5 Nutrients That Fight Erectile Dysfunction

Can certain nutrients boost your sexual performance? Find out which foods may prevent erection problems — and how they work.

By Chris Iliades, MD

Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III MD, MPH

Sorry, guys: There's no miracle food to prevent erectile dysfunction. However, there is some evidence that certain foods may help.

"Evidence that foods can help with ED is probably related to a vascular connection," says Firouz Daneshgari, MD, professor and chairman of the department of urology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland. "Erectile problems are usually due to not having a good blood supply to the penis, so foods that are good for your vascular system may also help prevent ED." Should you eat more of the foods containing these key nutrients?

Nitrates in Leafy Greens and Beets

Leafy green vegetables, like celery and spinach, may increase circulation because of their high concentration of nitrates. Beet juice has been found to be really high in nitrates. Nitrates are vasodilators, which means they open up blood vessels and increase blood flow. Many years before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first ED drug in 1998, several case reports on the beneficial effects of nitrates for erectile dysfunction had already been published. The ED drugs used today are based on the relaxing effects of nitrates on the blood vessels that supply the penis

Flavonoids in Dark Chocolate

A recent study in the journal Circulationfound that flavonoids in dark chocolate improve circulation. That could be good for erection problems that are due to poor circulation. Flavonoids are naturally-occurring antioxidants that protect plants from toxins and help repair cell damage. Studies show that flavonoids and other antioxidants have similar effects on people. They may help lower blood pressure and decrease cholesterol, both of which are factors that contribute to erectile dysfunction.

Protein in Pistachios

A recent study found that men with erectile dysfunction who ate pistachio nuts every day for three weeks experienced significant improvement in sexual issues, including ED, sexual desire, and overallsexual satisfaction. The benefits of pistachios for erection problems may be due to a protein called arginine, which may help relax blood vessels. "This is another example of how good circulation is good for sexual health, which is good news because I eat a lot of pistachios," says Dr. Daneshgari.

Antioxidants in Watermelon

Some studies show that watermelon may have effects on erectile dysfunction that are similar to the ED drug Viagra and may also increase sexual desire. Watermelon is rich in beneficial ingredients known as phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are also antioxidants. One of their benefits is that they relax the blood vessels that supply an erection. Although watermelon is 92 percent water, the other 8 percent may work wonders for your heart and your sexual enjoyment.

Lycopene in Tomatoes and Pink Grapefruit

Lycopene is one of those phytonutrients that is good for circulation and good for sexual issues. Lycopene is found in deep red fruits like tomatoes and pink grapefruits. Some studies show that lycopene may be absorbed best when mixed with oily foods like avocados and olive oil. So you might want to make yourself an ED-fighting salad. Research also shows that antioxidants like lycopene help fight male infertility and prostate cancer.

Foods and Erectile Dysfunction: The Bottom Line

According to Daneshgari, "Your best bet is to eat a healthy diet that is good for your heart and your circulation." Other foods that are good for your circulation include cranberries, apples, peanuts, onions, tea, and red wine. Chances are, if you take good care of your vascular health, you will avoid many of the common causes of erectile dysfunction.

If you have been struggling with erectile dysfunction, it is a safe bet that your sexual partner has been too.

Experts agree that this sexual issue affects both partners — and that the best way to get erectile dysfunction help is to get help together. In fact, a study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research found that women often experience their own form of sexual dysfunction when coupled with someone who has ED, often due to a lack of intimacy, frustration, or an overall shortage of satisfaction. That means it is not enough to be honest about your erectile dysfunction problems with your doctor; you also need to be open with your partner.

What Women Need to Know

The more you and your partner know about erectile dysfunction, the better you will be able to manage this sexual issue together. Here are important facts you can share to initiate a discussion and relieve the awkwardness:

• Erectile dysfunction is common. Failure to achieve erection about 20 percent of the time is not abnormal. True erectile dysfunction affects about 1 out of 10 men, and up to half of all men over 50 at some time during their lives.
• Erectile dysfunction is not a normal part of aging. Erectile dysfunction does increase with age, though older men may experience a decrease in the quality of their erections and an increase in the time between erections. They may need more stimulation, but they can still have enjoyable sex lives.
• Erectile dysfunction is treatable. In most cases, erectile dysfunction help is both readily available and successful. Treatment options include oral and injectable medications, sex therapy, sexual help devices, and surgery.
• Women also have sexual issues. Up to 70 percent of couples have sexual health issues from time to time. Women may experience loss of desire and arousal problems, and may even experience pain during sex. These sexual issues also need to be addressed.

How a Woman Can Cope With a Partner’s Erectile Dysfunction

If your partner has erectile dysfunction, the most important tip for coping is communication. These steps can help:

• Get educated. Knowing the causes of erectile dysfunction and the treatment options available will lead you to choose something that works best for both of you. Go with your partner to doctor appointments and ask questions. Take an active role in the treatment process.
• Know that it's not you. Many women, especially older women, may feel that they are part of the problem and take it personally. This is rarely the case. In most instances, there is a physical or emotional reason for erectile dysfunction that does not have to do with you.
• Be positive. The fact that your partner is willing to be open about erectile dysfunction and do something about it is the biggest part of the battle. Don't be judgmental. Positive feedback is more important than assigning blame.
• Be flexible. Try other ways of having sex and experiencing intimacy. Find sexual techniques that you both enjoy and take the pressure off performance. Don't assume your partner knows what you want or that you know what he wants.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle together. One of the best ways to cope with erectile dysfunction is to make positive lifestyle changes. Simple measures like quitting smoking, finding ways to reduce stress, and increasing exercise are good for both of you and are great for decreasing erectile dysfunction symptoms.

Erectile dysfunction is a sexual issue that affects both partners in a relationship, and the best way to manage and cope is to work on finding solutions together. Open and honest communication is the foundation to a good sexual relationship.

The Art of Relationships

with Leslie Becker-Phelps, PhD

There is an art to maintaining the intimate relationships in our lives. Read on to explore our experts' perspectives, and learn new techniques to improve your own relationship skills.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Lincoln’s ‘True North’: A Guide for Relationships

By Leslie Becker-Phelps, PhD

Have you heard about the compass and “true north” analogy used in the movie Lincoln? I don’t know whether this can really be attributed to Lincoln or is the brainchild of someone in Hollywood, but it’s a stroke of genius. The president offers this analogy to U.S. Representative Thaddeus Stevens – one that applies well (if not perfectly) to personal relationships. Stevens, a staunch abolitionist, is put off by Lincoln’s less than firm stance in battling the issue of slavery. Lincoln responds by suggesting that Stevens consider the compass. It unfailingly points to “true north.” However, in doing so, it will direct you straight into swamps and other obstacles along the way. Then you’d be stuck; unable to get to your beloved goal. While Lincoln was referring to Stevens’ moral compass in the emancipation of slaves, a similar case can be made for dealing with personal relationships.

When I treat couples, at least one partner will often be firm and goal-directed in their accusations of the other’s problems. They might even offer direct advice on how solve the problems they see. However, they don’t notice the “swamps” in this direct approach. They don’t realize that relationships thrive on care and nurturing; not a well-constructed and well-articulated position. For instance, a wife might state that her husband is self-centered and doesn’t help much with the kids. And she will detail many examples of this. In doing so, she fails to realize (or care) that her approach to getting her husband to share their parenting duties is bound to elicit a defensive and possibly angry response.

Such animosity is not generally caused by disagreements between people; rather it is the result of the way those disagreements are expressed. Most problems can be worked through by first allying with the other person, seeing their perspective, and connecting with them through this shared vision. This approach helps to soften their rigid defenses, allowing for at least the consideration of your perspective – which you can now share to hopefully good effect. As part of this shift, they might come to agree with you, or look for common ground between you. At the very least, the two of you might find a respectful understanding of your unbridgeable differences. In our example, the wife might express understanding that her husband is tired from work and an ability to relate to wanting to just put his feet up. However, she could then explain that she feels similarly tired; and his relaxing when there is so much to be done makes her feel taken for granted. She might then open up a conversation about how they can both get in some relaxation while meeting the joint responsibility of caring for their children.

Unlike in the movie, I’m not suggesting that you use deceit to accomplish your goal. In fact, if you want to maintain your friendship and emotional intimacy, then deceit is counterproductive. It’s not enough to drag someone to your desired destination. They might give lip service to what you want to hear, but in doing so, they also distance themselves from you (even if just emotionally). So, to maintain a relationship, you must reach the goal as a cooperative venture; if you are going to reach it at all… and this will often include a circuitous, rather than direct, route.

Of course, you don’t need to agree on everything in a relationship. It may be that you don’t hold the same values; and don’t aspire to the same destination. If this is the case, then you need to assess whether sharing that particular goal is essential for your relationship to continue. More often than not, this is not the case. But, if it is, then at least you can agree to go separate ways while maintaining respect and caring for each other.

http://blogs.webmd.com/art-of-relationships/2013/01/lincolns-true-north-a-guide-for-relationships.html?ecd=wnl_sxr_092813&ctr=wnl-sxr-092813_promo_3&mb=37dz9PaVSpmjqdfYp%40TOnuHnVev1imbCkGiMegP%2f4k0%3d

6 Marriage Mistakes

1. Being Too Quick to Please or annoy 
2. Not Being Clear About Expectations
3. Underestimating the Effect of Tone of Voice
4. Mismatched Communication Style
5. Not Making intimacy a Priority
6. Forgetting to Cherish your Partner

Getting What You Want in Bed

Getting What You Want in Bed

Even when everything else in the relationship is working, sexual styles aren't always compatible. You like long foreplay sessions. Your partner is ready to go in an instant. You long for wet, sensual kisses. He prefers dry, chaste pecks. "Sex is not just naturally perfect," Alman says. "There is the energy of a new relationship that is positive -- the excitement and the eagerness and the passion. And the negative is that you bump noses or knees because you just haven't learned how to dance together yet."

But even long-term couples can struggle in the bedroom. Though we can easily tell our partner what shirt we'd like him to wear, or what we'd like to cook together for dinner, we tend to get tongue-tied when it comes to the topic of sex.

"People tend to be very sensitive when it comes to talking about sex," says relationship and family therapist Rachel Sussman. "They're afraid of hurting their partner's feelings, so they don't tell them what they like or don't like. But you're not going to get it unless you ask for it."

So how do you tell your partner what you want without bruising his or her ego? "I think it's really in how you bring up the statement," Levkoff says. "'I would love it if we...' or, 'Could we try this?' You don't want to make them feel bad about what they've done or haven't done."

You can have the conversation whenever and wherever it's most comfortable for you. But before you talk, you need to know exactly what it is about your sex life that bothers you. Is it a question of technique? Personal hygiene? Timing? "Once you know what isn't working for you," Alman says, "there are things you can suggest that can mitigate those circumstances."

For example, if something about your partner's smell is turning you off, suggest taking a bath together before making love. If you crave more foreplay, ask for slower segues into sex.

Before you can tell your partner what you want him or her to do in bed, you need to know what you like. "I think especially for women, they've got to explore their own bodies," Sussman says. "You have to masturbate. Get a vibrator. Get some books. Teach yourself how to orgasm."

When It's Just Not Working

After you've tried talking and the sex still isn't working, what then?

"Experiment together," Sussman says. "Learn to get to know each other's bodies."

Try some sex aids. Read books with pictures (such as The Joy of Sex), or watch an educational video together, Alman says. Not porn, but explicit videos in which a voice-over explains what's happening in the scenes.

Sometimes, the problem is a physical one, such as premature ejaculation. Or it may be that the stress from your job is bleeding over into the bedroom and disrupting your sex life. In those cases it can help to see a sex therapist. "We unravel why you two are not getting along," Alman says. "And then we try to remedy that."

If you're still unsatisfied, is it ever OK to fake it in bed?

"If you're faking it, you're doing yourself a disservice because you're not learning what really turns you on," Sussman says. "I think eventually, it takes a toll. Your partner's going to realize that you're disconnected."

Can sex ever be bad enough to consider ending a relationship over? Possibly. "You might really love somebody and the sex is never going to be better than OK. You have to decide whether you can live with that," Alman says.  

Whenever you're considering a breakup or divorce, you need to weigh every element of the relationship and not just the sex. "You can't have everything in life," Sussman says. "If you have a wonderful relationship and you love each other and you have kids but the sex isn't great, maybe you can live with that."

Sussman says that every couple has the potential to have good sex if you’re willing to put a little effort into it. "If you're two emotionally and physically healthy people, you should be able to work with what you've got. Not everybody needs to be hanging off the chandelier," Sussman says. "You can get better. But you have to practice, and you have to be open to discussing it and getting help when you need it."

Sexual Problems in Men

Sexual Problems in Men

A sexual problem, or 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 has four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

While research suggests that sexual dysfunction is common (43% of women and 31% 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 doctor.

Sexual dysfunction can be a result of a physical or psychological problem.What Causes Sexual Problems?

• Physical causes: Many physical and/or medical conditions can cause problems with sexual function. These conditions includediabetes, heart and vascular (blood vessel) disease, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, chronic diseases such askidney or liver failure, and alcoholism and drug abuse. In addition, the side effects of certain medications, including someantidepressant drugs, can affect sexual desire and 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.

Who Is Affected by Sexual Problems?

Both men and women are affected by sexual problems. They can occur in adults of all ages. Among those commonly affected are seniors, which may be related to a decline in health associated with aging.

How Do Sexual Problems Affect Men?

The most common sexual problems in men are ejaculation disorders, erectile dysfunction, and inhibited sexual desire.

What Are Ejaculation Disorders?

There are different types of ejaculation disorders, including:

• Premature ejaculation -- This refers to ejaculation that occurs before or soon after penetration.
• Inhibited or retarded ejaculation -- This is when ejaculation is slow to occur.
• Retrograde ejaculation -- This occurs when, at orgasm, the ejaculate is forced back into the bladder rather than through the urethra and out the end of the penis.

In some cases, premature and inhibited ejaculation are caused by a lack of attraction for a partner, past traumatic events, and psychological factors, including a strict religious background that causes the person to view sex as sinful. Premature ejaculation, the most common form of sexual dysfunction in men, often is due to nervousness over how well he will perform during sex. Certain drugs, including some antidepressants, may affect ejaculation, as can nerve damage to the spinal cord or back.

Retrograde ejaculation is common in males with diabetes who suffer from diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage). This is due to problems with the nerves in the bladder and the bladder neck that allow the ejaculate to flow backward and into the bladder. In other men, retrograde ejaculation occurs after operations on the bladder neck or prostate, or after certain abdominal operations. In addition, certain medications, particularly those used to treat mood disorders, may cause problems with ejaculation. This generally does not require treatment unless it impairs fertility.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Also known as impotence or ED, erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to attain and/or maintain an erection suitable for intercourse. Causes of erectile dysfunction include diseases affecting blood flow, such as atherosclerosis(hardening of the arteries); nerve disorders; psychological factors, such as stress, depression, and performance anxiety (nervousness over his ability to sexually perform); and injury to the penis. Chronic illness, certain medications, and a condition called Peyronie's disease (scar tissue in the penis) can also cause erectile dysfunction.

What Is Inhibited Sexual Desire?

Inhibited desire, or loss of libido, refers to a decrease in desire for, or interest in sexual activity. Reduced libido can result from physical or psychological factors. It has been associated with low levels of the hormone testosterone. It also may be caused by psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression; medical illnesses, such as diabetes and high blood pressure; certain medications, including some antidepressants; and relationship difficulties.

How Are Male Sexual Problems Diagnosed?

To diagnose a man's sexual problem, the doctor likely will begin with a thorough history of symptoms. He or she may order other tests to rule out any medical problems that may be contributing to the dysfunction. The doctor may refer you to other doctors, including a urologist (a doctor specializing in the urinary tract andmale reproductive system), an endocrinologist (a doctor specializing in hormonal issues), a neurologist (a doctor specializing in disorders of the nervous system), sex therapists, and other counselors.

What Tests Are Used to Evaluate Sexual Problems?

Several tests can be used to evaluate the causes and extent of male sexual problems. They include:

• Blood tests -- These tests are done to evaluate hormone levels.
• Vascular assessment -- This involves an evaluation of the blood flow to the penis. A blockage in a blood vessel supplying blood to the penis may be contributing to erectile dysfunction.
• Sensory testing -- Particularly useful in evaluating the effects of diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage), sensory testing measures the strength of nerve impulses in a particular area of the body.
• Nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity testing -- This test is used to monitor erections that occur naturally during sleep. This test can help determine if a man's erectile problems are due to physical or psychological causes.

How Is Male Sexual Dysfunction Treated?

Many cases of male sexual dysfunction can be corrected by treating the underlying physical or psychological problems. Treatment strategies may include the following:

• Medical treatment -- This involves treatment of any physical problem that may be contributing to a man's sexual dysfunction.
• Medications -- Medications, such as Cialis, Viagra or Levitra, may help improve sexual function in men by increasing blood flow to the penis.
• Hormones -- Men with low levels of testosterone may benefit from hormone supplementation (testosterone replacement therapy).
• Psychological therapy -- Therapy with a trained counselor can help a person address feelings of anxiety, fear, or guilt that may have an impact on sexual function.
• Mechanical aids -- Aids such as vacuum devices and penile implants may help men with erectile dysfunction.
• Education and communication -- Education about sex and sexual behaviors and responses may help a man overcome his anxieties about sexual performance. Open dialogue with your partner about your needs and concerns also helps to overcome many barriers to a healthy sex life.

Can Sexual Problems Be Cured?

The success of treatment for sexual problems depends on the underlying cause. 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.

Can Sexual Problems Be Prevented?

While sexual problems cannot be prevented, dealing with the underlying causes of the dysfunction can help you better understand and cope with the problem when it occurs. There are some things you can do to help maintain good sexual function:

• Follow your doctor's treatment plan for any health conditions.
• Limit your alcohol intake.
• Quit smoking.
• Deal with any emotional or psychological issues such as stress, depression, and anxiety. Get treatment as needed.
• Increase communication with your partner.

When Should I Call My Doctor About a Sexual Problem?

Many men experience a sexual problem from time to time. However, when the problems are persistent, they can cause distress for the man and his partner, and have a negative impact on their relationship. If you consistently experience sexual function problems, see your doctor for evaluation and treatment.

http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/mens-sexual-problems?page=3