My name is Harish and I am 39 years old. I was in my late 20s, close to completing my Master’s degree in Technology when I met with a major road accident. This happened in 2006 when I was on a trip with my friends and the bike slammed into a jeep. I was severely hurt and sustained multiple injuries, including injury to my pelvic region. I underwent two major surgeries and doctors had to remove a part of my intestines. With a damaged urethra, I couldn’t even pass urine without a catheter. It was frustrating that my body was suddenly unable to perform the most basic and simplest of functions.

After several months of treatment, just when I began to feel that I was finally gaining control over my body, I found that I was unable to have an erection. I panicked and asked my cousin for advice, visited a couple of homeopathic doctors and tried several capsules and powders, which gave rise to their own set of problems – side effects such as an upset stomach and a persistent burning sensation in my digestive system - adding to my frustration and making things worse.

When my parents started looking for a life partner for me, I had to finally break the news to my father about my problem. He was very supportive and took me to a urologist, who diagnosed me with nerve damage and referred me to another renowned andrologist. This was in 2010, almost 4 years after my accident. By then, I had reached a point when I believed that I was ‘handicapped’ and immensely scared of having a relationship. I had become a recluse.

My visit to doctor took a few years as I had to convince myself to go through a whole new series of sessions. The doctor first tried vacuum pump therapy which helped me have erections but it was quite uncomfortable to use. Every erection felt like an unnatural process and the use of the pump was cumbersome. The doctor suggested alternate options, such as using an inflatable pump, but with some financial constraints, I decided to just try and live my life as normally as possible. However, I wasn’t gaining my happiness back.

I met my to-be-partner in 2015 and decided to be absolutely transparent with her about my condition. To my amazement, she was extremely understanding and supportive of my situation. Before we got married, I went back to my doctor to get the inflatable implant. For me, it was important to feel complete before getting into this relationship, to have physical intimacy with my wife and to have a child as well. I agreed to go for the surgery and it proved to be a big help in improving my life.

Today, I’m leading the life I always wanted to have, something I had almost given up a few years ago. Now that I look back and introspect, I’m convinced that I wouldn’t have married at all if things hadn’t improved and if I did not get the right treatment.

My sincere advice to other men with the same issue: Do not ignore your condition and seek medical help at the earliest. Meet with doctors who are qualified to deal with such situations and can offer you the right advice. Remember, you don’t have to give up on finding happiness. There are possible solutions available; you have to just reach out for them without wasting your time!