The cause of a lack of libido may be psychological or organic (85 - 90%)
in nature. Men may seek medical attention when there is a problem in getting
or maintaining an erection sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual intercourse
(impotence), premature ejaculation or the inability to ejaculate. An estimated
20 million men in North America suffer from erectile dysfunction. It affects
at least 25% of all men over the age of 50. Men should be able to maintain
their sexual virility well into their 80's.
Some of the more common organic causes of impotence include peripheral
vascular disease, hardening of the penile arteries, diabetes, prostate
enlargement, depression, over 200 prescription
or over-the-counter drugs, alcohol, cigarette smoking and mumps as an
adult. Other causes include psychological or emotional stress. A thorough
medical evaluation is important to rule out any treatable organic conditions.
Anyone who suffers from a sub-optimal libido should avoid alcohol because
it decreases the body's ability to produce testosterone (male hormone).
Alcohol not only decreases sexual function in the male but also increases
the risk for heart attack. Other drugs which are common causes of impotence
include anti-hypertensives, diuretics, narcotics, antidepressants and
tranquilizers. Marijuana, cocaine and heavy cigarette smoking all decrease
sexual capabilities by damaging the tiny blood vessels that supply blood
to the penis.
The two most frequently prescribed drugs for the treatment of ulcers
are cimetidine and ranitidine. Both have been reported to decrease sperm
count and produce impotence as one of their side effects. One of the mechanisms
by which this occurs is the overgrowth of candida or other fungi that
thrive in a low stomach acid environment secondary to these acid suppressing
drugs. As the candida proliferate, they secrete many steroid hormones
which are possibly antagonistic to testosterone and other androgens.
There are many safe and effective natural therapies to enhance libido.
These can and should be used as complementary to conventional medical
care. Psychotherapy may be vital in some cases but most of the medical
and nutritional therapies will work without it. Deep breathing exercises,
meditation, visualization and yoga are all methods that can enhance sexual
energy. A balanced diet low in animal fats, fried foods, sugar, caffeine,
white flour products, alcohol and junk foods is important. A University
of Michigan Medical Center study showed that vigorous exercise, hot tubs
and saunas may result in lower production of hormones involved in potency,
fertility and the sex drive. Avoiding heavy exercise, severe stress, hot
tub baths and saunas may make a significant difference for some men.
Natural supplements that are helpful in increasing potency and the sex
drive include arginine, vitamin E, zinc, vitamin C, octacosanol, flax
seed oil, vitamin A, Beta-carotene, vitamin B complex and vitamin B6.
All these nutrients are either important to increase the sperm count,
improve prostate gland function, enhance sperm motility, increase male
hormone production by the body or create a healthier nervous system.
Glandular extracts of the male reproductive organs (raw orchic substances)
are available in oral or injectable supplement form and promote male sex
organ function. In Europe, particularly in Germany, these are injected
by homeopathic or naturopathic doctors. Herbal remedies that aid potency
include ginkgo biloba extract, Siberian ginseng, dong quai, hydrangea
root, licorice root, pygeum, gotu kola, sarsaparilla (contains natural
testosterone-like substances) and saw palmetto. Damiana is a herb that
enhances blood flow to the genital area. The hormone DHEA (dehydroepiandosterone)
available by prescription in Canada and over the counter in the USA enhances
sexual desire (25 mgs. daily for women and 50 mgs. daily for men). High
blood levels of prolactin can cause impotence. The prescription drug,
bromocryptine (Parlodel®), can correct the imbalance and enhance sexual
desire.
Exsativa, a herbal combination product available in Europe, has been
shown to enhance sexual desire, performance and activity. According to
researchers, "Exsativa works by freeing the bioavailability of testosterone."
Double blind, placebo controlled studies indicate that it increases muscle
strength. The active ingredients of Exsativa include avena sativa (derived
from oats), stinging nettle and sea buckthorn. Unfortunately, Exsativa
also contains yeast and citric acid, two fillers which may not be well
tolerated by some hypersensitive individuals.
Yohimbine is a drug available in Canada by prescription only. In the
USA, it can be purchased from health food stores and natural health care
practitioners. When taken orally, it increases the activity of the parasympathetic
nervous system and thus sexual performance by enhancing the flow of blood
through the penis. Urologists have had a great deal of success in the
past decade using the drug papaverine with or without phentolamine to
dilate the penile blood vessels. When injected, there is increased blood
flow to the erectile tissues and an immediate benefit is experienced.
Any of these remedies can be tried without concern for serious side effects.
Yohimbine and papaverine injections, however, require supervision by a
medical doctor, preferably a urologist. These latter remedies should be
tried only if vitamin, mineral, glandular and herbal therapies have been
exhausted without success. The good news is that something will work consistently
for just about anyone. A bit of patience, some trial and error and a positive
mental attitude will go a long way to enhance potency and sexual pleasure.
[A M N News Online]
Last Revised at December 6, 2007 by Amalia K. Gagarina, M.S., R.D.
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