24 replies to this topic

[ty250]

Looking for alternatives. Thanks

[maineman]

none that have been studied well enough to say with certainty. Viagra does help, but is expensive. Cialis, the "3-day" pill is much better, costs a little bit more. Viagra only works for a few hours. Levitra is similar to Viagra. It, too, only works for a few hours. The number of men who ask me for advice and/or samples is huge. the age range is huge, too. 40s up to death. The feedback I get from all of these users is above: Cialis best, Viagra ok. Levitra ok to so-so. Never forget that an erection is all about blood flow. Blood flow is all about exercise (aerobic - like runnining) and keeping your cholesterol low so as not to block that blood flow. Maintenance of proper blood pressure and treatment of your diabetes also minimizes reduction in circulation. And, of course, don't smoke. Early onset erectile dysfunction therefore can be a harbinger of vascular disease. Good data shows an increased risk of subsequent heart attack and stroke in patients who present early on with ED. Probably the biggest cause of ED is boredom and routine. The best aphrodisiac is creativity and keeping things "new and interesting". And, as with any muscle: Use it or lose it.... mm

[Echo]

To all of what Maineman said, I'd add the following: Have your internist or endocirnologist consider other extragenital causes for the problem, eg hormonal imbalance, depression as the cause (in addition to diabetes and vascular insufficiency mentioned above). Also, discuss with your internist is any medications you are on that could be contributing to the problem, eg beta blockers. Finally as a side note, never ever take viagra, levitra, or cialis in and around the same time that you use nitroglycerin for chest pain/angina. You could get an exaggerated severe drop in blood pressure and even go into shock. If you are a cardiac patient, by all means consult with your cardiologist before using viagra etal. Echo

[OEXCHAOS]

Three tips: Exercise, just the stress relief and blood flow help, drop a few founds, as I'm told that there's testosterone bound into that fat that will be released. And if not, it can't hurt. It's easier to be sexy if you look sexy. Finally, get some sun. It always seems to increase my interest, stamina, and decrease my recovery time (and my interest in recover time ) M

[ty250]

Thanks for the tips. I do take meds that can affect performance and some depression. I was really wondering if anything natural could help, of course exercise is the answer to many problems we have. I will try cialis ,instead of viagra. Thanks again for the genuine replies.

[SemiBizz]

Have you tried Ginseng?

[Echo]

Thanks for the tips. I do take meds that can affect performance and some depression. I was really wondering if anything natural could help, of course exercise is the answer to many problems we have.
I will try cialis ,instead of viagra.
Thanks again for the genuine replies.

Ty, not to get too personal on a public board, but I'll throw out a couple of more ideas. The most common medication that can be the culprit is a group of meds called beta blockers. If you are on one of these, you should have a frank discussion with your docs about this side effect. Many patients that are on beta blockers can easily be switched to others and in many cases, beta blockers may not even be the best choice for them in the first place. If you are on it for blood pressure control, beta blockers are slowly falling out of favor for such indication, and absolutely should be switched (in general) to a different agent with less side effects, especially in younger individuals if impotence, fatigue, or depression develop while on beta blockers. On the other hand, certain patients may do better on a beta blocker if it is for angina, recent heart attack, certain heart rhythm problems, etc. As you see, many variables need to be considered in developing a logical plan of action, but in so many cases, instead of removing the offending agent causing a problem, a new drug gets added, such as cialis in this case.



Here's a cascade of events that are not too far-fetched:

Middle-aged man comes in for checkup and is found to have high blood pressure.

Amlodipine is prescribed by the doc along with a low salt diet and exercise.

4wks later, ankle swelling develops (side effect of amlodipine) and the patient is prescribed a diuretic.

8wks later, heartburn develops (also can be a side effect of amlodipine) and the patient is given a prilosec or similar.

A few months later, palpitations develop (due to electrolyte depletion from the diuretic) and the patient is given a beta blocker to help reduce the skipped beats.

Several weeks later, the patient develops depression, erectile dysfunction and some asthma and is given Zoloft or similar, viagra or similar, and some inhalers.

The inhalers worsen the palpitations and the patient is given....

Well, you get the idea. Fortunately, most docs will have the knowledge to stop this circus act from the beginning rather than let it get out of hand as in this example, but once in a while it occurs...

Echo

Edited by Echo, 16 September 2007 - 07:52 PM.

[Rogerdodger]

Something else to consider is that the consumption of alcohol can effect hormone levels:

Long-term alcohol abuse is a major cause of male impotence....
Alcoholism also disrupts hormone levels, in particular, testosterone and estrogen. Low levels of testosterone diminish sexual drive and function.
Depression, stress and anxiety are often cited as reasons for excessive drinking. But these same psychological factors are also leading causes of impotence. So it should come as no surprise that heavy drinkers are more susceptible to alcohol impotence.

...the bottom line is that at best excess alcohol leads to chronic sexual under-performance and at worst chronic alcohol impotence.

Edited by Rogerdodger, 16 September 2007 - 10:11 PM.

[Tor]

GOJIBERRIES. MIRACLE BERRIES.

[calmcookie]

I have some answers ... it's all about blood flow and nerve function ... and understanding WHAT affects these ... but few people believe my approach. Email or PM me, if you have any interest. Otherwise, I'll remain mute. C.C. (p.s. - over 50 % of men with poorly controlled diabetes are impotent ... I counsel these men ... only IF they ask for help)

Edited by calmcookie, 17 September 2007 - 12:09 PM.