Men's Health
The Male Libido:
Performance Help without Viagra
Dear Mike, My husband would like me to ask you about the natural ways to aid in our sexual
relationship. He is not comfortable with Viagra and is afraid to use the natural products we see in magazines without expert advice. Do you have any suggestions? JWW, Covington Dear JWW, With the five year anniversary of Viagra upon us, we have learned two things: 1) The Medication appears fairly safe, though
is not safe for everyone, 2) It is wildly popular, and 3) Men of all ages want to be able to perform sexually. Reports suggest that having a healthy sexual life appears to actually keep us healthier late in
life. Sexual function among males depends on many factors, so I would first stress to you that your husband should seek medical help to insure there is not some underlying concern. Sometimes sexual
dysfunction is a symptom of other concerns; it is good for men to get tested for prostate and hormone levels of health. When Viagra first hit the market, many believed it was the first time this
problem has been addressed. Traditional medicine has looked for techniques to help, but alternative medicine has not been an answer for the mainstream public until only recently. If
men have heart problems, Viagra may be quite dangerous for them. Certain drugs used in combination with Viagra can cause a deadly drop in blood pressure. This is ironic, as many men taking heart medications
are among those with symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
Natural Methods of Enhancing Male Performance
Other cultures have used several methods of restoring potency and they may be safer and more effective than Viagra. Certainly they
may be less expensive. It is also known that several natural products are equally effective. A word of caution: with any botanical hormone, I caution people to have a check-up prior to using it. Hormones
that influence testosterone can affect the prostate and potentially lead to a number of hormone-related cancers. Since libido is the result of healthy hormonal and circulatory
elements, enhancing formulas containing amino acids, herbs and vitamins may be a viable alternative to Viagra's cost and method of action. One nutritional supplement that has seen a
lot of press is arginine. This amino acid is the body's main source of nitric oxide, which is responsible for maintaining a strong flow of blood to the penis. Viagra works by blocking an enzyme called PDE5,
which destroys nitric oxide. Arginine is not a quick fix. The amino acid may take up to three weeks before you see results. Since it is taken in doses stronger than a normal food
source can provide, it is a good idea to have it monitored by your physician. Another natural substance used is ginkgo biloba. This herb, which has been used a great deal lately for
aid in memory, works on the same principle of stimulating circulation to the penile area. Don't expect quick results with this either, as it is reported to take up to six months to work.
Another herb that is being studied in this area is puncture vine. Known scientifically as tribulus terristrus, puncture vine is used in the Steppes area of the world to aid in building testosterone.
Athletes have used this herb for endurance on the track and field, and report that it is quite effective for sexual function as well. Puncture vine has an interesting anecdotal
history. It is said to have lined the coffin of a particularly viral Count of Transylvania, known as Vlad Dracul (or as we know him, Dracula!) It is said that Dracula gained his virility and endurance from
his daytime repose in the coffin. Tribulus is an indigenous plant from the area of Romania and Transylvania, so perhaps the myth has some truth to it! Let's hope there are no unreported side effects, such as
canine teeth growth, using capes as a fashion statement and having an aversion to light! Muira puama, a native plant of Brazil, is also known as 'potency wood' in traditional South American folk
culture, where it has a long history of use for invigorating male sexual performance. One study conducted in France found that muira puama promoted a healthy sexual libido and enhanced erectile performance
in over half of the study's participants. Another study, presented at the First International Conference of Ethnopharmacology, tracked 262 participants who were given muira puama. Results showed that the
herb enhanced sexual performance in over 60% of cases. Among other herbs touted for performance are damiana and sarsparilla, two herbs that are considered aphrodisiacs. Yohimbe is also
widely recommended, but caution should be used for anyone trying this herb that have heart problems, as it can raise your blood pressure. Ginseng is considered a good tonic in the Eastern countries and among
our Native American ancestors. I recommend several products I have found to be safe and effective and you can find them here. I am also happy to help with counseling in this delicate area. Contact me here for an appointment.
JWW, I would also consider researching some of the methods employed in yoga and tantric training. I have read that these methods of stimulation can be quite stimulating, without having to resort to
medicines, herbs or nutritional elements of help. I would also strongly suggest that your husband see a knowledgeable professional in this area. While many pharmacists and physicians
understand the medications, there are many additional factors to consider. A qualified specialist in this area will be educated in potential causes that may be important to your husband's overall health.
Your physician can refer you to such a specialist. With this knowledge, your husband and men everywhere may see great results from these products. Keeping the reproductive areas of our
body healthy can prevent problems throughout our maturing years. Good nutrition, testing and lifestyle factors may not be enough to ward off the inevitable dysfunction, but it has already been shown that one
might retard the aging function simply by, well… staying fit. Women are so good at stopping by for advice (like driving directions), but men are often a bit more stubborn and do not seek health advice as
often. Don't make that mistake. Contact
the Wellness Store for nutritional advice, medication and nutritional supplements that may keep you healthy AND happy!Mike Casso, R.Ph. Click for Related Products
and Nutritional Supplements
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