Monday, November 30, 2009

Prostate Problems

Some time back, I wrote on Prostate cancer in men but I realize that it is not the only prostate problem men suffer from. Today I’ll be focusing on various prostate problems and how they can be treated. Millions of men around the world suffer from one form of prostate problem or another. Prostate problems strike men more often in their middle ages.

Prostate gland is an organ below the bladder wrapped around urethra and is needed for ejaculation purpose. Most common prostate problems include:

  • Prostatitis – It is a prostate infection characterized by fever, pain while urination and pain in legs, back of the body. Prostatitis can be either acute or chronic.

  • Treatment option: Antibiotics
  • Enlarged Prostate or Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – It is characterized by enlargement of prostate gland but is non cancerous. Enlargement of prostate blocks urethra making it difficult to urinate. Symptoms of BPH include trouble urinating, frequent urinating, dribbling after you urinate, increased urge to urinate.

  • Treatment option: Surgery, pharmaceuticals
  • Prostate Cancer – It is most common of all prostate problems among men and is defined as the cancer of prostate. Most men remain unaware of this problem while suffering from it as often, there are no symptoms at all. Treatment to this option works only if the problem is diagnosed at early stage. So it is recommended that men over the age of 40 should get PSA test done every six months as a precautionary measure.

  • Treatment options: Surgery, Radiation therapy, Hormone therapy

Read my previous post for more information on Prostate cancer
Prostate problems can affect the functionality of the penis and contribute to erectile dysfunction and low libido. In my coming post, I would try to bring more attention and keep you updated on causes behind all prostate problems.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Sex Hormones

Understanding your hormones and your body gives precise answers to all sorts of questions on how your hormones affect your sex lives which can help you in improving the quality of life and perform well in bedroom.

Both men and women have hormones which affect sexual desires, sexual characteristics. In simple words, sex hormones affect sexual development. Few examples of sex hormones include testosterone, estrogen, androgen and progesterone. These hormones affect growth of sexual organs including other sex characteristics. Sex hormones are estrogens and progesterone (for women) and androgen (for men).

Both classes of male and female hormones are present in men and women, both but differ in amounts. For example, hormone testosterone (an androgen) is produced by men in larger amount than women and female hormone estrogens are present in larger amount in women as compared to men.

Estrogens and progesterone in women have both reproductive (breasts, pregnancy) as well as non reproductive effects. On the other hand, deficiency of testosterone in men can cause erectile dysfunction and reduces sexual desire in both sexes. Several different types of tests are used to evaluate the different sex hormones to help diagnose problems or disorders, if any.

But it is very important to know that sex hormones are not the only factors to determine about sexual well being. You should visit doctor to know more about how these hormones level affect your sexual as well as general health.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Priligy Dapoxetine – Pill against Premature Ejaculation

Being a man, there is always a pressure to get it up, keep it up and finish it at right time. Though Viagra did great wonders for people finding difficult to get it up and still continues to achieve milestones as erectile dysfunction treatment, Priligy is here to help you get there at right time. Priligy Dapoxetine helps men to prolong their ejaculation during sex leading to a satisfying sexual experience.

Development of Priligy as a treatment for premature ejaculation is very interesting. Initially Priligy was developed by Eli Lilly as antidepressant but failed to be effective. Later, it was acquired by J&J and developed as first pill for the treatment of premature ejaculation.

During clinical trials, Priligy (Dapoxetine) has been considered as safe and effective treatment to premature ejaculation providing man more control over the time he takes to ejaculate during a sexual intercourse.

Since its approval, there has been huge demand for Priligy among men suffering from PE but Priligy is available only on a prescription from any medical doctor or your GP. You can’t get this drug over the counter of a local pharmacy without a valid prescription from a doctor.

Another way to check your suitability for Priligy is through an online consultation any licensed online clinic which can save your time, energy and money. However, it can’t replace face-to-face consultation with a doctor or your GP.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

How is Male Sexual Dysfunction diagnosed?

Sexual dysfunction is a problem that can happen during any phase (excitement, arousal, orgasm, resolution) of sexual response cycle. Treatment for any kind of sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, inhibited sexual desire etc.) requires proper diagnosis of the problem.

During clinical examination, doctor will need detailed explanation about history of sexual dysfunction, risk factors and might prescribe few tests to rule out any medical problem contributing to sexual dysfunction problem. Diagnosis process is done on the basis of detailed medical history of sexual dysfunction and associated risk factors. Doctor might refer you to other healthcare professionals like urologist (specializing in reproductive system), endocrinologist (for glandular disorders), sex therapists and other doctors.

Also, there are few tests conducted to help diagnosis process:

  • Blood tests to determine hormone levels.
  • The sex hormone tests to determine if secretion of these hormones is normal. Several different types of tests are used to evaluate the different sex hormones to help diagnose problems or disorders.
  • Test to determine blood flow to the penis to determine if there is any blockage in blood vessels. This test is known as vascular assessment.
  • Testing testosterone levels to determine infertility in male and male sex characteristics.
  • Sensory testing to measure the strength of nerve impulses in a particular area of the body.
  • Test to determine if a man’s erectile problems are due to physical or psychological causes. This test is known as Nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity testing.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Viagra vs. Cialis vs. Levitra – Which is the right anti-impotence drug for you?

Ever since it was introduced in 1998, Viagra has captured a large slice of the global sales pie for anti-impotence drugs. However, with the expiry of Viagra patents, two other impotence treatment drugs, Levitra and Cialis, have entered the market. All three have proved to be effective and popular, so it is only natural to be confused about which one will suit you best. However, each drug is equipped with specific attributes that you need to understand before making up your mind.

Viagra, Levitra and Cialis belong to a family of drugs that work as PDE-5 inhibitors. A number of clinical trials have proved that all three are effective in 60-70 % of cases of erectile dysfunction (ED). Sexual stimulation is a must for activating all three drugs. All of them are inexpensive and readily available at any pharmacy.

Viagra has a definite head start over the rest since it was the first anti-impotence drug to enter the market. The only thing that goes against Viagra is that it needs to be taken on an empty stomach for maximum absorption. Besides, the effects of Viagra wane every four hours. Adverse effects may include upset stomach, mild headaches, facial flushing and vision problems.

Levitra was the second anti-impotence drug to enter the market. Due to a slight difference in the chemical compound that forms Levitra, it has been proved to be more successful in treating severe cases of ED. The effects of Levitra are apparent in about 30-45 minutes and, unlike Viagra, food intake does not reduce its effects. Levitra is supposed to be more potent, effective and longer-lasting than Viagra. Its negative effects include flushing, headaches and runny or stuffy nose.

Cialis, the latest male impotence drug to be approved, is effective for 36 hours approximately. It remains unaffected by food or drink intake and produces peak results in less than 30 minutes. Adverse effects may include upset stomach, headaches, muscle and back aches.

You can choose the right drug by consulting your medical practitioner for more detailed information. Your personal needs and preferences will also determine which drug will work best for you.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Sexual Orgasmic Disorder

Sexual Orgasmic Disorder is the delay or absence of orgasm following a normal sexual excitement phase. Both women and men can suffer from this type of disorder.

  1. Female Orgasmic Disorder. Female orgasmic disorder occurs when there is a significant delay or absence of orgasm associated with the sexual activity. This disorder can only be diagnosed with help of a doctor according to her age, sexual experiences, and level of sexual stimulation.
  2. Male Orgasmic Disorder. Male orgasmic disorder is characterized by significant delay or absence of orgasm following sexual activity. It is checked by taking into account the person’s age, intensity, and duration.

Orgasmic disorders are less for men than women. There are various possible treatments to overcome such disorder.
  1. Discuss the problem with sex therapists to obtain helpful information.
  2. Treatment through education.
  3. Be open and discuss with partner to overcome performance anxiety.
  4. Improve relationship for marital difficulties.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Erectile Dysfunction: Penile Prosthesis

It is a medical device that is surgically implanted in the penis to make it erect. Penile prosthesis is another treatment option for men suffering from erectile dysfunction which provides artificial support for the penis. Device can be malleable (Malleable rods implanted within erection chambers of the penis) where penis is always semi rigid or it can be inflatable (allows men to have erection at time he chooses to). Inflatable method of penile prosthesis looks more natural. Inflatable device can be either three piece or two piece inflatable device.

Satisfaction rate with prosthesis is quite high, around 80-85% but with penile prosthesis, natural erections can get affected or even destroyed.

Complications with penile prosthesis
Like any other surgery, penile prosthesis is not complications free. Few of them include:

  1. Infection is most troublesome complication that can happen. A typical sign of infection is persistent, unchanging, or even increasing pain.
  2. Erosion – It happens when oversized cylinders are used and tissues around implant break down. It might require removal of the device.
  3. Mechanical failure of the device may lead to breakage of the implanted device. It would require replacing broken device with new penile prosthesis.
  4. Uncontrollable bleeding after surgery. It leads to re operating implant.