Archive for category male impotence

Alternative Ways to Manage Impotence

Posted by admin in male impotence, treatment on May 7th, 2009

Can Herbs Treat Impotence?

The use of herbal supplements in treating impotence is rapidly growing in popularity. Herbal use offers an alternative and effective treatment option for sexual dysfunction management. In addition to their spectacular healing properties, many alternative health supplements can promote general well-being and overall health, which cost a lot less than synthetic drugs. Most herbal products out in the market contain potent combinations of rejuvenating herbs that act in a synergistic manner for a more effective impotence management. They fight off fatigue and general and sexual weakness. More so, herbal formulation has many side benefits on overall health, other than sexual health.

The most commonly used herbs in impotence

Ø Gingko biloba: Gingko biloba improves blood supply to muscles of the penis without causing an increase in blood pressure, increases the male hormone, testosterone, and improves endurance

Ø Yohimbe: This herb from Africa improves transmission of nerve impulses that encourage sexual arousal

Ø Panax ginseng: This herb commonly seen in Eastern Asia improves endurance and increases sperm count and motility

Ø Fo – ti: A dried root of a twining vine, this herb increases sexual desire.

Ø Muira puama, damiana and sarsaparilla: These known herbs from the South America increases sexual desire

Ø Milk thistle and shizandra: These herbs cleanse and re – model the liver since liver damage can greatly decrease the production of the male hormone, testosterone

Ø Saw palmetto: Mainly used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy, this herb increases sexual desire

What Are the Limitations and Drawbacks of Herbal Supplements?

Herbal supplements contain active components that can affect the way your body functions. Like synthetic drugs, herbal supplements are not for everyone. Some herbs may not be recommended to certain individuals with pre – existing medical conditions. Individuals taking herbal supplements, in conjunction with prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications are at risk for adverse reactions. The effects of the combination of these drugs are often lacking in clinical research, and so, its safety and compatibility are not fully determined.

Some herbs are contraindicated in pregnant or breast-feeding mothers since some of the herbal components have the ability to cross the placenta, a group of tissues that nourishes the child in the womb and are transferred through the breast milk. Herbal use is also avoided at least two weeks before surgeries. It was observed that a regular use of herbs causes decreased anesthetic effects and increases the risk for bleeding associated to surgeries.

It is emphasized that herbal remedies are considered dietary supplements, or add - ons by the FDA. They do not have the same rigorous testing and labeling process as over-the-counter and prescription medications. It is best that you consult your physician before deciding on herbal use. These herbs do not replace the medications prescribed to you by your physician.

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The Good, The Bad and the Ugly: Benefits and Drawbacks of Conventional Drug Therapy in Male Impotence

Posted by admin in male impotence, treatment on May 7th, 2009

Is drug therapy beneficial in erection dysfunctions?

Sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra) and tadalafil (Cialis) are the three most commonly prescribed oral medications for ED treatment. These drugs enhance the release of nitric oxide, a chemical that causes relaxation of the muscles of the penis, resulting in erections. Based on the testimonials of their users, these drugs seem to have truly lived up to their promise of bringing in new hope to those who suffer with ED. For so many years, various treatments have assured the public, time and time again that they have all the answers to bout your fight against ED, only to leave futile efforts and empty promises. But in 1998, a ground breaking event was made when Viagra was approved by the FDA for the treatment of ED. This breakthrough in medicine has paved the way for the release of other erection drugs, Levitra and Cialis in 2003.

These drugs are the treatment of choice for healthy men in any age, without limitations to any ethnic group. For as long as you have a healthy heart, a stroke – free medical history with normal and controlled blood pressure and blood sugar, you can be a candidate for this therapy. It is best that you consult your physician for further evaluation. Never try any of these drugs without the assistance and prescription of your physician.

Erection drugs are generally effective within 15 - 45 minutes of use, with the duration of erections occurring in hours. The effects of these drugs may last for 4 to 36 hours, depending on the dose. They should not be used more than once a day. Success rates increase with the number of attempts, so a man should not be discouraged if the drug does not work at first.

According to dailystrength.org, a website focused on people’s experience about ED, out of 124 members, 73% finds Viagra helpful; 79% for Cialis and 75% for Levitra.

Do these drugs have limitations and drawbacks?

Erection drugs are not absolute. These drugs do not assure full proof protection against side effects and adverse reactions. Though these drugs are 75% effective most of the time, erections drugs are not for everyone. They are contraindicated in people with heart diseases, history of strokes, constant increase in blood pressure and uncontrolled blood sugar levels.

Common side effects include flushing, upset stomach, headache, nasal congestion, back pain, and dizziness. There have been reports of fatal heart attacks and strokes in a small percentage of men taking Viagra. About 2.5% of men have temporary vision problems. In 2007, the FDA added a warning about potential hearing loss associated with the above mentioned oral drugs. A small number of men have experienced sudden hearing loss in one ear, which is sometimes accompanied by ringing and dizziness. There also have been a few reports of seizures in men taking sildenafil. These are rare occurrences, and it is not clear if there is any causal association with the drugs. Men taking erections drugs are predisposed to priapism. Priapism is a medical emergency, described as a sustained, painful, and unwanted erection. In addition to serious interactions with nitrates (nitroglycerides), ED oral drugs may also interact with certain antibiotics.

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Male Impotence: A Man’s Greatest Downfall?

Posted by admin in male impotence on May 7th, 2009

What is Erection Dysfunction?

When a man cannot initiate an erection to have sex or cannot sustain an erection long enough to achieve sexual climax, it is called erectile dysfunction or male impotence. The degree of impotence varies from one man to another. Some men experience chronic and complete erectile dysfunction, while others experience impotence in isolated and brief occurrences. A complete erectile dysfunction is established if erections during sleep do not occur, in addition to the failure to initiate or sustain sex. Frequent and constant erectile dysfunction causes emotional turmoil and severed relationships, which often leads to diminished self-esteem. Erectile dysfunction has many causes, and most of which are treatable and modifiable. Though it has a close association with aging, male impotence is not an inevitable incapacity.

What Causes Male Impotence?

The cause of impotence is multi-factorial since the ability to attain and maintain erections involve the interplay of the physical, hormonal and psychological aspects of one’s life. Generally, impotence can either be a consequence of a physical or biological irregularity, or an outcome of a psychological impediment. Pre – existing medical conditions are the most common causes of impotence.

Clinicians used to believe that impotence is entirely caused by psychological unrest, but for the past years, physical and biological alterations in our body are recognized as the most common causes of male impotence. Reduced blood flow to the penis and damage to the nerves that transmit impulses to the male organ are the most common physical causes. Medical conditions that commonly result in a decrease of blood supply to the penis are diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disorders. Any condition that damages the blood vessels and disrupts the normal transmission of nerve impulses increases the risk for male impotence. Underlying conditions associated with erectile dysfunction include the following: cancer or prostate operations, spinal cord fractures, multiple sclerosis (MS) and hormonal imbalances.

Your mental health and your frame of mind can greatly affect the buildup of sexual excitement and desires. Any factor that switches off the brain from any sexual stimulation can result in impotence. Stress, anxiety, fatigue, depression, resentment, hostility and a genuine lack of interest in sex are only some of the psychological causes of erectile dysfunction.

To sum it up, cases of erection dysfunction increase as men age. No man is safe from this condition since it can affect them at any age and at any time in their lives. Physical causes are more common in older men, while psychological causes are more common in younger men. Sometimes erectile dysfunction may be a symptom of a more serious medical problem, and so it is best that you consult your physician for proper management.

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