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Vascular Reconstructive Surgery For ED

Vascular Reconstructive Surgery For ED

2014-09-09

It used to be that implants were the go-to procedure for erectile dysfunction. Today, for erectile dysfunction, nonsurgical options are always attempted before surgical ones. But when these options don’t work, there are a few surgical options to choose from. The first is surgical implants. These can be semi-rigid rods, inflatable implants or vascular reconstructive surgery for ED. With the rods, you always have an erection. It can be difficult to conceal. It can be painful and do damage to the skin. It may injure the erection bodies. And if the implantation is not successful, it can get in the way of other treatments. There is also the risk of infection. With inflatable implants the downsides are that they are expensive, they are the most likely method to fail, it can injure the erection bodies or alter them permanently, and it can also impede other treatments if it is not successful. For these reasons some patients opt for the third option, vascular reconstructive surgery for ED. This is reconstructing the blood vessels within the penis. The object is to increase blood flow in order to help a man create and sustain an erection.

Another way it is done is by blocking the veins in the penis. When blood can’t leave the penis, a man can create and sustain an erection. It’s important that no matter what type of surgery you go for, that you discuss your options in depth with your physician or urologist. Be sure to do some research on the internet or in your local library. Talk it over with your partner or loved one before you make your decision. Have a good grasp on the advantages and disadvantages of each one. What’s more, make sure your physician has a good reputation and has performed the surgery many times before undergoing it. The advantages to this type of surgery include not having any implant, having a natural look and a natural erection. If this type of surgery isn’t successful it won’t impede other types of treatment. One drawback is that not many men are good candidates for this type of surgery. You also must undergo extensive testing before the surgery can be performed. There aren’t many medical centers who have experience with this surgery. So you’ll have to do a lot of research and perhaps even travel to the nearest one in order to receive the best care. Though it can be effective, it only lasts for two years, or even less. The price tag is worrisome as well. There are other side effects including numbness, shortening of the penis, risk of infection, painful erections and a distortion of the penis. Talk to your doctor or urologist about this surgery if you are interested in it. See if you might be a good candidate.

Inside the Mind of a Sex Addict

Inside the Mind of a Sex Addict

2014-09-04

Sex is unavoidably apparent in American society; it’s on our televisions, in our advertisements and the subject of frequent research and speculation. On Friday, July 11 2014, Health Day News released the results of a new study on sex addicts. Sex addiction, or compulsive sexual behavior, has been shown to affect approximately 1 in every 25 adults. Author Dr. Valerie Voon, of the University of Cambridge in England, did a comparative analysis on the brain activity of 19 diagnosed men versus a control group of 19 men without the disorder watching pornography. Her study looked at three parts of the brain; the ventral striatum, dorsal anterior cingulate and amygdala. All of which are involved in motivation, drug addiction and satisfaction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (Drugabuse.gov) defines addiction as a chronic, relapsing brain disease identifiable by compulsive drug seeking and use, with complete disregard of consequences. They consider it a disease because drugs change brain structure and function. These changes can be long lasting, devastating and lead to many harmful, often self-destructive, behaviors. Addiction is also problematic because it can cause withdrawal sickness; disruptive, seizure-like tantrums, and fevers among many other symptoms. What Valarie discovered was comparable. When watching anything pornographic, the men with compulsive sexual behavior showed similar activity in the three brain regions discussed earlier to drug addicts. Both groups were also shown sports footage, which elicited a much different result; none of which could be tied to addiction. It’s also worth mentioning that the men defined as sex addicts started watching pornography at a much younger age then those of the other half of this study. Additionally, they watch a greater volume at a higher frequency.

“The patients in our trial were all people who had substantial difficulties controlling their sexual behavior and this was having significant consequences for them, affecting their lives and relationships. In many ways, they show similarities in their behavior to patients with drug addictions,” said Voon. “We wanted to see if these similarities were reflected in brain activity, too.” She continued, “Whilst these findings are interesting, it’s important to note, however, that they could not be used to diagnose the condition. Nor does our research necessarily provide evidence that these individuals are addicted to porn or that porn is inherently addictive. Much more research is required to understand this relationship between compulsive sexual behavior and drug addiction.”

Regardless, understanding the brain activity of a sex addict can lead to the advancement of therapeutic treatment. Anyone diagnosed with compulsive sexual behavior is not just a pervert; they have a clinically recognized problem that is harmful to their life. These are people that need help. Voon’s research is a step in the right direction and hopefully after more research, those with compulsive sexual behavior can lead better lives.

Do Male Enhancements Work?

Do Male Enhancements Work?

There are lots of male enhancements out there from ointments to pills, devices to supplements. Some say they enhance libido, others bedroom proficiency and stamina, and still others claim to elongate the penis. Men are insecure about their size and sexual performance. But do male enhancements work? Some could be effective while others could be dangerous to your health. One system that some medical sources have given a nod to, though it hasn’t been tested extensively is the FastSize Extender. This acceptance by many in the medical community is actually a rare occurrence. Most male enhancement systems don’t work and there are those that are even hazardous. Medical experts believe that instead of turning to gimmicks in magazines why not discuss the issue with your doctor? Though it can initially feel embarrassing, your physician is there to help and will give you expert analysis and information. What’s more, sexual issues can sometimes be early warning signs to serious health issues.  So sharing this information with your physician can actually help stave off or mitigate a more serious problem. Erectile dysfunction for instance can be a warning sign for cardiovascular disease. But catching it early can not only reverse the problem, it could even save your life.male_enhancement_pills

Besides the FastSize Extender, there is penis –lengthening surgery. This procedure however is controversial. The most common form which cuts the ligament supporting the penis is not recommended by The American Urological Association as it hasn’t been proven to be safe or effective. There is another surgery which injects fat cells into the penis in order to increase its girth. But this procedure isn’t backed by the AUA either. In fact many physicians think the risks outweigh the benefits. One study conducted in 2006 found that only 35% of men were satisfied with penis elongating surgery. Most only gained about half an inch. What physicians say is that these men have unrealistic expectations. They should seek counseling for this over-preoccupation with penis size. Though many herbal supplements are on the market today, most have not been tested by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. In terms of size, it’s important to note that one study has shown 85% of women are satisfied with the size of their partner. Somehow this doesn’t jive with the 45% of men who want a bigger penis. Since most men are between 5.5 inches and 6.2 inches, the vast majority are average. What’s more, most of the nerves in the vagina are near the surface, so most men carry the right equipment to satisfy their partner. It is how they use that equipment that really matters.

Circumcision Reduces HIV Transmission for Both Partners

Circumcision Reduces HIV Transmission for Both Partners

Researchers found out not too long ago that circumcision helps prevent men from contracting HIV. But the recently held AIDS conference found that it helps prevent transmission to women as well. The findings were presented at the conference in Melbourne. The study that uncovered this was conducted on an orange farm in South Africa. Circumcision wasn’t an indigenous part of the culture there. Women who had intercourse with men who were circumcised contracted HIV at half the rate, 18% compared to those who were uncircumcised. This new information, that circumcision reduces the transmission of HIV for both partners, is generating a program in the country to circumcise men and hopefully stem the epidemic which has ravaged the entire continent. The idea is that the foreskin contains a whole host of microbes which is a friendly environment to the AIDS virus. The foreskin itself can become a satchel then to deliver the virus to the woman and hide it so that it can creep inside the man. What’s more, the mucus layer protecting the glands from infection is thinner in those who are circumcised versus those who aren’t.  Though it is a tradition in some cultures, it isn’t in others, though with this news that might be changing.

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The scientists who are helping to roll out a circumcision program in South Africa were at first worried that the local population would not respond to it. They showed them that men who were circumcised had a lower infection rate than their uncircumcised counterparts. They also showed that in countries where circumcision was the norm, a lower prevalence of the disease existed. Three trials to date have been conducted all with the same conclusion; circumcision cuts the rate of HIV infection. The program included men and women in the community. With lots of communication, soon many circumcisions were being performed. The best way to prevent HIV/AIDS is limiting one’s number of partners and using condoms. Make sure to use them correctly or else protection can be decreased. For those in at-risk populations there is also a medication available called Truvada. It is also known as PrEP. When taken correctly it is highly effective against the contraction of HIV. The CDC recommends every adult get an HIV test at least once in their life. Those who are at-risk should have a test conducted at least once every six months. Most people who contract HIV have flu-like symptoms a week or two after transmission. Many however have no symptoms at all.

How good is Sex for Men?

How good is Sex for Men?

2014-09-01

Sexual health is a big concern for many men that is seldom spoken about. Prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction and contracting a STD are all problems that carry an embarrassing social stigma. Recent studies have found some very interesting information; sex, besides being extremely satisfying, is also good for prostate health.

Ejaculation has been proven to reduce stress and help a man’s immune system. This in turn assists in preventing cancer. Sex itself is good for cardiovascular health, which will not only help someone’s entire body but prevents erectile dysfunction. Lack of sexual activity can also be problematic for males. This can cause shortening of the penile tissue, and like previously mentioned, erectile dysfunction. On top of that, it can affect a man’s psychological health which may leak into a relationship, generating tension.

It is not suggested for anyone to have as much sex as time will allow. On the contrary, that puts you at a higher risk for contracting STDs or Prostatitis (a painful bacterial infection). Examiner.com states “men between the ages of 20 to 30 were at a higher risk of developing prostate problems when they experienced an ejaculation more than 20 times a month” while “Men who were over the age of 40 experienced none of the risk associated with prostate problems and masturbation, and simply were at a lower risk.”

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There are many things that modern medical science must look into before any of this information can be completely validated. The study does show a correlation between prostate cancers and testosterone levels, though research is still debating the effect. What is known is that sexual activity is good for men’s health, but many things must be taken into consideration. First, use protection, especially if you’re having sex with a new partner and are unaware of their STD status. Limiting your partners will greatly reduce risks. Second, try to find a balance; too much sex can increase your chance to develop prostate cancer while too little is just as bad and may cause other complications. Sex is fun and something two people can enjoy together. Even masturbation can help you relax, or deter cancer. Just don’t overdo it. The key to a healthy life is a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

Fertility Boosting Foods

Fertility Boosting Foods

2014-08-29

Some couples get pregnant easy, but for others it’s much harder. For men oftentimes the problem is a low sperm count. For women, it can be a blocked fallopian tube. This can be countered by insemination or in vitro fertilization.  For some couples struggling with fertility problems, the issue may not be so cut and dry.  Reproductive endocrinologist at the Montefiore Medical Center’s Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Health Staci Pollack, MD says, “Often, problems are subclinical — meaning we know something is wrong, it’s just not showing up on the radar.” Standard treatments often do help these couples. But there are a number of low cost things one can do to boost their fertility, eating certain foods for example. Be sure to see your doctor however and get a full fertility workup. There may be causes that your doctor should know about. Also, your physician is a good source of lifestyle changes such as getting enough sleep, exercise, losing weight and many other things that can boost your fertility. Your primary care physician may need to refer you to a urologist or fertility expert. Take note that the American Society for Reproductive Medicine says if you try for 12 months with no results seek out a fertility specialist.

fertility

For men it’s all about boosting your sperm count, and you will want to eat foods that do that. Make sure to eat lots of foods that are full of vitamin C, and all the other antioxidants. This will help with sperm motility and help avoid defects. Motility is the sperm’s ability to swim vigorously for long periods, which it will need to do to reach the egg. Oranges and other citrus fruits, orange juice, tomatoes, pineapples and many other foods are full of vitamin C. A lack of zinc can lead to infertility. Oysters, beef, dark meat chicken or baked beans can give you what you need. Folic Acid is another important nutrient for sperm production. Legumes, oranges, fortified breakfast cereals, and leafy green vegetables will give you this essential B vitamin. What’s more, a supplement may be recommended. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Taking a multivitamin everyday may be the trick to getting all the nutrients you need to get things moving. The jury is still out as to whether caffeine affects sperm production or not. Men who are trying to conceive should steer clear of alcohol, having only one to two drinks per day as alcohol can negatively affect your sperm count. As for performance, one study found that watermelon was just as potent as Viagra.

How your Underwear can lift your Sperm Count

How your Underwear can lift your Sperm Count

50% of couples with fertility problems find the cause is a low sperm count. But simple changes, even what type of underwear you wear can lift or decrease your sperm count. The reason the testicles hang away from the body is that sperm production occurs at a few degrees lower than body temperature. In fact the scrotum does temperature control to make sure sperm production can be at its maximum, lifting the testes when it’s cold and lowering them when it’s hot.When a man wears briefs it brings the testicles far too close to the body, making them warmer. Though providing a secure feeling this is not the optimal temperature for sperm production.  Director of clinical maternal-fetal medicine at the New York Hospital-Cornell Weill Medical College Amos Grunebaum, MD reminds us that it takes 10 to 11 weeks for a full cycle of sperm production to occur. Grunebaum told WebMD, “You can’t just wear boxer shorts the night before romantic date, and expect it to work. Anything you do that damages sperm will affect them for the next 10 to 11 weeks.” Women for a long time have been cognizant of their lifestyle and how it affects their reproductive system. But when it’s time to conceive, a man has to step up and do what he can to contribute to the process. Changing the type of underwear you wear may be one simple step in the right direction.

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So get rid of the jockeys, the boxer briefs and the regular briefs. It’s boxers for you from now on. What’s more avoid skinny jeans or really any type of tight pants. Wear looser pants. The scrotum is its own temperature control mechanism and it’s pretty good at it. Just give it the room it needs to do its thing. If you are committed to boxers, you can’t wear tight pants anyway. It’s especially important not to wear tight pants while you exercise, as when the body gets overheated your sperm production is down to a sloth’s pace. If you like the sauna or the hot tub, that’s all well and good. But stay away from them if you and your lady are trying to conceive. Grunebaum said that when you are home, you should take your pants off. “It will not only help reduce testes temperature, but it might also turn her on.” If you are worried about your sperm count, get it tested. It may feel like a slight if it comes back negative, but it isn’t. It’s just like any other medical situation. There are lots of reasons and options. A change in lifestyle can help tremendously as well. Grunebaum said, “The first test I suggest is a sperm count. It’s a simple test, cheap, it doesn’t involve anything invasive, plus, it’s the only test I know that guarantees an orgasm.”

At What Age do Guys Have the Best Sex?

At What Age do Guys Have the Best Sex?

2014-08-28

It’s a question that’s been asked for a long time from a lot of different men. Some say it happens in the late teen years, others when a man in financially secure but right before he gets married. But what does science say? At what age do most guys have the best sex? According to recent research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine men generally get it the most between the ages of 25 and 29. Men in their late 20’s on average have sex three times a week. After 50 years of age the amount of sex the average man receives drops off, averaging 1.22 times per week. But that doesn’t mean the best quality sex is behind you. In fact, your sex life can be robust up into the golden years. Urologist J. Stephen Jones, M.D., F.A.C.S., at the Cleveland Clinic says that the strength of a man’s relationship, physical and mental health are far larger determining factors than how many years a man has under his belt. A stale relationship, higher stress, and physical ailments are often what get in the way. To ensure a good sex life at any stage in life follow this advice.

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The first thing to ensure is penile health, and that is generally the same as staying heart healthy. Exercise, eat right and limit alcohol intake. If you do smoke, quit. Also, maintain a healthy bodyweight. European Journal of Endocrinology published a study in 2011 that found the more abdominal fat a man carried, the higher his chances of developing erectile dysfunction (ED). According to Dr. Jones, “And if you want to ensure sexual dysfunction early in life, smoking is the way to do it.” Healthy sexual function is all about blood-flow and testosterone levels. Making sure you live a heart-healthy lifestyle will keep you fit but also keep your sexual health in tiptop shape. As a man ages his equipment changes. It is not something to freak out about. But he may not wake up with a morning erection like he used to. It may take longer to get erect. It may not be as hard as it used to be and it may take more time after orgasm to be ready to go again, what is called the refractory period. Instead of focusing on how things have changed, incorporate more foreplay and more digital and oral play before moving on to the main event. Make it not a means to an end but an enjoyable time to be had together. Another problem is lack of sexual confidence. Talk about this with your partner, your doctor, or if it is significant perhaps a therapist.

A No-Scalpel Vasectomy Coming Soon

A No-Scalpel Vasectomy Coming Soon

Some couples decide they don’t want a family. Others have had enough children. Whatever your reason there are two solutions, either effectively using a form of birth control or one of you undergoing a sterilization operation. Implants, IUDs and the pill all have risks. Many men and some women don’t really like condoms. So an operation may be a good option. The issue now is someone has to undergo surgery. Usually in America it is the woman who does so. Sterilization procedures are done 2.5 times more to women than to men. But having the tubes tied is more risky and expensive. Luckily, today we have no-scalpel vasectomies, making the operation a whole lot easier.  Still, experts wonder if more men will opt for this surgery. Nathaniel M. Fried, PhD interviewed by WebMD said, “With the current incisionless approach, one still has to make a puncture in the skin,” Assistant professor of urology at Johns Hopkins University Nathaniel M. Fried, PhD tells WebMD “We are trying to take things one step further. We want to completely avoid bleeding and scrotal pain.” Though it’s not a procedure which is available yet, animal studies are currently being conducted. A company has also stepped in with a desire to see human studies in the near future.

No-Scalpel

A vasectomy performed today is when the vas deferens, a tube running from the testicles and into the semen, is snipped and either tied off or cauterized.This blocks the sperm from entering the semen. There are two tubes which must be snipped. Semen production and sexual functioning carry on as normal. The no-scalpel method Fried is developing uses a water balloon with chilled water running through it over the skin in order to cool it. Next a clamp is used to hold the vas deferens steady. Ultrasound waves are then applied to the sperm delivering tube. Fried says, “The idea is to heat up or cook the vas. It immediately cooks the tissue so that the vas closes. Then healing of the tissue creates scar tissue that further blocks the vas.” A regular vasectomy is usually a same-day procedure. There may be a little pain, bleeding, swelling and tenderness. But a man can take a weekend to recuperate and go back to work Monday. What’s more, he can take part in physical activity a week after surgery. For most men it’s the fear of the unknown, and the fear of pain that inhibits their desire for a vasectomy. But take the negative side effects out of the equation and a lot more guys may have this procedure done.

Technology Changing Masturbation

Technology Changing Masturbation

2014-08-25

It used to be that masturbation was thought to be a shameful practice. Today, it’s generally thought of as a normal, natural act when participated in privately. Scientists have found that the practice doesn’t just occur in humans but across many species. Other species stimulate themselves too for the purposes of personal pleasure.  Another find on the anthropological front, there is evidence that masturbation took place in the earliest of civilizations. Though it was once thought of in a negative light, psychologists today see masturbation as a healthy, safe practice; a big change over the course of a few decades.  Masturbation is here to stay. Yet the future may see a hands off approach to the act of a different kind than we’ve encountered in the past. Today technology is changing masturbation in interesting and perplexing ways. Technology is changing the act right before our very eyes. Today, it seems that there are lots of hands off technological aids on the market. For instance there is the Fleshlight, a flashlight sort of device with a vagina attached. It can be mounted on a shower wall or another wall giving the user a more natural experience and seemingly taking one’s self completely out of the equation.

man-hands-computer-and-mouse

Today there are many other such hands-free devices, some which are even motorized with speed controls. In fact, one doesn’t have to do much of anything besides insert one’s self. The device takes one to orgasm all by itself. Another interesting option is the Real Touch Interactive. This hands-free device is not only hands-free, it is connected to a screen which depicts adult movies so that a male user can experience for himself what is happening in the film. Today, many men still have anxiety when it comes to masturbation. Though some believe these devices can be liberating, some psychologists wonder if in fact they will lead to more elevated forms of worry and consternation. Certainly technology in all realms is seeing meteoric growth like never before. One of the most interesting is a statement from a recent study out of the Pew Research Center, entitled, U.S. Views of Technology and the Future: Science in the Next 50 Years, saying the American public anticipates that the coming half-century will be a period of profound scientific change, as inventions that were once confined to the realm of science fiction come into common usage…overall, most Americans anticipate that the technological developments of the coming half-century will have a net positive impact on society.” Though the report did not focus specifically on masturbation and sex, one wonders what the next breakthroughs in these areas will be and how they will change masturbation and human sexuality