Health Digest Daily » Impotence

A Man's Embarrassing Question: What Do I Do about Impotence?

Sunny — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 08:56:11 +0000

A man's inability to perform a sexual act can be debilitating to his mental health. It is also one of the most commonly experienced health concerns by a man. Almost every man, at some point in time in his life will complain of this health ailment, unfortunately. The cycle of erectile dysfunction can spiral quickly downwards into a frustrating and emotional situation for both the man, and any relationship he is pursuing.

There are three stages to the erection process in a man; any of these three stages can host physical or emotional health problems that create a dysfunction.

At the first stage, which is arousal, a man receives stimulation from only his thoughts and/or senses. During the second stage, a man's brain is talking to the arousal function, telling the body to increase blood flow to the penis. At the final, third stage, the blood vessels of the penis enlarge, allowing more blood to flow through and therefore an erection to occur. If anything inhibits, disrupts or confuses any of these processes, erectile dysfunction may ensue.

A Man's Health: The Facts about Erectile Dysfunction
A man is more likely to ask for help about his health problems than a woman is;
At times the resolution of the problem can be as simple as contraception, communication, reassurance and information sharing;
It affects almost every man at some point in time in his life, no matter what his health status;
Almost one third of a man's partners will also have a sexual, or health, dysfunction;
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

A Man's Health: The Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
There are quite a few physical reasons why a man may be having health problems surrounding his erectile functions. They include: effects from surgery, trauma to the penis or testicles, diseases or conditions (such as diabetes, flu, renal failure, Parkinson's disease, etc.), drug abuse, medications (such as antidepressants, high blood pressure medications, etc.), smoking, hormonal imbalances, too much alcohol intake, and the aging process.

A Man's Health: The Psychological Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
If all of the physical health reasons for a man not to have normal erectile function have been covered, then the psychological reasons are closely looked at next. These could include: lowered sexual desire, depression, mental fatigue, stress, guilt, problems with the relationship, lack of interest in sex from their partner or anxiety disorders.

A Man's Health: Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
The best way to treat a man's problem with his health is to first discuss the issues with your doctor, and then with your partner. Both are important in determining not only the causes of the problem, but appropriate treatments as well. Some treatments used regularly are: counseling, intracavernosal drugs (such as prostaglandin E.), education/advice, drugs (such as Sildenafil), vacuum devices, prosthetics, or surgery.

Causes and Treatments of Male Impotence

Sunny — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 01:00:11 +0000

Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, is a common problem that many men face as they grow older. Male impotence refers to a man's inability to obtain or maintain an erection during the course of sexual activity. Although impotence is a relatively common problem, sometimes it can hint at a more serious underlying systemic problem. Although most men believe that impotence is natural consequence of aging, the fact is that impotence is not directly caused by age. Rather, it appears as a side effect to common conditions that come with age, such as diabetes and diseases of the vascular system. Although it has recently been determined that women can also suffer from sexual impotence, this is still a young field that has yet to be investigated sufficiently. Male impotence has been researched extensively, so we know a lot about the causes of this often-embarrassing condition, and new treatments are always in development. All men should seek medical advice if they suspect they suffer from impotence, even if they are not sexually active or do no consider it a major problem. As previously mentioned, male impotence can sometimes be a symptom of serious systemic problems.

There are many well-known links between certain activities and conditions that may cause or exacerbate male impotence. Chronic use of tobacco, for instance, has been linked to male impotence. Studies have shown that chronic smoking causes difficulties in the blood's ability to flow through the arterial system with ease, thus reducing the amount of blood flow necessary to maintain a strong erection. Another cause of male impotence may be related to hormonal imbalance. Low levels of testosterone can be the cause of impotence, although this is relatively rare. Diabetes is another condition that has been linked to male impotence. Diabetes drastically alters the body's arterial blood flow. Sometimes diabetes causes damage to nerve endings or causes arteries to narrow, causing the way that blood flows through the body.

Another possible cause of impotence may be related to injury or trauma to the pelvic region. Any past injuries incurred during bicycle riding, horseback riding, or other activities may be at the root of sexual impotence. Diseases of the vascular system, such as heart disease and hardening of the arteries, have also been linked to impotence. Surgery in the pelvic area may also be responsible for causing permanent damage that may have resulted in impotence. Neurological impairment may also be a cause for male impotence, although this is generally rare. If the patient has sustained injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or suffers from any neurological disease such as Alzheimer's disease, they can very well be the cause for impotence. Other neurological diseases that have been linked to impotence include Parkinson's disease, and Multiple Sclerosis.

Other possible causes of male impotence may include prescription drugs, especially medications used to treat depression or blood pressure. Finally, doctors have noted a strong psychological factor to impotence. Stress, anxiety and depression may very well be the root cause of impotence, rather than any physical factors.

An Overview of Impotence

Sunny — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 02:00:10 +0000

Impotence is a wide-ranging problem that can be caused by both emotional and physical difficulties. On the physical side, impotence can be caused by circulatory problems, nervous system disorders, and diabetes. Cigarette smoking, keeping a poor diet, and emotional stress, may exacerbate problems of sexual impotence. Another cause of impotence that may be at the root of erectile dysfunction disorders is related to prescription medications. Several medications have been linked to problems of sexual impotence, or may interfere with the patient's overall sexual health.

Most people are surprised to learn that roughly half of all erectile dysfunction disorders are caused by non-physical factors. Most cases of impotence are caused by problems related to stress and anxiety. One fairly simple way that doctors determine the root cause of impotence is by taking a simple medical history. If the patient is capable of sustaining an erection while asleep or during masturbation then the problem is more than likely psychological and emotional in nature. It's important to note that experiencing one episode of impotence does not necessarily indicate a serious long-term erectile disorder. Rather, it's relatively common for men to experience bouts with impotence, especially as they age. It is estimated that almost 20 percent of men at age 60 will experience bouts of impotence on a fairly regular basis. By age 80, it is estimated that nearly 70 percent of men will experience some form of sexual impotence.

Treatment of impotence generally involves treating the underlying problem. One of the most common approaches to treating the problem is with oral medications. Recent developments in medicine have made available numerous new drug therapies for men experiencing regular bouts with impotence. Perhaps the most famous of these drug therapies is Viagra (sildenafil), manufactured by the Pfizer pharmaceutical company. There are certain specific chemical messengers that are responsible for keeping the blood flow in the erectile tissue. Viagra helps alleviate the symptoms of impotence by inhibiting the flow of enzymes that break down these chemical messengers. Although Viagra and other anti-impotence drugs have been proven to be highly effective, they can have serious side effects. Men with a history of kidney or liver problems should avoid taking Viagra and some other anti-impotence drugs. Viagra and other drugs have also been linked to heart problems in some patients.

Another viable option for men fighting impotence is to undergo surgical implants. Surgical implants are reserved for men who cannot achieve an erection by any physical means. The most common type of a surgical implant is the use of a semi-rigid rod that is implanted in the penis. This implant causes the penis to remain permanently in a semi-erect position. Another surgical implant option involves the use of an inflatable device that comes equipped with a pump. Both surgical implants have been proven safe. They should not cause interference with the process of ejaculation or physical sensation. Surgical intervention is generally reserved for patients who have not responded to other, less invasive forms of treatment.

Five Treatment Options for Male Impotence

Sunny — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 11:00:08 +0000

Male impotence used to be a little-discussed topic, but the popularity of Viagra and other prescription medications has changed all that. Nowadays there is openness about the problems men encounter, as they grow older, including issues relating to sexual performance and satisfaction. If you suffer from bouts of impotence, it's important to consult your doctor as soon as possible. Sometimes impotence can be a symptom of an underlying systemic disease. It's important to rule out the possibility of potentially serious problems before treating the impotence. Here are five treatment options that may be offered to you depending on your specific circumstances.

Oral Medications: This is usually the first treatment offered to patients. In recent years, the Food and Dairy Association has approved a number of impotence-fighting oral medications. The most famous of these is inarguably Viagra, which works by allowing the blood vessels to expand and increase blood flow during sexual intercourse. The patient will only experience an erection while sexually aroused. Viagra is just one of recently developed impotence drugs that are known as a PDE-5 class drugs, which are drugs that allow and enhance the natural processes that occur during sex. Although oral medications have proven to be safe and effective, they can trigger side effects in certain patients. The most common of these are headaches, backaches, and upset stomach pain.

Intra Urethral Pellets: These are small pellets that contain medication. They are inserted into the urethra by the patient using a small applicator. The pellet medication works by causing the blood vessels in the penis to relax and open, allowing the penis to fill with blood and become erect as normal. Although intra urethral pellets have been found to be effective for many men, side effects may include a burning and painful sensation.

Penile Injections: The patient is prescribed a powerful muscle relaxant formula that is injected into the base of the penis prior to sexual activity. The muscle tissue becomes relaxed, allowing blood to flow into the penis and cause erection. Either the patient or his partner can inject the formula. Side effects may include scarring, pain, and bleeding. In rare cases, prolonged erection may also result.

Vacuum Therapy: This involves the use of a plastic cylinder that is placed over the penis to allow erection. The cylinder is used to create a vacuum that allows greater blood flow into the penis. The erection is maintained throughout the course of sexual intercourse through the use of a plastic rubber ring that is placed at the base of the penis. Side effects may include discomfort or pain, bruising, and diminished ejaculation.

Penile Implants: This treatment is usually reserved for cases that have not responded to other less invasive forms of therapy or treatment. Penal implants are an irreversible form of surgical intervention in which two balloons are implanted into the penis. A pump in implanted into the scrotum, and a reservoir is constructed near the area of the bladder. Before sexual intercourse, the pump is used to inflate the balloons to create and sustain an erection.

Non Surgical Treatments for Impotence

Sunny — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 10:00:07 +0000

Most patients seek to avoid surgical treatment for erectile disorders in favor of non-surgical treatments. The first line of defense against erectile disorders and impotence for most patients will involve some kind of oral medication. The most common form of oral medication is phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (known as PDE-5). Common PDE-5 drugs include vardenabfil HCI, tadalafil, and sildenafil. In most cases, doctors will advice the patient to take the prescribed medication before engaging in sexual activity. PDE-5 medications work by naturally boosting the signals and bodily processes that occur during sex. The erection is enhanced, improved and prolonged through the use of these medications. Most PDE-5 medications can be used safely and are known to be mostly effective. Doctors report that roughly 80 percent of their patients report improvement with the use of these classes of drugs.

Although most doctors and medical researchers agree that PDE-5 class drugs are safe and effective, some patients may be considered with side effects that may affect the heart or other vital organs. After several years of extensive testing, researchers have concluded that these medications are generally safe, although there can be complications when they are used in conjunction with other types of prescription drugs. For instance, sildenafil citrate has been found to have contraindications with another class of medications known as nitrates. Researchers have pinned down some possible side effects of taking PDE-5 class drugs. These include stuffy noses, muscle aches, flushing, and headaches. In rare cases, some of these drugs can cause serious side effects, including retina eye damage. However, most doctors stress that with caution and proper use, most of these drugs can be taken with no fear of potentially serious side effects.

There is another drug that is prescribed to men who do not respond to PDE-5 drugs. This drug does not come in the form of an oral medication, but rather as a series of injections that is applied directly to the penis. The drug is known as alprostadil. These are self-injections that the patient applies before engaging in sexual activity. The success rate of these alprostadil injections is relatively high at 85 percent. If the patient wishes to avoid the need for a shot, there is also the option of transurethral suppository. However, applying alprostadil via suppository is believed to reduce the effectiveness of the drug by a full 40 percent. Some of the most commonly reported side effects of alprostadil include feelings of a burning sensation, and overcorrection of erectile dysfunction, which may cause a prolonged erection that may last several hours.

Other non-surgical options include the application of an external vacuum device. This device uses a plastic cylinder device that is placed over the penis and made to seal the skin of the body. A pump attached to the cylinder applies pressure and acts as a vacuum. This allows the user to achieve an erection that lasts until the plastic cylinder is removed. Patients and doctors report a 75 percent success rate with the use of such non-surgical devices.

Diagnosing Impotence

Sunny — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 15:30:04 +0000

Men who experience bouts with impotence may be hesitant to seek medical advice, even though erectile dysfunction disorder is a fairly common problem that many men face as they get older. The diagnosis of impotence is also a fairly simple affair. The process of medical diagnosis usually involves a physical examination, laboratory tests, and in more complex cases, more comprehensive tests that may involve monitoring.

The physical examination part of the diagnosis process involves looking for symptoms that may indicate a systemic problem. A common part of the physical examination is to examine the penis closely and observe to see if it reacts as expected to touching. Sometimes impotence may be caused by difficulties or irregularities of the nervous system, and a physical examination may yield some of the first clues that this may be the source of the problem. Health professionals will also look for irregular or abnormal secondary sex characteristics. These may include strange hair patterns or abnormal growth patterns. These may indicate that the problem is hormonal in nature. Another cause of impotence is related to problems of the circulatory system. A physical examination may yield hints that point to circulatory problems, such as aneurysm in part of the body that may be inhibiting normal blood flow. In more rare circumstances, the penis will be examined for unusual characteristics that can point to a less common condition such as Peyronie's disease, which is characterized by a bending of the penis.

Laboratory tests are also an important part of diagnosing impotence. There are several tests that doctors use to make the correct diagnosis. Most doctors will begin by taking laboratory tests that can help detect any systemic disease that may be present. Such laboratory tests include blood count tests, urine analysis, measurements of liver enzymes and creatinine, and lipid profile. If the patient reports a low level of sexual interest and desire, the doctor will probably perform a measurement of the patient's testosterone. This information may provide doctor and patient with information about possible problems with the patient's endocrine system.

If a physical examination or laboratory tests do not yield enough conclusive information to make a firm diagnosis, the doctor may order other test. One of the most common of these involves overnight monitoring of the patient. This is to determine whether the patient is capable of sustaining overnight nocturnal penile tumescence, otherwise known as night erections. Most healthy men experience involuntary erections while sleeping. If the patient does not experience nocturnal erections, than the cause of impotence can be more than likely attributed to physical factors. This type of monitoring can help rule out psychological factors that may be causing the patient's impotence. Another type of examination that may be administered is psychosocial in nature. This means that the examination involves an examination of the patient's psychological state to see if the patient's impotence is being caused by stress, anxiety, depression, or other psychological or environmental factors.

Causes and Treatment of Peyronies Disease

Sunny — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 05:45:07 +0000

Although medical researchers have not yet determined a cause for Peyronie's disease, some doctors believe that the condition develops after the penis receives some form of trauma. For instance, according to some doctors, hitting or injury in the pelvic region can cause Peyronie's disease. Onset of Peyronie's disease is usually accompanied by localized bleeding, usually inside the penis. If the penis becomes abnormally bent or otherwise injured, the area of the penis known as the septum may become too stretched and may cause a small rupture in the blood vessels. The septum is the connecting tissue that runs the length of the penis, connecting from the chamber and attaching at the bottom and the top.

If the damaged area of the penis heals slowly or continues to incur trauma over an extended period of time, the injury will heal very slowly. This may cause the elastic fibers that are connected to the septum to stretch beyond their limit. This in turn can cause injury to the lining of the erectile chamber and cause the blood vessels to rupture. Aging can also have an effect on the progress of Peyronie's disease. Aging causes a progressive diminishment in the elasticity of the septum connective tissue. Aging can also increase the risk of injury to the area. Trauma eventually to the penis often leads to damage that can result in Peyronie's disease. This is because repeated damage to the area often keeps blood flow to reach the fibers of the penis. If trauma heals completely within one year of the injury, the development of plaque may be withheld to manageable levels. Keeping the plaque from advancing beyond the inflammatory phase is one of the best ways to prevent the onset of Peyronie's disease. However, if the plaque continues to develop over an extended period of time, it may eventually result in fibrosis. The plaque turns into hardened fibrous tissue. Eventually, the fibers may cause the formation of calcium deposits.

However, although many doctors are in agreement that trauma can lead to the development of Peyronie's disease, there is still much to learn about other causes of this often-mysterious condition. For instance, in many cases, Peyronie's disease manifests itself in patients with no history of trauma. Some cases of Peyronie's disease appear to develop very slowly over the years with no apparent reason.

Treatment of Peyronie's disease can represent a challenge for doctor and patient. Treatment will vary according to the patient's particular circumstances. Some doctors prescribe courses of vitamin E or B-complex molecules to their patients, although there does not exist conclusive evidence about the efficacy of these treatments. Doctors, with mixed results, have also used radiation therapies. High-energy rays are directed at the affected area in order to reduce the concentration of plaque. Although radiation therapy appears to be somewhat effective at reducing the amount of pain, it does not appear to get rid of plaque altogether or retain its effectiveness on a long-term basis. Surgical intervention is an alternative for patients that have not responded to other forms of therapy.

Eating to Prevent Impotence

Sunny — Mon, 14 May 2007 18:30:10 +0000

Eating a healthy well-balanced diet is essential for good health. Although most people eat well to feel good and lose weight, a healthy diet can also help boost your sexual life. Certain foods have always been thought of as aphrodisiacs (chocolate comes to mind), but eating well can do more than just stir up your sexual interest. Eating well can provide you with greater energy, stamina, and can help relieve stress that is often at the heart of sexual impotence. Here are some guidelines that can help you choose a healthy diet for greater sexual health and maximum potency.

If there is one food you should consider integrating into your diet for greater sexual health, it is garlic. Garlic is remarkable because of its numerous health benefits. Garlic is a proven immune booster, antiseptic, and believe it or not, an aphrodisiac. Because of its versatility, garlic can be prepared as part of many dishes. However, for maximum effectiveness, it is recommended that you eat it raw. Preferably two or three cloves of raw garlic each day are recommended. If this sounds impossibly distasteful to you, simply chop them up finely and mix them into a salad vinaigrette or add them to a sandwich. Another food that is related to garlic and which is said to provide similar benefits is onion. Onion, like garlic, is thought to help improve the libido and overall sexual health. White onions are though to be the most effective variety.

Certain vegetables have also been singled out as part of an impotence-fighting diet. Carrots are thought to be particularly helpful in increasing a man's sexual stamina. It is recommended that 150 grams of carrots be consumed as part of a daily diet. Another vegetable that is thought to have aphrodisiac properties is asparagus. The dried roots of asparagus has been prepared for centuries and consumed as aphrodisiacs by some tribes.

Dried dates and raisins are also thought to contain several important impotence-fighting properties. Both are high in fiber and fuel the body with sustained energy. Black raisins have been singled out for their aphrodisiac properties. It is recommended that dried raisins and dates be consumed with nuts, such as almonds, pistachio, and walnuts. These provide an extra boost of protein that works well with the high fiber found in dried fruit.

Ginger is one of the most popular herbs that are used to cure the symptoms of sexual impotence. It has been used for many years to treat a myriad of ailments, including impotency and premature ejaculation. For the best results, squeeze the ginger to extract its juice, and take roughly half a teaspoon every night for at least three weeks.

Other general food guidelines for greater sexual health include increasing your consumption of fresh fruit. Eating fresh fruit on a regular basis can help fight free radicals in your body. Whey protein may also be helpful in increasing energy, stamina and endurance. Finally, avoid excess caffeine and alcohol, as these are known culprits that can sabotage your sexual energy.

Peyronies Disease and Impotence

Sunny — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 02:45:05 +0000

Peyronie's disease is a condition in which plaque builds around the upper or lower side of the penis' erectile tissue, causing a man to experience sexual impotence. The patient often describes feeling a hard lump in the area where plaque has built up. The plaque may trigger localized inflammation to develop, and this can sometimes result in scarring. Symptoms of Peyronie's disease can range from mild to severe. In most cases, symptoms become present very gradually, while in other cases they may appear to become present overnight. How does Peyronie's disease cause the patient to become sexually impotent? The plaque caused by the onset of the disease may cause the penis to lose its natural flexibility. It can also cause substantial pain and many times may cause the penis to bend or arc irregularly during erection. Obviously, this can result in many sexual problems that can disrupt a couple's sexual life and make comfortable intercourse increasingly more difficult. Many patients suffering from Peyronie's disease may find that the pain associated with the condition often subsides over time. But the bending of the penis during an erection may continue long after the pain subsides.

The plaque that forms on the penis is essentially benign, although obviously it still causes a lot of sexual difficulties for the patient. The location of the plaque is directly related to the direction of the penis' arc. For instance, if the plaque is mostly concentrated on the top of the penis, the penis will tend to bend upwards. When the plaque is concentrated on the under side of the penis, the penis will tend to bend downwards. In some cases, the plaque may be located on both the top and under side of the penis. In these cases, the penis tends to become indented, scarred, and eventually shortened. Many men afflicted with Peyronie's disease may find sexual intercourse impossible due to the pain or irregular bending associated with the condition.

Peyronie's disease is a relatively rare condition that affects roughly one percent of the male population. Onset of this condition tends to be around middle age, although men of any age may be affected with it. Some men afflicted with Peyronie's disease may develop fibrosis in areas of the body that are marked by elastic tissues, such as the feet or the hands. It is estimated that about 30 percent of men will experience fibrosis in conjunction with Peyronie's disease. Another condition that may be affect men with Peyronie's disease is known as Dupuytren's contracture of the hand.

Peyronie's disease can be a difficult condition to treat because little is known about the cause of the condition. The goal of therapy usually consists of keeping the patient sexually active. Unfortunately, doctors and medical researchers still do not know enough of Peyronie's disease to determine a conclusive cause or therapy treatment for this condition. In most cases, patients will need to undergo surgical therapy in order to achieve long-lasting results. However, surgery should always be considered as an option of last resort.

Home Remedies For Treating Male Impotence

Sunny — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:15:08 +0000

Sexual impotence in males is a common problem whose frequency tends to increase with age. Fortunately there are several treatments that are easily accessible to most patients. Some patients may choose to try home remedies before treating their condition with oral medications or invasive treatments. Home remedies have been used for eons to help men achieve greater sexual potency. The results of medical research have been mixed and not yet reached conclusive results regarding many home remedy options. Most doctors and herbalists agree that although some of these remedies may help some, they may prove ineffective for others. Experimenting with different home remedies may yield beneficial results for less advanced cases. Here are some of the most common home remedies for treating male sexual impotence.

Garlic: Garlic has long been used as a home remedy for a variety of ailments, including sexual impotence. Often referred to as "the poor man's penicillin," garlic has remarkable properties that allow it to serve as an effective antiseptic and immune booster. It is also believed to hold aphrodisiac properties. Sexual debility and impotence due to anxiety or stress may be relieved through consumption of two to three cloves of raw garlic ingested daily. Garlic is an overall health booster that can provide tangible health benefits.

Hip baths: A cold hipbath can be helpful for men dealing with impotence. The water should not be freezing, simply cold enough to stimulate the nerves located around the genital organs. This can be an effective albeit temporary solution to treating impotence.

Body Massage: An all over body massage that is gentle yet vigorous enough to stimulate the body may be helpful in treating sexual impotence that is related to anxiety, stress or depression. Regular massage therapy can help control stressors that may be responsible for triggering episodes of sexual impotence.

Fresh air and exercise: Research studies have shown that getting some form of regular exercise can also help alleviate the symptoms of sexual impotence. Regular physical activity can also help reduce the feelings of stress and anxiety that may be at least partly responsible for triggering bouts of impotence.

Avoid smoking: If you are a male smoker, quitting the cigarette habit is one of the best things you can do for your health, including your sexual health. Several studies have made a positive link between sexual impotence and cigarette smoking. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen that enters the body and constricts the flow of blood in the body. Stop smoking and watch your health improve, including increased sexual stamina.

Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet: Eating a healthy diet is just as important as getting enough exercise. Remember, everything that you put into your body has an effect on how your body feels, how you look, and your long-term health. Choose fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats and avoid eating foods that are highly processed or that contain excessive sugars. Also, avoid excessive caffeine, as it can trigger stressors and over stimulate your body. You should also avoid excessive alcohol, especially before sexual activity.

Herbal Treatments for Male Impotence

Sunny — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 04:30:17 +0000

Most men suffering from impotence would like to avoid the use of expensive prescription medications with potentially serious side effects and the use of cumbersome and embarrassing sexual aids and devices. It's no surprise then that herbal treatments have grown immensely in popularity during the last several years. Here is a brief overview of the most relevant and potent herbal drugs that can be used to treat the symptoms of male impotence. As always, speak to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Herbal treatments can interfere with your other medications and this combination may cause serious side effects.
Herbalists recommend a special class of herbal treatments casually referred to as relaxing drugs. These are drugs that are prescribed to reduce or tame feelings of anxiety, depression, and tension. Many cases of male impotence can be attributed to stress and anxiety, so these so-called relaxing classes of herbs are thought to be of help for men suffering from impotence. Relaxing herbal drugs include valerian, wild oats, lavender, passionflower, and California poppy. If you choose to take any of these herbal treatments, find an herbal supplement manufactured by a reputable and well-known manufacturer, and follow the directions on the label.

Another class of herbal treatments recommended by herbalists and naturopathic doctors are aphrodisiacs. These are drugs that have historically been associated with arousing intense sexual interest and desire in men and women. Although there is no miracle herb, several herbs have been historically used to help build and sustain sexual energy. Probably the best-known aphrodisiac is ginseng. There are literally dozens of kinds of ginseng out there. For the best results, look for ginseng that is labeled as "red Chinese" ginseng or "red Korean." These types tend to be more potent than the commonly sold white, unprocessed kind of ginseng. There is some research to support that ginseng may be especially helpful in patients over 40 years of age who suffer from weak digestive systems. People who are not getting the right amount of proper nourishment and who have deficient immune systems may be more prone to suffering from a lack of sexual appetite or impotence. Ginseng may be able to help individuals in this situation. Also, ginseng has been shown to increase the levels of testosterone in the male body. This can also help restore a person's sexual appetite and ability to sustain an erection. Most herbalists recommend that ginseng be taken daily. It is often taken in combination with tea, especially ginger tea or powdered extract. Other popular aphrodisiac drugs include turmeric, Mira puama, ginger, chocolate, and damiana.

Other herbs that may be incorporated into an herbal program to combat male impotence may include herbs that stimulate the body's circulatory system. Herbs that help enhance the circulatory system include ginger, motherwort, prickly ash bark, and turmeric. Other herbs that may be helpful include ashwaganda, schisandra, and eleuthero. If you are interested in using an herbal remedy to treat your impotence, consider buying a comprehensive supplement that incorporates many of these herbs into one safe-to-use formula that is convenient and effective.