A Man's Guide to Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction can be devastating to a man's sense of self, whether it's caused by physical or emotional causes. Learn about available treatments.

By Dennis Thompson Jr.

Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH

Some men suspect low testosterone is the cause of erectile dysfunction but there are many other physical and emotional factors at play.

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Beyond the physical manifestations, erectile dysfunction causes much emotional damage, creating negative feelings that can range from anger to insecurity to a loss of self-esteem. A strong link has been found between erectile dysfunction and depression.

Erectile dysfunction is not rare. Between 15 and 30 million American men may experience it to some degree at some point in their lives. The number of men seeking medical help for erectile dysfunction surged after 1998, when the first effective drug was released, encouraging more men to come forward for treatment.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

An erection starts when sexual stimulation causes the brain, nerves, blood vessels, and hormones to send impulses to muscles surrounding two chambers of spongy tissue in the penis known as the corpora cavernosa. Those muscles then relax, allowing blood to flow into the spongy tissue and making the penis expand, resulting in an erection. Another group of muscles closes off blood flow once erection is achieved, allowing a man to maintain his erection.

Erectile dysfunction occurs when that sequence of events is disrupted by any one of many factors, including:

• Illness: Trauma or disease that damages any of the structures of the penis, including muscles, nerves, or arteries, can cause erectile dysfunction. In up to 70 percent of men it can be traced to conditions like diabetes, alcoholism, and kidney, vascular, and neurologic diseases, among other health conditions.
• Unhealthy lifestyle: Smoking, being overweight, being sedentary, and other unhealthy habits contribute to the diseases that cause erectile dysfunction.
• Surgery: Damage to the nerves, arteries, and organs necessary for achieving and maintaining erection can be a side effect of some surgical procedures.
• Medications: Side effects of drugs for totally unrelated conditions, from high blood pressure meds to allergies treatments to appetite suppressants, can include erectile dysfunction.
• Emotional issues: Problems from stress at work to disorders like depression and even the fear of being unable to perform sexually may explain as many as 20 percent of cases of erectile dysfunction.

Erectile Dysfunction: Treatments That Work

Drugs to treat erectile dysfunction are one of the medical breakthroughs of the last decade. Called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, they boost the effects of nitric oxide, the chemical responsible for proper blood flow to the penis. These drugs include:

• Viagra (sildenafil citrate)
• Levitra (vardenafil hydrochloride)
• Cialis (tadalafil)

Talk to your doctor about any drugs you’re taking because of the potential for dangerous interactions. For instance, if you take nitroglycerin for heart problems like angina or alpha-blockers for high blood pressure, taking a PDE can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure and may not be the right option for you.

These other erectile dysfunction treatments that have also been proven effective:

• Certain drugs can be injected into the penis to achieve an erection, though there are side effects, including erections that last too long.
• A drug called alprostadil, contained in a small pellet, is inserted into the urethra and creates an erection within minutes; it, too, has side effects, including an achy or burning sensation.
• A vacuum pump is available that draws blood into the penis.
• Surgery can be performed to implant a device in the penis to create an erection; problems with implants include mechanical breakdown and infection.

Erectile Dysfunction: Avoid Unproven Treatments

A number of over-the-counter herbal products — hawked on late night cable television or through those spam emails that flood your inbox — often promise natural male enhancement. Unfortunately, there haven’t been any scientific studies to show that any of them have value. Touted herb supplements to be particularly aware of are those containing arginine, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, horny goat weed, maca root, tribulus terrestris, and yohimbe. None have been shown to improve a man's ability to achieve or maintain an erection, and you stand to lose time and possibly hundreds of dollars to find that out, according to the consumer watchdog group, the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction, as stressful as the condition is, there has never been a better time to talk to your doctor about the prescription choices available.

Learn more in the Everyday Health Men's Health Center.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/mens-health/erectile-dysfunction.aspx?xid=salesnl_7060_20130517

So, If a spouse denies the other the right to have ( for reasons of enmity or having relations outside ) should mean he / she wants the other to die with all the sickness. ...Alok 

7 Healthy Reasons to Have Sex (Right Now!)

As if the big "O" wasn't reason enough to get busy, sex has many other benefits that just might surprise you.

Want to clear your complexion, boost your mood, and cut your risk of cancer, heart disease, and other health hazards? No, the answer isn’t in a magic pill — it’s between your sheets. That’s right — a little lovin’ can boost your overall health in many surprising ways.

“There have been lots of studies describing the health benefits of sex,” says licensed sex therapist and sexuality educator Sandra L. Caron, PhD, professor of family relations and human sexuality at the University of Maine’s College of Education and Human Development in Orono. “Most of them relate to achieving orgasm. Nobody says you have to be with someone to do that.”

That’s an intriguing sex tip for people who do not have a committed partner — self-pleasuring can offer sex benefits, especially those specifically related to having a good orgasm.

So, whether you’re coupled up or flying solo, check out this list of healthy side effects of sex:

1. Improved heart health. Just like any physical activity, healthy sex is good for your heart. Several studies have found that your risk of dying from a heart disease event such as stroke or heart attack goes down as the frequency of your good orgasms increase over time. And for those that worry that the exertion involved in sex is a threat to the heart, analyses show that the most sexually intense moments (assuming you aren’t unusually vigorous in your activities) place about the same demand on your heart as walking 4 to 6 miles an hour. Of course, it helps your heart and your sex life overall to stay in shape.
2. Sweet pain relief. Just looking at your partner (or even a photo of your partner) can help easepain. When anesthesiologists showed people taking part in a study photos of their romantic partners or photos of attractive strangers, or asked them to engage in a word game, they found that looking at romantic partners significantly dulled the experience of pain. So even though you might think pain is a barrier to sex, consider this one sex benefit worth the time and effort: take a moment to really look at your lover. Other studies have found that women may get some relief from menstrual cramps through a good orgasm.
3. Less stress. Healthy sex offers the same soothing effects of sugary comfort foods when it comes to reducing stress. Researchers theorize that this stress reduction occurs because the pleasure pathways of the brain are triggered by sex (just as they are, for some, by sweet treats) — and it looks like this effect is a little bit more lasting than we often think.
4. Cancer prevention. Research has suggested that men may reduce their risk of prostate cancer proportionately to their good orgasms and the stimulation of their testicles. While more research is needed, this would certainly be a welcome sex benefit.
5. Better sleep. Although experts are not sure exactly why sex works to improve sleep, there appears to be some evidence that it does. So don’t be too surprised if you and your partner doze off shortly after a satisfying sexcapade — and wake up feeling refreshed!
6. Better mood. It’s no wonder you’ve got a more positive outlook post-sex: There are biochemical rationales for experiencing improved mood as a sex benefit, from the neurotransmitters that may be released during healthy sex to the mood enhancers contained in semen itself. “And”, adds Caron, “there’s a lot to be said simply for the mood-boosting effect of having a nice connection with somebody that you trust and care about.”
7. Glowing skin. That fabled ‘morning-after’ glow? It’s not just your imagination: You really do look better after having sex. “Sex even helps you look younger,” says Caron. That glow can be attributed to a combination of stress relief, better mood, and the flush of blood under your skin that’s a natural part of the arousal process.

Enjoying a healthy sex life is one of the great joys in life. Knowing intimacy could be a boon for your long-term health as well makes it that much more pleasurable.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/sexual-health/seven-healthy-reasons-to-have-sex-right-now.aspx?xid=nl_EverydayHealthSexualHealth_20130510

Success of relationship is not on format you choose but on how much honest you are...Alok

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• Sanjay Gupta likes this.
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  Alok Tholiya why not? All relations depend on maturity, integrity, adjustments, compassion and love etc so all types of relations can fail if these are missing.

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gaining an erection was enough to increase levels of the hormone.

Low testosterone a natural change in aging men's health but is horome replacement the solution

See more: Irish Medical News  

Read more:http://www.irishcentral.com/story/advice/health-matters/low-testosterone-a-natural-change-in-aging-mens-health-but-is-horome-replacement-the-solution-200017711.html#ixzz2SfWMTgVk 
Follow us: @IrishCentral on Twitter | IrishCentral on Facebook


Low “T”?

Maybe your problem is low “T,” says the commercial.

Then again, maybe it’s not.

Hormone levels change naturally with age. Yet, concerns about testosterone are on the minds of many American men, due largely to drug company ads which depict maturing men in an energy freefall.

While testosterone levels can widely differ among individuals, older men generally will have lower levels of the hormone than younger men. Testosterone levels tend to decline after age 30 at the rate of about 1 percent each year. By age 70, testosterone can be as much as 50 percent less than it was at its peak period. 

Signs of low testosterone include a decline in sex drive, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, less physical energy, change in sleep patterns, male breast development, mood changes (often mild to moderate depression), and osteoporosis.

Some of these symptoms are associated with other problems including intense stress, medication side-effects, thyroid disease, depression, sedentary living and excessive alcohol use. Blood tests are the only way to determine if low testosterone or a reduction in the bioavailability of testosterone is the underlying cause of the symptoms. Hormone levels between 300 ng/dL and 1000 ng/dL are considered normal.

There is evidence that lifestyle plays an important role in mitigating the effects of aging including hormone levels. Regular exercise, including muscle building exercises is paramount. Eating a healthy diet which includes a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables is also important, along with sufficient fresh water hydration. 

Medications such as AndroGel can be prescribed for patients with low testosterone. While effective, testosterone treatments can have side-effects. Possible side-effects include enlargement of the prostate gland (causing frequent urination), a possible increased risk of prostate cancer, swelling of the ankles, feet, or body, with or without heart failure (which may cause serious problems for people who have heart, kidney, or liver disease), enlarged or painful breasts, and problems breathing while sleeping (sleep apnea). 

Other possible side effects of testosterone replacement therapy include acne, excessive sweating, dizziness, hair loss or changes in hair quality, sensitive testicles and sexual difficulties. Additionally, there are significant risks if females or children are exposed to these drugs.

One developing approach to naturally raising testosterone levels is through purposeful sexual arousal. Having sex appears to be the best stimuli according to some studies, but other forms of self arousal such as sex shows and pornography have also been shown to stimulate the body’s natural production of testosterone. Contrary to expectations, one scientific report said men's age had no effect on the testosterone increase when self arousal methods were used.

Researchers in Germany reported that the simple act of obtaining an erection is enough to boost testosterone levels. They found that testosterone increased regardless whether a man was watching sex on a screen or having it in real life. The scientists said that simply gaining an erection was enough to increase levels of the hormone.

Read more: http://www.irishcentral.com/story/advice/health-matters/low-testosterone-a-natural-change-in-aging-mens-health-but-is-horome-replacement-the-solution-200017711.html#ixzz2SfWgl5Xe 
Follow us: @IrishCentral on Twitter | IrishCentral on Facebook

lack of sex can destroy your relationship

Q: My husband and I haven't had sex in six months! He says it's because I'm never in the mood, while I just think he's never in the mood when I'm in the mood. Can a sex therapist help us work this out? 

— Carly, Wisconsin

A: 

Mismatched libidos are certainly something that a sex therapist can help you figure out. In fact, it is probably one of the most of the common issues that couples face. Though sexless marriages are common (15 to 20 percent of Americans are believed to be in sexless marriages), lack of sex can destroy your relationship and chip away at your bond. It’s important to address this issue before it becomes larger than life, but the good news is that it sounds like you are both committed to making it work and improving your sexuality.

My Husband Has Gained Weight!

Ask Dr. Laura Berman
http://www.everydayhealth.com/sexual-health/better-sex/specialist/berman/my-husband-has-gained-weight.aspx?xid=nl_EverydayHealthSexualHealth_20130504

Q: My husband has been putting on weight lately, and I am finding it hard to have sex with him. He knows something is wrong because usually I want sex all the time. How do I get over these negative feelings about his weight, or tell him without hurting his feelings? How do I get back into the mood?

— Anonymous

A: 

Physical attraction is an important part of romantic relationships. The fact that you don't find your spouse's weight gain appealing is not necessarily shallow — we need to be attracted to our mates, both physically and emotionally. So it's probably time to clue your spouse in to your needs. This doesn't mean you have to come right out and say "Honey, you need to lose weight!" Try to be a little more subtle! For instance, tell him you want to lead a healthier lifestyle and start cooking nutritious, lean dinners for both of you. Pack him a healthy lunch to take to work so he doesn't eat fast food or vending machine fare. Ask him to join you for walks around the neighborhood or for bike rides in the park. Don't buy junk food (like chips, candy, and soda); replace it with healthy snacks like almonds and fruit.

If he resists improving his health and appearance, you might need to sit down with him and talk about how you feel. Tell him you love him regardless of his looks but that you still need the romance and attraction that is the cornerstone of all good relationships. Finally, try having sex with him more often — it is a good cardio exercise (for both of you!), and the happier you make him in the bedroom, the less happiness he will need to seek in the kitchen!

Kissing ... a Key to Happy Relationships

I wish my spouse knew this........

Kissing Multiple Times a Day is a Key to Happy Relationships

By Laura Berman, PhD

YOUR REACTION?What is the key to lasting love? Relationships are not all created equal and some couples are happier, more passionate and more connected than others. But what is their secret?

A new survey led by a romantic social network site sought to answer those very questions. Over 1,000 committed men and women filled out their survey and gave their honest feedback regarding love, dating, and marriage.

The researchers found that happy couples tend to have several important factors in common. Most notably, the survey showed that 69 percent of happy couples kissed and showed affection to one another multiple times a day. In other words, these couples shared more than just a quick peck as they ran out the door in the morning. Instead, they engaged in frequent and intimate acts of affection,  all of which can add up to more intercourse. The survey also showed that 28% of happy couples report having sex 2-3 times a week.

Happy couples had more in common than just regular intimacy. They also shared strong communication styles. 70% of happy couples said they don’t believe even telling little white lies to their partner, even to save the peace or protect their partner’s feelings. And, 72% of happy couples say that frequent conversations about love, life, work, and family are also a must. In other words, happy couples tend to engage in an ongoing dialogue about important issues, even when it comes to sensitive matters or difficult subjects.

It’s easy to see why this important. The biggest killer in a relationship is a lack of communication, because without communication you can’t have trust, intimacy, or connection with your partner. You will have to assume what they are thinking or feeling, and often assumptions can be wildly incorrect and destructive. Knowing that you can talk to your partner about anything and that there is no topic that is off-limits is hugely important. It means that you can tackle any issue—mismatched libidos, jealousy, insecurity, financial stress—head-on, and that you can do so as a united front.

Lastly, the survey also found that happy couples tend to believe in the importance of grooming and self-care. 74% of couples said that they believed in the importance of their partner staying fit and groomed. Yes, beauty is only skin-deep, but it’s important not to fall in a trap of always being in sweats on the couch together. Keeping seduction and attraction alive is a big part of a happy relationship and a big part of what drives our sexual attraction or connection, so prioritizing your fitness and well-being is key.

All in all, a happy relationship comes down to: Intimacy, honest communication, respect, and attraction. Simple enough, but it’s always good to have a reminder!