Erectile Dysfunction

Q. I’m embarrassed to admit this, but I’m getting low scores in the husband department, if you get my drift. Is this happening just because I’m getting older?

Sildenafil (also name is Viagra) is the medication that is being used to overcome penile malfunctioning. Whatever may be your age, Sildenafil can help you to treat impotence. It helps the person to overcome penile malfunctioning irrespective of its cause. You must remember to take this pill an hour before the sexual activity to achieve the best results. The effect of the Sildenafil stays on for about 4 to 6 hours that is adequate for any man to have the satisfactory sex. The reason behind the effect is that the Sildenafil stays in body till 6 hours and is thrown out of the body after this time. Take Sildenafil only when needed otherwise it may caused the addiction.

The intake of the Sildenafil should be done only after consulting the doctor. This notice can be neglected by young men, but old men should strictly follow it. This medication is meant for the men only, women and children should not use it because it may harm their health adversely. The pill of Sildenafil will show effect only if you are sexually stimulated. This proves that it is not a hormone or aphrodisiac. You must remember that Sildenafil is to be taken only to overcome erectile dysfunction, if you want to use it for anything else then please consult the doctor before. One thing is assured that Sildenafil is the best treatment for the erectile dysfunction as its success rate is above 95% that is very high in comparison to other treatments for penile malfunctioning.

You can use the Sildenafil pills twice and thrice in a week, using 2 pills in a day is not allowed. If you take more amount of Sildenafil it will not give you the effect for more time in fact it would lead to various other side effects that are harmful to your health. Take this pill as a 100 mg of dosage, I assure that you would be getting the best effect with this amount of medicine. Initially the Sildenafil was discovered by the scientist at Pfizer to cure the hypertension and angina pectoris, but during the clinical study it was noted that participants noted strong erections after taking the medication. This was a clue of the new use of the Sildenafil. Thus, the manufacturer conducted its trails for the impotence treatment. The clinical trials were successful and the first drug for erectile dysfunction (impotence) was launched.

The working of the Sildenafil is like a superb technician that it finds out the root problem of the impotence and cures it. It is the phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor medication. The lack of blood supply is the main cause of the impotence. This happens due to the action of the enzyme PDE-5. When you take the Sildenafil pill, it enters the blood stream and inhibits the activity of the enzyme PDE-5 that is responsible for the reduction in the blood supply.

Sildenafil promotes the activity of the enzyme cGMP that regulate the blood supply in the male reproductive system thus improving the penile functioning. Sildenafil improves the deposition of the nitric oxide in the penile region. Due to this the arteries and veins in the penis relax and the blood flow to the penis is increased. Rather than treating the erectile dysfunction, Sildenafil helps the person to prevent the occurrence of the erectile dysfunction. Long lasting erections are being easily achieved with the help of the Sildenafil. The problem of impotence is easily resolved with the help of the erectile dysfunction. Simplification of the treatment is what Sildenafil does to cure impotence. Guaranteed treatment of penile malfunctioning is assured with the help of the Sildenafil.

Long-term medical conditions compound the sexual issues that men and women face during the natural aging process. Heart disease, diabetes, and cancer are just some of the illnesses that can have a serious lasting impact on your sexuality. What’s more, the emotional aspects of an illness often weigh as heavily as the physical ones. One or both members of the couple may experience depression, which is a major contributor to sexual problems.

As you might expect, one sexuality survey done in the US found that healthy individuals are more likely to engage in sexual activity. It also found that 44 percent of people who characterized their health as excellent or very good had intercourse at least once a week. But as health status declined, so did sexual activity. About 33 percent of people with good health and just 20 percent of those with fair or poor health had intercourse this frequently. And many of the respondents reported that better health for either themselves or their partners would improve their sex lives.

When you’re first confronted with an illness, things may look bleak. But many people are able to resume a satisfying sex life after an initial adjustment phase. The first step to overcoming these challenges is to investigate the potential effects of the disease and treatment on your sex life. Today’s article provides an overview of some common conditions and how they affect sexuality in later life. But it is also important to discuss these issues with a doctor. Keep in mind, too, that there are many ways to maintain physical intimacy. Some couples find that they can have a satisfying relationship without intercourse. However, even in the absence of sexual contact, preserving other forms of affection — such as hand-holding and cuddling — is crucial to maintaining a healthy, positive relationship. A wide variety of illnesses can cause or exacerbate sexual problems. Here is a closer look at some of the most common culprits.

Your heart is linked to your sexual organs, both physically and metaphorically. When you have chest pain or a heart attack, it’s usually because fatty deposits have narrowed your arteries (atherosclerosis) and the heart tissue is not receiving enough blood. When atherosclerosis strikes the coronary arteries, it’s a good bet that other vessels in your body have met the same fate — including those that serve your genitals. Because the penis needs a rapid influx of blood to achieve an erection, it’s easy to see why vascular disease is the leading cause of erectile dysfunction. Atherosclerosis may also cause female arousal difficulties by preventing sufficient amounts of blood from reaching the sex organs. Engorgement of the blood vessels of the vagina is needed for adequate lubrication and arousal.

After a heart attack, many people fear that the exertion of sex will bring on another attack. In reality, the cardiovascular demands of sex are relatively mild — about the equivalent of walking briskly up two flights of stairs. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that chances are only one in a million that a man who had previously had a heart attack would have another during or immediately following sex. Those who engage in regular physical activity are at the lowest risk.
Although your doctor will give you specific instructions when you leave the hospital, most people should be ready to resume normal sexual activity within four weeks after a heart attack. If you’re recovering from bypass surgery, you may have to wait six weeks before having sex, and you may need to avoid positions that could strain your incision.

Likewise, chronic stable angina should not be a barrier to sex if you’re accustomed to doing other things that require the same level of exertion. Some cautions apply, though. You cannot use Viagra, Levitra or Cialis if you’re taking a medication that contains nitrates (such as nitroglycerine); the interaction of these drugs can cause life-threatening drops in blood pressure. People with unstable angina may have to abstain from sexual activity altogether. If you have this condition, consult your doctor before having sex.

Unchecked, diabetes can be devastating to sexual function. About 35-50 percent of men with diabetes experience erectile dysfunction. The disease contributes to erectile problems in at least two ways: It can impair the nerves that instruct the arteries of the penis to dilate, and it can restrict blood flow to the penis by damaging the blood vessels. People with diabetes often have high blood pressure and high levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood — all of which may further damage blood vessels and impede blood flow.

Among people with diabetes, erectile dysfunction usually develops gradually over a period of months or years. At first, the erection may not be as rigid as it had been or the erection can’t be sustained. Sometimes, erectile dysfunction is the first sign that a man has diabetes. Carefully controlling blood sugar can help prevent the vascular and neurological complications that contribute to sexual problems. But even with proper treatment, men who have diabetes are three times as likely as other men to develop erectile dysfunction.

For women, the sexual effects of diabetes are more subtle but can be equally distressing. Diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves, interfering with clitoral sensation and vaginal lubrication, and causing difficulties with arousal and orgasm. The disease may also cause low libido. In addition, high blood sugar contributes to frequent yeast and bladder infections, which can make sex uncomfortable or impractical for long stretches during treatment

The physical and psychological ramifications of cancer can deal a serious blow to sexual functioning. Cancer’s effects are both direct and indirect. The disease itself can cause fatigue and pain, and the diagnosis may also engender fear, depression, guilt, stress, and poor self-image. Cancer treatments often produce another set of problems. Nearly half of the women who undergo treatment for breast or gynecological cancer have long-term sexual problems. For men, prostate cancer treatment causes erectile dysfunction in about 85 percent of the time, depending on the treatment the man chooses.

• Surgery. In women, surgery that involves the pelvic organs can cause damage to the nerves, diminishing sexual sensation during intercourse. If a woman’s ovaries are removed before she has reached menopause, she is likely to experience sexual problems because of the sudden absence of estrogen as well as testosterone. Breast removal denies women the pleasure of being caressed in this area, and it can have a psychological effect as well. After a mastectomy, many women struggle with body image issues and feel less sexually attractive. For men, surgery for prostate cancer can cut nerves or arteries that are necessary for an erection. Even “nerve-sparing” operations lead to erectile dysfunction at least 20-50 percent of the time. Regardless of the type of surgery used, most men do not regain potency for sex for six to 12 months.

• Radiation. Radiation treatment for prostate cancer can cut nerves or vessels that serve the penis. It may also affect testosterone levels, leading to low libido and erection difficulties. Men who’ve had this therapy may have problems getting or keeping an erection. Women who have had radiation to the pelvis area can develop scar tissue in the lining of the vagina that can cause pain during intercourse. Side effects of radiation treatment — such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea — are also deterrents to sexual activity.

• Chemotherapy. Many of the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, hair loss, weight changes, and diarrhea, can squelch desire, damage a person’s self-image, and prompt depression. Women may also notice vaginal dryness and pain. Erectile dysfunction is sometimes a side effect in men, but diminished testosterone levels and ejaculation problems are more common. Both sexes report lower sex drive and less frequent intercourse.

The bottom line is, whether the sexual problem you have is big or small, there are many things you can do to get your sex life back on track. Communicating with your partners, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, availing yourself of many excellent information available, and just having fun can help you weather stormy seas.

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In the pantheon of contemporary culture, neither Adonis nor Aphrodite has love handles. But two thirds of Americans do. Yet, contrary to conventional stereotypes, their excess weight hasn't hampered their interest in having a healthy sex life. In fact, research shows that overweight men are just as interested in sex as the next guy; they just may not be as able to perform.

Now, when it comes to performance anxiety, low self-esteem about body image can be a real impediment to confidence, so that may account for some of the problem. But experts say that 90 percent of erectile dysfunction is physical in origin, not psychological. In large-scale studies, nearly 80 percent of men who reported having erectile dysfunction were also overweight or obese.

Therefore, perhaps it won't be a surprise that a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has yielded some promising news about resolving this sensitive problem, and it doesn't have anything to do with little blue pills you hear advertised during major sporting events.

The research in question was a two-year study conducted at the Second University of Naples, Italy. The subjects were recruited from a campus weight-loss clinic. They were all obese men between the ages of 35 and 55. All reported some degree of erectile dysfunction, but they were otherwise healthy, without the complications of diabetes, hypertension or heart disease that are so common with obesity.

Half the subjects were supervised by medical professionals in individualized weight-loss treatment programs. They were educated about diet, fitness and personal behavioral adjustments in visits with a nutritional counselor and a personal trainer, every month for the first year, and then bi-monthly during the second year of the study.

The other half, the control group, just got general information about exercise and healthy dietary choices during visits every other month during the two-year study period. By the end of the study, all the men in the supervised group had lost weight and experienced various health and sexual function improvements. In fact, by the time they'd achieved a weight loss of just 10 percent, erectile dysfunction was completely alleviated for one out of three men in that group.

However, there was no change in weight for the control group, and even by the end of the study, only three of the 55 men in the control group had recovered normal erectile function.

Perhaps the most important finding of this study is one the researchers weren't even trying to prove: regardless of the objective, the weight loss effort is more effective with professional supervision. Remember that these men were all what you would call "motivated" subjects; they were recruited from among people who had already shown up at a weight-loss clinic, so they wanted to lose some weight. But even at that, the subjects who didn't have any particular guidance just couldn't do it.

The men did not know that the study was specifically examining the potential improvement in sexual function. Had they known this was a possible outcome of their effort, even the unsupervised group might have been more "motivated." When a healthy sex life is at stake, and for most overweight men, it is, men shouldn't just try to handle the problem on their own, because the right support seems to make all the difference.
Having said that about sexual health, consider some of the other outcomes:

• In the supervised group, overall blood pressure was lowered, but not in the control group.

• In the supervised group, overall cholesterol levels dropped, but the subjects had an increase in their good HDL cholesterol levels. The control group's overall cholesterol went up, but with no increase in their good HDL levels.

• Triglyceride levels and C-reactive protein counts also dropped for the supervised group, but not the control.

You probably recognize these things as factors in heart health and diabetes, and so you can understand how the supervised subjects' also reduced their disease risk.

The researchers also tested endothelial function , the performance of cells lining the blood vessels, which has an impact on both cardiovascular health and erectile function. The chronic oxidative stress and inflammation caused by obesity impairs endothelial function. Here again, the men in the intervention group showed improvement, while the control group did not.

We already knew from previous research that overweight men who initiate weight loss in mid-life have 70 percent less risk of ever having erectile dysfunction than those who remain sedentary. The current study was meant to determine if weight loss could also reverse erectile dysfunction that had already set in, and it seems clear that it can.

If sales of Viagra, Levitra and Cialis are any indication, the pursuit of vigorous sexual function is a strong motivator for men of any age. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested in promoting the take-a-pill approach to that pursuit, and millions of men have responded, in spite of potential side effects and other health risks involved.

Imagine if even a few million dollars were invested in a public education campaign letting men know that just losing weight and improving their fitness could be the answer to their personal distress.

It's true that recently, there have been more public health efforts to promote weight-loss and fitness in general, especially given the epidemic of obesity and associated increases in diabetes and heart disease. But imagine the impact of a campaign that gave men the concrete goal of a healthy sex life. Most would agree that seems more tangible to the average fellow than say, lowering his triglycerides.

There's likely to be some personal cost involved in pursuing comprehensive weight loss treatment. But how do those costs compare to the expense of prescription approaches? And consider how much overall health care costs would go down if men tried to recover their lost virility by losing weight and getting healthy, instead of popping a pill.

No matter how medically appropriate and cost-effective, this is one treatment that, as a JAMA editorial put it, will never be "accompanied by free pens, free notepads and its own Superbowl commercial." That means it's up to public health advocates and doctors to carry this message of hope without any big-budget hype.
Erectile dysfunction affects more than half of American males between age 40 and 70, and nearly 80 percent of men with the problem are overweight. Research shows that just walking a couple miles a day can significantly help a man's chances of avoiding, or even reversing, erectile dysfunction, and it's a lot cheaper and less risky than certain pills we hear a lot about.

What is sexual dysfunction?
Sexual dysfunction refers to a problem during any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents the individual or couple from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual activity. The sexual response cycle includes excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution.
While research suggests that sexual dysfunction is common (43 percent of women and 31 percent of men report some degree of difficulty), it is a topic that many people are hesitant to discuss. Fortunately, most cases of sexual dysfunction are treatable, so it is important to share your concerns with your partner and health care provider.

What are the types of sexual dysfunction?
Sexual dysfunction generally is classified into four categories:

• Desire disorders The lack of sexual desire or interest in sex
• Arousal disorders The inability to become physically aroused during sexual activity
• Orgasm disorders The delay or absence of orgasm (climax)
• Pain disorders Pain during intercourse (This condition mostly affects women.)

Who is affected by sexual dysfunction?
Sexual dysfunction is more common in the early adult years, with the majority of people seeking help during their late 20s and early 30s. Sexual dysfunction also is common in the geriatric population, which may be related to a decline in health associated with aging.

What are the symptoms of sexual dysfunction?
In men:

• Inability to achieve an erection or maintain and erection suitable for intercourse (erectile dysfunction)
• Delayed or absence of ejaculation despite adequate sexual stimulation
• Inability to control the timing of ejaculation (premature or retarded ejaculation)

In women:

• Inability to relax the vaginal muscles enough to allow intercourse
• Inadequate vaginal lubrication before and during intercourse
• Inability to achieve orgasm

In men and women:

• Lack of interest in or desire for sex
• Inability to become aroused
• Pain with intercourse

What causes sexual dysfunction?
Causes of sexual dysfunction include:
Physical causes Many physical and/or medical conditions can cause problems with sexual function. These conditions include diabetes, heart and vascular (blood vessel) disease, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, chronic diseases such as kidney or liver failure, and alcoholism and drug abuse. In addition, the side effects of some medications, including some antidepressants drugs, can affect sexual function.
Psychological causes These include work-related stress and anxiety, concern about sexual performance, marital or relationship problems, depression, feelings of guilt, and the effects of a past sexual trauma.
How is sexual dysfunction diagnosed?
The doctor likely will begin with a complete physical and history of symptoms. He or she may order diagnostic tests to rule out any medical problems that may be contributing to the dysfunction. An evaluation of the person's attitudes regarding sex, as well as other possible contributing factors (fear, anxiety, past sexual trauma/abuse, relationship problems, alcohol or drug abuse, etc.) will help the doctor understand the underlying cause of the problem and make recommendations for appropriate treatment.
How is sexual dysfunction treated?
Most types of sexual dysfunction can be corrected by treated the underlying physical or psychological problems. Other treatment strategies include:
Medication Men and women with hormone deficiencies may benefit from hormone shots, pills or creams. For men, drugs including sildenafil (Viagra) may help improve sexual function by increasing blood flow to the penis.
Mechanical aids Aids such as vacuum devices and penile implants may help men with erectile dysfunction (the inability to achieve or maintain an erection).
Behavioral treatments These involve various techniques, such as self-stimulation, to treat problems with arousal and/or orgasm.
Psychotherapy Therapy with a trained counselor can help a person address feelings of anxiety, fear or guilt as well as poor body image that may have an impact on sexual function.
Education and communication Education about sex, and sexual behaviors and responses may help an individual overcome his or her anxieties about sexual function. Open dialogue with your partner about your needs and concerns also helps to overcome many barriers to a healthy sex life.
Can sexual dysfunction be cured?
The success of treatment for sexual dysfunction depends on the underlying cause of the problem. The outlook is good for dysfunction that is related to a treatable or reversible physical condition. Mild dysfunction that is related to stress, fear or anxiety often can be successfully treated with counseling, education and improved communication between partners.

Erectile dysfunction is a problem that puts many relationships to the test, ruining some of them and making stronger and closer the other ones. Not being able to satisfy his partner sexually is devastating for a man and can lead to serious psychological issues that require professional help. But it's the way you approach the matter with your partner that really counts and being able to discuss such conditions as erectile dysfunction openly is a big step forward in terms of treating it. So what does it take to treat erectile dysfunction effectively? Drugs, exercises, lifestyle changes, psychological therapy? Yes, that too. But what is most important when dealing with such things as ED is trust, love, compassion and team spirit. Knowing that your partner is willing to help and aid you in your treatment can alone be a very strong factor that can wave ED goodbye.

However, many men find it hard to discuss problems like erectile dysfunction with their spouses or partners. Men in general are less common to discuss their issues with someone else and address a doctor or ask for help. Such an attitude can be explained but can rarely be justified because sometimes the problem is easily resolved when spoken about at the right moment. But keeping it all inside not only makes any condition worse but also aggravates internal tension, anxiety and stress, which are one of the primary psychological causes for erectile dysfunction. In many cases it only takes a man to speak out his problems with someone who is willing to listen and help, and that alone can be an effective remedy for sexual problems. Thus, no matter how uncomfortable you might feel about telling your partner you suspect to have ED, don't keep it to yourself and speak about it. If your partner loves you, she will definitely understand your worries and try to help. And help is just what you need when dealing with ED.

Even if simple discussion didn't help, there are numerous ways you can treat ED effectively these days. Of course there are drugs like Cialis that will help you if the cause of your problem is a physiological one, like diabetes, blood pressure issues or cholesterol levels. But you can also try changing your lifestyle towards a healthier way of living, kick off nasty habits like smoking or drinking in excess, try to employ an exercise problem. These things alone can deliver a great boost to your sexual health and make it just as good as it was before ED. You can also ask your doctor for cognitive or group therapy if your erection issues are caused by psychological matters such as depression, stress, performance anxiety and so on. You can always buy Cialis and other ED drugs in the local pharmacy or an online drugstore, but you should remember that erectile issues are quite often associated with other medical conditions, and my curing them you will definitely be able to enjoy erections just as you did earlier.