One out of every five men over the age of 40 has tried ED drugs, with 48 percent experiencing at least one side effect.
Sexual Feelings: Erectile Dysfunction
By Brad King, M.S., MFS
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough to begin or complete sexual intercourse. ED was once thought of as a disorder that only affected the so-called older population (over 60); however newer accounts indicate that almost 50 percent of men over age 40 suffer from ED at one time or another.
Why aren’t we more aware of such numbers?
Well, when was the last time you heard a man confiding in others about his lack of sexual prowess?
ED along with other sexual problems (including premature ejaculation) is unfortunately often experienced in silence. A 2002 Wall Street Journal article indicated that 80 percent of men never seek treatment for their condition.
What’s the prostate got to do with it?
Most men begin to experience some degree of prostate disorder, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis (prostate inflammation or infection) or both, with advancing age. It is no coincidence that ED and prostate disease are closely related since the prostate is an integral part of a man’s sexuality, and proper ejaculation is dependant upon the health of the gland. In fact, half of all men who suffer from prostate disease also suffer from ED.
The problem is that the majority of early prostate disorders eventually lead to prostate cancer. In numerous studies, excess body fat, especially in the abdominal region, seems to be a determining factor when it comes to both ED and prostate cancer risk. Although the exact reasons for this are still unclear, there is speculation that the reduction of testosterone, the increase of estrogens and plaque buildup (especially in the arteries of the penis) from excess fat interfere with the health of the male reproductive system.
There is even speculation that ED may be an early sign of heart disease. Researchers from the University of Minnesota School of Medicine believe that anyone experiencing ED should be immediately assessed for cardiovascular risk because the body isn’t likely to concentrate fat deposits in this one area only.
Feeling blue without testosterone
When we think of sexual problems like ED, most of us then think about “the blue pill.” Despite the fact that ED drugs such as sildenafil citrate don’t work for everyone and are associated with numerous possible side effects, this doesn’t stop millions of men from using them. Figures show that one out of every five men over the age of 40 has tried ED drugs, with 48 percent experiencing at least one side effect.
The problem with most of these drugs is that they do nothing to increase sexual arousal. Just because the blood is pumping, doesn’t mean you’re in the mood to make things happen. This is where testosterone comes in. Testosterone is the key hormone of desire. As testosterone levels decline through age, libido also declines. Studies show that low testosterone can lead to ED, especially in people with blood sugar disorders.
Studies presented in the International Journal of Impotence Research showed that testosterone supplements should be considered in the treatment of ED. The studies indicated that testosterone therapy was able to alleviate ED in 34 percent of men who were unable to experience benefits from sildenafil (Viagra) alone, whereas 38 percent of men showed improvements by using testosterone along with the ED drug.
Therefore, with proper diagnosis and treatment, things may be looking up for the silent (ED) majority.
Tackling ED naturally
- Eat a healthy diet. Italian researchers discovered that those who most closely followed the Mediterranean diet (consuming lots of fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts and monounsaturated fats) had the lowest incidence of ED.
- Exercise regularly, which effectively reduces blood sugar and helps to clear occluded arteries (yes, even that one).
- Supplement with Ultimate Libido, containing tongkat ali and Yin Yang Huo. Studies indicate that a water-extracted 100:1 extract of tongkat ali root can help to naturally increase libido. Tongkat ali root has been used for centuries throughout Asia as a traditional remedy for sexual dysfunction and lack of energy. Yin Yang Huo is used in herbal medicine as a natural aphrodisiac.
Thankfully libido and ED can often be enhanced through a program of proper diet, exercise and naturally proven, scientifically validated nutrients discussed above and found within Ultimate Libido.
