen it all before.

(As you'll know if you ever have (medical) doctor friends trying to outdo each other with what things they've seen...)

Thanks very much for your input, DanB and Jepsonclough. Jepsonclough, I don't take any drugs whatsoever now, apart from some valerian root now and again to help me sleep, or beer. DanB, the physical bit is what I'm worried about. I only hope that I'm too young for something like that.

Well first thing tomorrow, get yourself booked in with the GP.

I know it's easy to say but try not to worry about it...sometime stress can affect these things, then it becomes a vicious circle of stressing about it, then making it worse and so on.
Good luck with the docs. Sure the plumbing system is too new to have major problems.

I'm sure this will clear soon enough Wal, and I do think stress etc, and a bit of depression etc, like you've experienced, can cause such problems. I reckon the GP will help a lot, and this can happen to 'plumbing' of all ages, so I've heard, and is defo curable. Congratulations on the new 'guest'? too, if she is woth her salt, she will understand.

======= Date Modified 10 Jun 2010 05:59:49 =======
I too am going to pay no heed to the ''men only'' request...

You might want to try zinc supplementation as zinc is very essential for men's health and its deficiency can cause such problems. High stress levels can also contribute to zinc depletion.

Eska's right, any girl who's worth it will be understanding. Most girls will be at this moment worrying about whether you will see her cellulite and ask her to leave your house, and worrying about what 'haircut' to have downstairs etc. ;-)

Agree that stressing about it in itself will also make it worse. Try to take your mind off it - I know you're a man so that's difficult!

I would say definitely cut all alcohol for a few days.