Archive for the ‘Erectile Dysfunction’ Category

Central Neurotransmission: Oxytocin, Dopamine, Serotonin

Tuesday, July 17th, 2012

Oxytocin Proerectile projections from the supraoptic area of the hypothalamus and the PVN travel to the spinal centers for erection and oxytocin has been shown to be a key neurotransmitter in these neurons. In lab animals, intracerebroventricular or intrathecal injection of oxytocin antagonists blocks the induction of erection that is seen with intrathecal oxytocin injection. Additionally, antagonist injection into the lateral ventricles leads to a dose dependant reduction in noncontact erections.

This has led to the belief that oxytocin plays a role in facilitating nonreflexive erections. Dopamine Dopaminergic neurons project to the MPOA and PVN  and also have been discovered to travel from the caudal hypothalamus to the lumbosacral spinal cord.

Dopamine is thought to participate in central regulation of the autonomic and somatic penile reflexes. The dopamine receptor agonist, apomorphine, induces penile erection in rats when administered systemically. Additionally, apomorphine injection into the MPOA facilitated erections while dopaminergic antagonist injection into the MPOA decreased penile reflexes.

In the PVN, dopaminergic neurons appear to stimulate oxytocinergic neurons, which then more directly account for the erectile response. This is supported by the prevention of apomorphine-induced erections in the presence of oxytocin receptor antagonists.

Serotonin In experimental animal models, bulbospinal neurons containing serotonin (5-HT) project to the lumbar spinal cord. Serotonergic fibers have been demonstrated in close proximity to retrogradely labeled sacral preganglionic neurons.

One study showed 5-HT in general had an inhibitory effect on male sexual behavior. However, there have been conflicting reports with another study showing that the stimulation of 5-HT2c receptors mediated the erectile response. Thus, the full function of 5-HT in erectile function has not been fully elucidated. It appears to serve various functions likely acting as a major modulator of the central control of erection.

Hemodynamics of Erection: Paraventricular Nucleus, Medial Preoptic Area, Other Supraspinal Centers

Monday, July 16th, 2012

Paraventricular Nucleus The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) contains premotor neurons that project from the parvocellular layer directly into the spinal cord.

These neurons have been shown to contain a variety of neurotransmitters: oxytocin, vasopressin, enkephalins, and dopamine. In rat models injection of a variety of neuromediators (oxytocin, glutamate, nitric oxide, dopamine agonists) into the PVN has been shown to elicit penile erection.

Additionally, in both rats and monkeys, stimulation of the PVN elicits erection. Lesion of the parvocellular layer of the PVN causes longer latencies and fewer noncontact erections in rats. Parvocellular PVN neurons have been shown to respond to stimulation of the dorsal nerve of the penis in rats, suggesting that the PVN may be a supraspinal reflex center for erections.viagra professional Canada

The PVN also receives input from the medial preoptic area (MPOA) suggesting that the PVN serves to integrate MPOA input before sending it downstream via autonomic pathways selectively activated within the PVN Medial Preoptic Area The MPOA of the hypothalamus is key to sexual behavior.

In rats and monkeys, MPOA stimulation elicits erection. In monkeys, increases in MPOA neuronal activity have been recorded during erection. Interestingly, MPOA lesions do not affect reflexive or noncontact erections.

All of this has led to debate as to the role of the MPOA in erectile function. The emerging theory is that the MPOA likely serves as an integration center of hormonal and sensory inputs for sexual behavior and redistributes these signals to the hypothalamic and brainstem structures thought to be more directly linked to erectile control, such as the PVN.

Other Supraspinal Centers Many other supraspinal areas have been shown in animal studies to be related to erectile function. In monkeys, isolated stimulation of the medial dorsal nucleus of the thalamus, ventral tegmental area, precallosal cingulate gyrus, and subcallosal and caudal gyrus led to erections.

Hippocampal stimulation in anesthetized rats increased intracavernous pressures as did desynchronization of the somatosensory cortex following cocaine administration. A center for descending the inhibition of spinal sexual reflexes has been localized to a group of neurons in the paragigantocellular reticular nucleus of the ventral medulla.

The exact role each supraspinal area plays in mediating erection is currently unclear. However, it is apparent that there are extensive interconnections between many supraspinal centers that contribute to descending pathways and exert powerful control, both inhibitory and excitatory, on the spinal responses driving erection.

Viagra impacts men’s lives sexually as well as psychologically

Monday, July 16th, 2012

The erectile dysfunction drug market is unequally divided between Cialis, Viagra and Levitra. However, this does not help us analyze as to which medication is better than the other two; either work wise or safety wise. It has been found that men who took oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors had improved erectile function as compared to men who did not take any of the three medications.

While erectile dysfunction is primarily a physical problem, if left untreated it can quickly germinate into a psychological problem. Therefore it can be safely said that Viagra, as well as other ED drugs treat erectile dysfunction in addition to erectile dysfunction related depression. Erectile dysfunction could be a result of medical problems like heart disease, diabetes and alcoholism among others, as well as social or psychological problems like an inferiority complex.

In the same vein, trials comparing the three erectile function medications – sildenafil (Viagra), Vardenafil (Levitra), and tadalafil (Cialis) – were inconclusive as to which medication worked best for erectile dysfunction. However, when we go a step ahead and compare all the three drugs for added medical cures for various other diseases, Viagra wins hands down.

Viagra is still the most sought after drug for erectile dysfunction. Viagra has a proven safety track record of over a decade now. Since, men taking Viagra for years now have not had any health complaints because of Viagra use, Viagra has become their drug of choice. Associated with ED for over a decade now, Viagra is used by millions of men worldwide to enjoy their sexual life to the fullest.

Apart from ED, men with congestive heart failure (CHF), pulmonary hypertension, mountain sickness and Reynaud’s phenomenon can also safely use sildenafil (Viagra) to improve their sexual functioning. In fact, Viagra has inspired many patients to take their heart failure drugs regularly; this motivation comes from the fact that Viagra causes no harmful effects and also improves exercise performance. Associated with improved function of the heart and blood vessels, Viagra lends confidence to ED patients.

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In addition, it has been witnessed that people who are treated with sildenafil citrate (Viagra) had significantly lower blood pressure and heart rate as well as significant improvement in oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production. Moreover, people notice an increase in their total exercise time as a result of Viagra usage. In fact Viagra study reveals that its benefits far outweigh its detrimental side effects when used as treatment for ED.

Viagra, it is believed may have the potential for treating several other conditions, according to a recent report. Viagra (sildenafil) has been on the market for a decade now and is therefore the most studied. Although, it is yet not clear whether other ED pills offer similar benefits, but Viagra, at least, is proven to be useful for other medical conditions as of now, which include:

Pulmonary hypertension: This is an uncommon but serious disorder in which there is consistent high pressure in the blood vessels that go to the lungs. Viagra is now marketed by the name of Revatio for this disorder.

Mountain sickness: Viagra is now known to reduce pulmonary artery pressure in people at high altitudes. This helps improve one’s ability to exercise in low oxygen conditions.

Raynaud’s phenomenon: When an individual is exposed to the cold, it triggers spasms in the small arteries that supply blood to the extremities. As a result the fingers and the toes become pale, cold and painful. Viagra helps relieve these symptoms.

Heart disease: Studies conducted on patients with congestive heart failure and diastolic dysfunction with Viagra has revealed that Viagra might help these patients combat these ailments effectively.

Fertility: A major study of Viagra with regard to fertility showed that it could dramatically increase the chances of pregnancy in certain women. Viagra does this by aiding blood flow to the uterus. Viagra helps dilate blood vessels and seems to promote growth of the lining of the uterus without side-effects.

Diabetes: Researchers have revealed that Viagra may benefit people with gastroparesis or delayed stomach emptying. This ailment impedes digestion and causes dehydration as well as loss of appetite, a problem that is commonly found in about 75% of the diabetics. Viagra might just help maintain insulin and blood sugar levels, something that is essential for all diabetics.

Female sexual function: In women who have undergone hysterectomy or those who have reached menopause could possibly find relief in Viagra. In both cases women experience a loss of female hormone production, which leads to sexual problems like loss of sensation and lubrication. Viagra simply increases the effects of nitric oxide, which in turn, enhances blood flow to the genital area.

Strokes: Iceland-based researchers have excluded the gene that plays a role in the growth of blood vessels; this gene is responsible for an increase in the risk of a stroke. Viagra has the potential to block this gene.

Neo-natal care: It has been recently revealed that Viagra can be used to open up arteries in premature babies with heart and lung problems. Viagra is thought to have worked by increasing the blood flow through the pulmonary artery from the heart to the lungs.

Plants: Viagra even helps drooping plants.

Recent research has given a fresh insight into the healing capabilities of Viagra as a multi-treatment pill. Now available to a wide range of people, Viagra might just prove to be beneficial for many other health conditions, keeping its popularity on a rise.

Erectile Dysfunction: Some Troublesome Statistics and the Viable Solutions

Monday, July 16th, 2012

Erectile dysfunction features among the most common and most troubling male sexual disorders. The inability to have and maintain an erection affects sexual life, confidence and ultimately – a relationship with a partner.

If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction, you have probably researched and tried a medley of pills and treatments. Some of them tend to be somehow effective, others miss the mark. You have probably heard about black ant pills and their ability to counter sexual problems but you are wondering whether these really work.

In order to find the answer to these questions, you will first have to understand erectile dysfunction. Figuring out the causes of the problem will help you choose the most efficient solution. You should also understand that male enhancement pills do work, as long as you choose real quality.

Definition and Causes

Erectile dysfunction is a serious sexual problem that appears to be affecting more men now than it used to in the past.

Nearly all men experience occasionally the inability to have or sustain an erection. If it happens a single time, there is no reason to worry. Stress, emotionality and other external factors could interfere with the ability of a man to have a satisfactory intercourse. Erectile dysfunction becomes a problem when it occurs on a regular basis and it interferes with the sexual activity of an individual.

The problem is exceptionally troublesome because many individuals consider it to be ‘shameful’ and refrain from seeking assistance.

Erectile dysfunction is caused by circulatory problems that prevent blood from reaching the penis, nerve diseases, psychological factors, as well as penis injury. Some medications can also result in the inability to have an erection. Psychological factors do get aggravated if an individual finds it impossible to handle the situation in a quick and efficient manner. This is when assistance has to be sought, preferably involving the selection of a proper treatment like the black ant sex pills.

Some Erectile Dysfunction Statistics

Statistics show that one out of 10 men suffers from erectile dysfunction. The number of people that are experiencing erection problems in the US solely totals 30 million. The figure is quite impressive, ranking erectile dysfunction among the most common sexual problems.

Some diseases increase the chance of erectile occurring. Nearly 50 percent of the men suffering from diabetes experience erection problems. Another factor that increases the risk of erectile dysfunction is age – the chance of it occurring increases dramatically after the age of 65.

Smokers are another group of men that tend to experience erectile dysfunction more commonly than others. According to statistics, the smokers of one pack of cigarettes per day are 50 percent more likely to experience erection problems than men of the same age group who are non-smokers.

Black Ant Male Enhancement Pills and Erectile Dysfunction: Myths and Facts

Herbal pills have been around for some time but as male sexual problems are becoming more prominent, this treatment is gaining popularity.

Black ant male enhancement pills feature among the most demanded erectile dysfunction treatments. This is an all-natural supplement that contains a mix of herbs popular among Tibetan healers. Some of the main ingredients are saffron, a blend of Chinese herbs, caterpillar fungus, Tibetan yak testis and deer penis.

The regular taking of Black Ant pills results in bigger erections, higher sexual stamina, intense orgasm and powerful ejaculations. These male enhancement pills are also suitable for the treatment of premature ejaculation.

It all sounds great but do the black ant pills really work? The pill has to be taken approximately 30 minutes before the expected intercourse. The ingredients produce results for several hours, which will be sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. Chinese medicine is known for its reliance on herbs and all natural products. Most of these traditional remedies are highly effective and the same applies to black ant products.

The bottom line is that there is no risk involved because black ant pills are all-natural. Apart from successfully treating erectile dysfunction, these herbal pills can also affect a number of health conditions, including problems of the cardiovascular system. Taking a single pill every day for a specific period of time will produce consistent and sustainable results; significantly improving your sexual life and helping you combat one of the most common and most devastating sexual problems for men.

Erectile Dysfunction: The Difference Between ‘Cause’ And ‘Effect’

Friday, July 13th, 2012

Most guys with erectile dysfunction have it backwards. They see or are told about increased effects of having lost control of their erection & sexual energy – the impulses & sensations within their body – and mistakenly believe these same effects are causing their weakened erection.

The effects of aren’t linear – they can definitely add to and even speed up what the cause of erectile dysfunction is doing. But mistaking them for the cause is what stops an effective erectile dysfunction treatment from making any difference.

Let’s look at a handful of common examples.

Erectile Dysfunction ‘Cause’ #1: Medical Conditions (like diabetes and hypertension)

Anywhere between 35-50% of guys with diabetes suffer erectile dysfunction. It’s attributed to high blood-sugar levels where something called arteriosclerosis, the thickening and hardening of the walls of the arteries, can come about. Around 15% of men with high-blood pressure from hypertension suffer erectile dysfunction.

Now, there are diets that help diabetes, for example, as demonstrated in the documentary “Raw for 30 Days” (even though it’s not recognized by mainstream medicine). However, if someone applied that particular diet and their blood-sugar levels dramatically reduced, they would still most probably respond to the sexual impulses in their body in the same way that led to them to indulge in high-sugar foods.

The more common effect of this mistaking tension for ‘strength’ and weak erections follows.

Erectile Dysfunction ‘Cause’ #2: Drugs

Indulgence in drugs that are an effect of ED include pharmaceutical and recreational, and also combining the two. Read that again.

I was pointing out that guys are compelled to take drugs of any kind because they have lost or are in the process of losing control over the sexual impulses in their body, which will make a flailing erection worse. Like, for example, taking Viagra and Ecstasy together.

What about other drugs that apparently relax the body? Marijuana, while it’s natural and relaxes the body, and in the moment it might make you feel more horny where you’re willing to indulge in your senses more than normal, will make your penis limp in the long-term.

It’s just like heroine, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, barbiturates and many others that can feel good in the moment and seem like they increase libido – eventually they will take their toll and train your body to rely on external forces rather than the natural systems within your body.

Erectile Dysfunction ‘Cause’ #3: Smoking & Alcohol

Of course, these are just another form of drug. But they are the most prevalent because they are legal (even though, statistically, they kill more than all other drugs combined!).

Cigarettes harm and hamper circulation and blood supply and contribute to hardening of the arteries, including those in the penis. Aside from the obvious lung cancer, they also increase disorders of the blood vessels.

And like other recreational drugs, alcohol can temporary relax you which may seem to help your erections but, long-term, it depresses your central nervous system and impairs your sexual function – ‘drinkers’ droop’ is a real long-term effect.

It seems that because sometimes there is a seemingly immediate positive effect after consumption, the tendency to try to recreate and increase the resulting feeling causes guys to over-do it and they stuff up their natural libido.

Erectile Dysfunction ‘Cause’ #4: Hormonal Imbalances

While testosterone doesn’t directly dictate libido levels (think of young boys who get erections yet have close to zero testosterone) it does affect dopamine levels which can tend to artificially trigger the erection chain-of-command.

By age 40-50, testosterone levels begin to decline until 70 years old where it’s about 30% of what it was. This seems to correlate with increased instances of erectile dysfunction in older men. Yet, only about 5% of men who seek medical treatment for erectile dysfunction are testosterone deficient.

Again, there is a gap in perception about an ED cause and a consequential effect.

Erectile Dysfunction ‘Cause’ #5: Psychological Factors

Stress, anxiety, guilt, depression, low self-esteem, fear of sexual failure, all represent 10-20% of cases of men with erectile dysfunction. But nobody points out or even asks about the root cause of why these negative mental states come about in the first place and apparently sustain themselves.

They are treated as self-standing.

It’s true that with performance anxiety your brain releases chemicals that constrict the smooth muscle of the penis and its arteries. This decreases blood-flow into the penis and, also, increases blood-flow out of the penis, which equals a reduced erection.

But as stated above, the effects aren’t linear – that is, they can definitely add to and even speed up what the cause of erectile dysfunction started. They are still just effects though.

The question is: Effects of what?

What Is This Cause Of Erectile Dysfunction?

Well, often if there is an existing physical problem then mental tension, in whatever form, will make it worse (and vice versa), which brings up the crux of the conflicting information on erectile dysfunction.

You don’t have lack of control over your penis and sexual libido because of some other problem… you have some other problem (or two) because you’ve gradually lost control of your penis and libido. After all, sexual energy is the most powerful and potent force available to man.

The effect of having lost control over your sexual energy spreads and materializes to other areas of your life, like the 5 points listed above (although we could name many more). But the root problem or cause of erectile dysfunction is how you physically and mentally relate to impulses within your body, or more specifically, the lack of impulses.

The extreme case of this is a public figure who holds a powerful position, who is more than wealthy enough, and who has a lovely wife & kids. Then one day a ‘scandal’ breaks out that he was fooling around with his personal-aid. And he loses everything he had.

He was compelled to react to his impulses despite the obvious risks of being ‘caught’ because, like guys who suffer erectile dysfunction, the public figure had lost control over his sexual energy. Now, he might patch things up with his family. He might recover politically and bounce back financially.

However, unless he becomes conscious of the connection he has with the sexual impulses & sensations in his body, he’s in exactly the same boat as a man with erectile dysfunction – he is dealing with effects and his negative sexual history will only get worse.

In Conclusion

I’m not saying one should ignore the effects of things like smoking cigarettes, over-consumption of alcohol, diabetes, others listed above and more because the nature of a weakened erection is cyclical – effects help to feed into the cause, just like mental and physical factors, which is where confusion comes in.

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