Men’s Clinic Finds Link Between ED And Blood Pressure Meds, Offers Alternatives

2014-09-29

The Carolina Men’s Clinic staff sees erectile dysfunction (ED) cases daily. Because of this, Dr. Hansen and his crew have a deep understanding of the condition and what might be causing it. Medication as a cause of ED has become a preoccupation of the organization. The clinic’s Matt Gillogy told WKRG News, “Erectile dysfunction often has a psychological component, but in the case of high blood pressure medications and their side effects, the root of the problem is entirely chemical.” So how does the clinic help? Gillogy says, “We offer solutions that allow men to keep taking their prescribed medications while also recapturing some of their lost masculinity. No referral is needed, and our team respects the privacy of all patients.” Being unable to get enough blood to the extremities, including the penis, is one of the big causes of erectile dysfunction. Men age 50 and above often deal with high blood pressure. “High blood pressure and its consequences are something we see every day at the Carolina Men’s Clinic,” Gillogy says. “Men don’t realize that a pill they’re taking to treat one condition may be exacerbating another one.”

Gillogy says that taking high blood pressure medication itself may sap a man’s confidence and in this way undermine his bedroom performance. There is usually a mechanical reason at work however. But each medication affects the body differently. Beta blockers for instance are a typical treatment for hypertension. The way these medicines cause ED is that they block the signals to the brain that ask it to initiate an erection. Those who take beta blockers are also often deficient in the mineral zinc, which is critical in the production of testosterone. Those who take a water pill, also known as a diuretic, decrease blood flow in the body, including to the penis. Some men who experience ED do anything they can to alleviate the symptoms. Others clam up and go into denial. Some men scour the internet for online pharmacies and purchase unregulated alternative supplements. Gillogy warns against these, as they may have dire consequences to your health. Lots of men wait and see if the issue will improve on its own. Clinicians warn however that serious health issues can underlie the problem. It is a medical issue so it is important to see a physician right away if you are experiencing ED.

Getting To Know The Penis

You’ve had it all your life and it’s given you hours upon hours of pleasure. But besides human anatomy 101, what do you really know about your penis? For instance, can you break your penis? The answer may surprise you. You can break it, even though it contains no bones. An erection is caused by chambers in the male member filling with blood. How it happens then is if you end up bending it too far forward or pushing it too far you can risk tearing one or more of those chambers. It can also happen during intercourse should you slip out and be crushed against your partner. This experience can be quite painful. You may even hear a popping sound. The penis will be bruised and swollen afterward. Treatment may require surgery. Here are some other interesting facts you run into when getting to know the penis. The age when erection first occurs is generally under one year of age. Babies can even have them in the womb, viewed under ultrasound. Any stimulation can cause them. They aren’t sexual. Even a diaper change can make it happen. What do you do if you have an erection that lasts longer than four hours? You physician may suggest getting up and climbing the stairs. The reason is exercise such as this can pull blood away from the penis and get the erection to go down.

Have you ever noticed what appear to be little bumps, like goose bumps running down the shaft? Some guys get nervous about these. The truth is they are quite normal. They are usually either ingrown hairs or acne. Little rings may inhabit the head of the penis as well. These are called pearly penile papules. If new bumps form below the skin’s surface or something begins to ooze, bleed or hurt see a doctor right away. Many guys, especially after watching porn with the humongous trunks those guys have feel inadequate about their size. But most guys don’t have a clue what the average size even is. Five to seven inches is the average. A lot of this too has to do with point of view. It looks bigger to a partner than to you. Since you’re looking down and there’s an angle there is sort of an optical illusion at play from your perspective. It’s normal to feel a slight concern. But some guys get obsessed. Enter a psychological condition called penile dysmorphic disorder. This is when a normal sized guy is obsessed with the feeling that he doesn’t measure up. This condition is quite similar to those suffering from anorexia and think that no matter what they just aren’t thin enough. Lastly, there is an old saying that the size of a man’s feet, hands, or other body parts correspond to his penis size. This is unduly false. There is no correlation.

What is killing your Sex Drive?

2014-09-26

Lots of men find, at some point in life, that they experience a slump in libido. Guys at this time often go out to a clinic and get testosterone supplements. But a lack of testosterone might not be the real reason behind the problem. In fact, there are a ton of things a lack in sex drive may stem from. The whole prospect can be embarrassing. But it pays to separate your ego, if you can, and find out the real reason. Take a look at these possible causes and see which one may be affecting you. One such problem is erectile dysfunction. A lot of men are in denial about this. Of course, every man encounters such an issue once in a long while. But if it is happening more often than not, it is time to seek out a physician. The penis is considered the dipstick of a man’s health. So ED could mean that you possess a serious and even potentially life-threatening condition. Lots of guys do not like to discuss the problem with their doctor or partner, but it is better than the alternative, the end of one’s relationship and even perhaps, one’s life.

Manopause or significantly low testosterone could be at fault. A man’s level drops slowly throughout his adulthood. But those who have a clinically low level may need a supplement. The best way to find out is to see a licensed physician. Mood disorders can crush your libido like fingers snuffing out a candle. Depression is a serious issue affecting way more men than many first assume. One in ten adults in the U.S. suffer from depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Some medical experts say that men on testosterone should really be treated for depression. If you have already been diagnosed with depression, know that antidepressants can also snuff out your libido. Talk to your psychiatrist. A simple dosage change may be all that is needed. A lack of sleep can foul your mood and kill your libido. Make sure to get enough. Parenting, often overlooked, can affect every aspect of your life, including your sex life. A new baby for instance, can consume all of your free time. Try and work in a little alone time if you can, even if it is just a quickie.Lastly, relationship problems can get in the way. Find ways to bridge the gap, have some fun, and reminisce together. It should get the old juices flowing again, and help you two reconnect.

Are You Sexually Normal?

We all have a good idea of what deviant behavior looks like. But have you ever wondered if you are sexually normal? We often wonder how often other people have sex and what kind of things they are up to in the bedroom. Though it may feel wrong, it’s actually perfectly natural to have these thoughts. Most people from time to time wonder about the sex lives of others and where they themselves fit in, in terms of adhering to sexual norms. It’s important to note that sexuality is an ever changing thing. People’s tastes change over time. The types of activities they take part in too may change due to changes in taste, partner, preference, physical ability and many other reasons. Not only does the individual change, but society’s attitudes toward sexuality change over time as well. For instance, talking openly about sex is much more acceptable today than in the past. That said there are still things that are taboo. Scientists have conducted studies to find out what is considered normal behavior and what isn’t. It’s important to keep in mind however not to get too wrapped up in what normal is because there is no hard and fast definition. It always changes. Moreover, some things are just a matter of taste.

How often do people normally have sex? The National Opinion Research Center found that for 18 to 29 year olds sex 84 times per year is average. For those in their 40’s frequency is 63 times a year. For those 70 and up it’s 10 times annually. Most young to middle-aged couples report a frequency of twice per week. An AARP study found that for Americans over age 45, sexuality is an integral aspect of their lives. 50% of participants reported having it at least once per week. Americans between the ages of 14 and 94 have an impressive sexual repertoire, according to The National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior (NSSHB). Most sessions don’t comprise of merely one sex act. Oral sex or mutual masturbation is often accompanied by intercourse. Vaginal sex is the most common item on the menu. Still, the survey found that over 40 combinations, including different acts and positions, were reportedly taken part in by participants at some point in their history.

Lose An Erection During Masturbation?

2014-09-22

Have you ever lost an erection during masturbation? It could be a sign of cardiovascular disease, according to a recent Italian study. This research published in the journal of the International Society for Sexual Medicine found that out of 2,500 participants, 45% failed to remain erect during a masturbatory session. After examining these men, University of Florence researchers found that those who experienced the problem were at higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease. They also had a lower libido and fewer erections in their sleep. So when should a man begin to address the issue? The most common cause is a lack of interest. You may just not be in the mood. But if this becomes a common occurrence you should see a doctor or urologist. Erectile dysfunction can happen with one’s self or one’s partner. Of course every man experiences it once in a blue moon. But when it becomes a common occurrence is when it is a cause for concern.

Giulia Rastrelli, M.D. was the lead author of this study. He says that it is important to evaluate the quality of one’s erection. Of course, as a man ages, an erection may not be as rock hard as it once was. But if something seems not quite right it’s important to bring it up with your doctor. Lifestyle choices are to be considered in terms of erectile dysfunction. An Emory University study found that those who exercised regularly cut their chances of developing ED by 50%. Lots of men are embarrassed to discuss the issue with a physician. However, ED can affect your self-esteem and your relationship. Moreover, a serious health issue may be the root cause of ED. Notice if it occurs due to any changes in medication, if you have had a mood disorder lately such as depression or a lot of stress. These can also cause ED. Most people think of ED as a problem a man has with his partner. But what we never think about is when it happens with one’s self. However, ignoring the issue can be just as negligent to one’s own health.

Personal Activity Tracker for the Male Member

2014-09-16

Personal activity trackers are all over the fitness world today. Computer technology has exploded over recent years. These devices help track your progress day-to-day and week-to-week to help you stay on top of your fitness goals. Most of the things on the market today are supped up pedometers. Today, these devices are linked up to an app or a website account and can show metrics such as blood pressure, calorie consumption, sleep patterns, heart rate and more. Fitbit is one of the most popular, but Samsung, Nordic track and many other companies have their own version. But this trend hasn’t stopped at fitness. A device has popped up for bedroom rather than running track use. Instead of your legs, it records the activity of a different body region. That’s right, a personal activity tracker for the male member. U.K. company Bondara created “SexFit,” a device that not only records but increases your pleasure. It looks very much like a vibrating ring. Durex and other companies sell them in pharmacies. It has a loop that fits over the penis. You push it down to the edge of the shaft. During intercourse, the vibrations stimulate both parties.

But SexFit doesn’t only offer pleasure. It has Bluetooth connectivity and built in WiFi. It connects to a free smart phone app that lets you know how many calories you’ve burned during your session and how many thrusts per minute you’ve initiated. It even has performance indicator lights. According to the press release, “Much like other similar fitness tracker innovations, the SexFit allows the most dedicated users to share and compare their favourite sessions and impressive individual milestones with their peers on social media.” It’s wondered how many men will feel comfortable sharing that information on social media, and what’s more how many partners will allow them to, or continue to see them once they have. Louise Bagley, a sex toy buyer for Bondara, said in the company’s release, “Historically, sex toys have always evolved with technology. Our device is a natural next step alongside the influx of personal health trackers and with the added benefit of improving an individual’s sex life. We expect it to be a huge hit.” One has to wonder however if this will enhance the bedroom experience, or if a competition will arise with virile males or competing couples trying to out-do one another. What’s more, this device could usher in a whole new generation of males with performance anxiety, legions of men secretly worried not only that their member isn’t sufficient but that their stats don’t measure up to those of their friends.