Six Sex Secrets – What you need to know to master your sexuality (part 1)

Six Sex Secrets – What you need to know to master your sexuality (part 1)

Humans are sexual beings, and when something is wrong with our sexuality, it can cause us a lot of stress and discomfort.

Luckily, regardless of what challenge you are facing with your sexuality right now, everything can be fixed, and you can master your sexuality at any stage of your life.

You can even take your sexuality to a higher level than you ever thought was even possible if you’ll master the six sex secrets I’m going to tell you about right now.

I’ll share with you what I consider to be the six areas of male sexuality that every man must work on if he wants to master his sexuality and unleash his full sexual potential.

But here is a disclaimer before we dive in: To master male sexuality, you need to work on each one of the six areas, and it may take many years and a lot of hard work for some man, but it’s a worthy journey.

1. Sexual Mindset Mastery

Your mindset is the gateway to mastering your sexuality because everything starts with your mindset. If you don’t take care of your mindset first, no technique or supplement will help you because the mind is more potent than any male enhancement you may ever buy online.

I know that because I worked with many men, and I helped men from all over the world overcome premature ejaculation, become better lovers, solve erection challenges, and even stop porn addictions.

And time and time again, I’ve seen that the solution usually starts with working on the mindset, so before you try to solve your sexual challenge with a trick, technique, devices, or supplements. First, pay attention to your mindset and your thoughts.

Because sometimes, all the difference in the world starts from merely changing how you think about the world – just think about it.

2. Total Ejaculation Control

Premature ejaculation in men is my area of expertise, I started Vibrating Love to teach men how to last longer in bed, so there is a lot to be said on this topic, but I’ll try to sum it up for you.

It does not matter if you are the most beautiful guy in the neighborhood or if you have a huge dick or if you can give the best oral sex or finger like a pro any woman to an intense orgasm.

As long as you won’t be able to control your ejaculation until your partner enjoys her orgasm from a simple penetration, she will never be happy with you sexually, so make sure you achieve total ejaculation control.

The good news is that usually premature ejaculation is caused by masturbating the wrong way (generally to porn). And if you invest the time doing the right things, it’s easy to master your ejaculation control and get this challenge solved once and for all.

3. Penis Empowerment Principles

The penis is a very interesting thing, and some even say that it has a mind of its own. I think that it’s right in a way because almost every man has made some stupid decisions in his life because he was thinking with his penis.

Did it ever happen to you or maybe to someone you know intimately?

The good news is that if you have an erection problem and everything is ok with your overall health. It can be easy and fast to make your erection robust, lasting, and reliable again.

And if you have a small penis and you insist on enlarging it because you think you just can’t live with a small penis anymore, remember that you can make it bigger naturally without any surgery, it just takes longer and some work on your part.

But I suggest that you first try to learn to live it with it and work on your mindset and self-image and only in the end if you still want to make it bigger, go about it in a natural way and with a coach.

So if you ever worried about your penis, you should not worry anymore because this is what the PEGYM community is for, and if this is a challenge that you are facing right now in your life, then you are at the right place.

About the Author:

David Finer is the man behind VibratingLove.com. He was written extensively on matters related to male enhancement and sexuality, and has written this article specifically for PEGym members looking to get a better understanding of their overall sexuality. You can find the second part of the article here.

8 Penis-Friendly Foods to Boost T-Levels, Sperm Count, and More

8 Penis-Friendly Foods to Boost T-Levels, Sperm Count, and More

The best way to boost penis health? Food.

Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo, LDN, RD on October 23, 2018 — Written by Tiffany LaForge

This article is a repost which originally appeared on HealthLine

We often eat with our hearts and stomachs in mind, but how often do we consider how foods affect extremely specific body parts?

First things first though: no matter what we eat, the benefits are holistic — it goes where our bodies need it.

But, let’s say, if you know, that apples and carrots are good for your prostate and penis health, wouldn’t you be inclined to eat these foods more often?

That’s the goal of our below-the-belt food list.

Instead of eating as if your penis needs special attention, fill your day with foods that optimize your whole body, and in turn, help your blood bring the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your penis needs to function. (Erectile dysfunction in younger men is rising and about 1 in 9 men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.)

On the plus side, enhancing your diet just might help with other concerns, such as heart disease, hormonal imbalances, fat burn, and more.

From prostate cancer, low T-levels, ED, and possibly infertility, these foods are here to help.

1. Spinach to boost testosterone levels

Spinach worked for Popeye, and it’ll help you, too.

Spinach is a super source of folate, a known blood flow-booster. Folic acid plays a critical role in male sexual function and a deficiency in folic acid has been linkedTrusted Source to erectile dysfunction.

Cooked spinach contains 66 percent of your daily folic acid requirement per cup, making it one of the most folate-rich foods around. Additionally, spinach contains a fair amount of magnesium, which also helps improve and stimulate blood flow and has been shown to boost testosterone levels.

Spinach for penile health

  • A good source of folic acid which may help prevent erectile dysfunction.
  • Contains magnesium which has been shown to boost testosterone.
  • Pro-tip: Try our favorite spinach recipes for your next date night.

2. A daily cup of coffee for better sex

Your morning cup of java can be a below-the-belt pick-me-up, too!

Studies have found that drinking two to three cups of coffee a day may prevent erectile dysfunction. This is thanks to coffee’s most beloved ingredient: caffeine.

Caffeine is shown to improve blood flow by relaxing penile arteries and muscles, leading to stronger erections. Cheers!

Caffeine for penile health

  • Caffeine has been shown to prevent erectile dysfunction.
  • Improves blood flow by relaxing penile arteries and muscles.
  • Pro-tip: Not a fan of coffee? You can get your daily caffeine fix from Yerba Mate or matcha instead.

3. Apple peels to prevent prostate cancer

Apples have some great all-around health benefits, but one of their lesser known advantages pertains to penis health.

Apple peels, in particular, contain the active compound ursolic acid. This compound has been shown in cell studies to stop the growth of prostate cancer cells by “starving” the cells. Still, you should always follow a medical professional’s treatment plan when faced with prostate cancer.

Eat more fruits and veggies Grapes, berries, and turmeric also have similar effects. Studies suggest that men who consume more fruits and vegetables in general have better odds at beating prostate cancer.

Apples for penile health

  • Contain an active compound that may starve prostate cancer cells.
  • Men who consume more fruits and vegetables have a better prostate cancer survival rate.
  • Pro-tip: The cancer-fighting compound is contained in the peel so be sure to eat your apples with the skin on. You can also make dried apple chips or apple peel tea.

4. Supercharge your libido with avocados

The Aztecs were on to something when they named the avocado tree the “testicle tree.”

An excellent source of healthy fats, potassium, and vitamins, avocados are great for getting you in the mood.

This toast-topper favorite has vitamin E and zinc, both of which have positive effects on male sex drive and fertility. Zinc has been suggested to increase levels of free testosterone in the body, while vitamin E may improve sperm quality.

Avocados for penile health

  • Contain zinc which increases testosterone levels.
  • Are a good source of vitamin E which improves sperm quality.
  • Pro-tip: Out of ideas beyond guacamole and toast? Find inspiration with our 23 delicious ways to eat an avocado.

5. Chili peppers to spice up the bedroom

Can you handle the heat? Studies have found that men who consume spicy foods have higher-than-average testosterone levels.

While this doesn’t mean spicy food gives you testosterone, the chemical capsaicin has been shown to have bedroom advantages.

Found in hot sauce and chili peppers, capsaicin triggers the release of endorphins — the “feel good” hormone — and can rev up the libido.

Chili peppers for penile health

  • Men who eat spicy foods have higher-than-average T-levels.
  • Capsaicin found in chili peppers triggers the release of endorphins.
  • Pro-tip: There’s more health benefits to spicy foods than a healthy libido. Read about our top five.

6. Carrots keep your sperm healthy

Looking to improve your sperm count? Science says to eat more carrots.

This fertility superfood may improve both sperm count and motility (the movement and swimming of sperm).

Research suggests this is due to the chemical carotenoids found in carrots, which is also responsible for giving the vegetable its orange color.

Carrots for penile health

  • Research finds that carrots can improve male fertility.
  • Carotenoids found in carrots may improve sperm quality and motility.
  • Pro-tip: Another vegetable high in carotenoids is sweet potatoes, which makes our list of the 14 healthiest vegetables on earth alongside carrots.

7. Oats for a bigger O

Oatmeal might not come to mind when you think of the world’s sexiest foods — but maybe it should!

Oats can be beneficial for reaching orgasm and Avena Sativa (wild oats) is considered an aphrodisiac. The amino acid L-arginine found in oats has also been shown to treat erectile dysfunction.

Like Viagra, L-arginine helps penile blood vessels relax, which is essential to maintaining an erection and reaching orgasm.

Oats for penile health

  • Wild oats are a known aphrodisiac.
  • Amino acids found in oats relax blood vessels and can help with erectile dysfunction.
  • Pro-tip: New to oats? Try our quick and easy 10-minute overnight oats, made three ways.

8. Tomatoes are a penile health trifecta

Want all the benefits in one punch? Start with tomatoes.

Tomatoes include several of the benefits listed above and can be eaten in a variety of ways.

Research shows lycopene-rich foods, like tomatoes, may help prevent prostate cancer.

Tomatoes might also be beneficial to male fertility and sperm quality — as tomatoes seem to significantly improve sperm concentration, motility, and morphology.

Tomatoes for penile health

  • Help prevent prostate cancer.
  • Are beneficial to male fertility and improve sperm concentration, motility, and morphology.
  • Pro-tip: Too busy to make your own marinara? You don’t just have to cook with tomatoes. Try drinking tomato juice for a quick and healthy way to get your daily lycopene.

Looking for more ways to ensure below-the-belt health? Check out our best tips to prevent prostate cancer and non-penile advice on improving your sex life.

After all, your health is more than one body part.

Erectile dysfunction pills can permanently distort vision

Erectile dysfunction pills can permanently distort vision

By Hannah Frishberg

This article is a repost which originally appeared on the NEW YORK POST

This little blue pill is giving men a big blue — or sometimes red — problem: colored vision.

Erectile dysfunction drugs can lead to prolonged retinal dysfunction, a new case study published Friday in the journal Frontiers in Neurology found.

“Sildenafil, also known as the little blue pill or Viagra, is a common medication for men who need a little downstairs perk-me-up,” begins a press release for the report, published by Turkey’s World Eye Hospital, “but Turkish researchers noted a pattern of male patients whom (sic) took the pill suffering from all sorts of visual disturbances.”

Study authors report patients experienced blurred vision, light sensitivity and color-vision disturbances, including “intensely blue colored vision with red/green color blindness” after taking the highest recommended dose of Sildenafil, which was originally developed as a treatment for high blood pressure.

“For the vast majority of men, any side effects will be temporary and mild” after taking Sildenafil, says study author Dr. Cüneyt Karaarslan. “However, I wanted to highlight that persistent eye and vision problems may be encountered for a small number of users.”

In the 17 case reports included in the study, all men were still experiencing side effects when they arrived at the clinic 24 to 48 hours after taking the drug. For some, the symptoms required 21 days to clear up, although in past case studies, patients’ vision has been found to be forever changed.

“He definitely showed some permanent damage to his vision,” ophthalmologist Dr. Richard Rosen tells CNN of a 31-year-old who began seeing red after he took a high dose of an ED medication. The man was the subject of a case report co-authored by Rosen and published in 2018.

Karaarslan believes the side effects are due to a small subsection of men being unable to break down the enhancement drugs. The reason the eye is impacted is not fully understood, Rosen tells CNN, but has something to do with a pair of sister enzymes. One of the enzymes is found in blood vessel walls and can affect the other enzyme, which helps process light within the eye. The one that impacts blood vessel walls is inhibited by the drug’s active ingredient.

“No one knows exactly how this happens,” says Rosen. “We just know there’s a crossover.”

L-Citrulline and L-Arginine: This One-Two Amino Acid Punch Can Improve Circulation—And Your Love Life!

Scientific studies show the combination of L-Citrulline and L-Arginine increases Nitric Oxide production for cardiovascular, immune boosting, and sexual health benefits!

This article is a repost which originally appeared on US Smart Publications

You have probably heard of the amino acid L-arginine, which is also called simply arginine.It is well known in the nutrition science community for its ability to increase nitric oxide production resulting in a wide variety of health benefits. But you probably have not heard much about its powerful amino acid cousin, L-citrulline, or just citrulline.If you eat at least six cups of watermelon every day then you’re getting an adequate dose of the amino acid citrulline. Citrulline’s name is actually derived from the Latin word for watermelon—citrullus—because it was first isolated from the fruit in 1930.1

What does L-Citrulline and L-Arginine do?

Together they help:

– Support cardiovascular health by boosting nitric oxide production and helping blood flow more easily throughout the body

– Support healthy blood pressure and boost the immune system

– Detoxify the liver and eliminate ammonia from the body

– Improve sexual stamina and enhance recovery from an intense workout

Who might benefit from taking a supplement containing
both citrulline and arginine?

– Anyone who wants to support healthy blood pressure Individuals who want to avoid angina (chest pain)

– Individuals who want to avoid leg pain due to poor blood circulation

– Anyone who wants protection from heart attack and stroke

– Men suffering from erectile dysfunction

– Athletes who want a faster recovery

How are citrulline and arginine related?

As soon as citrulline enters the kidney, vascular endothelium and other tissues, it is converted into arginine. Plasma and tissue levels of arginine increase, which is necessary for the production of nitric oxide and relaxation of blood vessels. An additional benefit of supplemental citrulline is that it helps eliminate ammonia, a highly toxic substance, from the liver.

Will citrulline and arginine help my sex life?

The answer is yes. Arginine has been well studied for its ability to enhance sexual satisfaction. Both men and women report longer and more intense orgasms when their intake of arginine increases. Additionally, arginine is often used by men to achieve long lasting and harder erections. Since citrulline is a precursor for arginine and arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide, you can combine the two for enhanced sexual pleasure and vascular health.

But you’re probably not eating six cups of watermelon every day, and actually it isn’t recommended. Watermelon is high in fructose (fruit sugar) and it’s a natural diuretic, so you’d be spending a whole lot of time in the bathroom.

In addition to watermelon, citrulline is found in cucumbers and cantaloupe, at very low levels, as well as the milk protein casein. But since it is a nonessential amino acid, you don’t have to rely on getting citrulline from food. It is manufactured from other nutrients in your body, however, you only manufacture it if you are young and healthy and producing those other essential nutrients in adequate amounts!

The citrulline and arginine combination plays an essential role in your body

Citrulline, like arginine, is important in vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels, resulting from relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, especially in the large arteries and veins and smaller arterioles.

The endothelium (inner lining) of blood vessels uses nitric oxide to signal the surrounding smooth muscle to relax. This results in a relaxing of the blood vessels, and increased blood flow.

In the body, citrulline is converted to the amino acid arginine, which goes on to make another important substance—nitric oxide. When citrulline enters the kidney, vascular endothelium and other tissues, it can be readily converted to arginine, thus raising plasma and tissue levels of arginine and enhancing nitric oxide production.2

The importance of nitric oxide to healthy blood flow

As stated, nitric oxide is integral to relaxing blood vessels which is necessary for healthy blood flow to the heart and genital area in both men and women, and throughout the body. Nitric oxide helps the blood vessels maintain their flexibility so that the blood flow is unrestricted. This, in turn, helps maintain healthy blood pressure, and a healthy sexual response.

When your vascular system is working efficiently there is less chance that a blood clot will form, which means there is less chance of having a heart attack or stroke.

Nitric oxide helps prevent blood clots because it prevents blood aggregation or platelets from becoming sticky. When platelets are not sticky they can move in a single file through the capillaries.

But if they are sticking together it’s like trying to move a dozen people through a crack in the wall. There is nowhere for the platelets to go, so a blood clot forms.

Additionally, nitric oxide works as an antioxidant that reduces the possibility of immune cells adhering to artery walls. This helps keep down inflammation,
which most health professionals agree is a major cause of the plaque formation that contributes to atherosclerosis.

What inhibits adequate nitric oxide production?

– People who have atherosclerosis, diabetes or hypertension (high bloodpressure) often show impaired nitric oxide pathways.3

– Over-consumption of salt can impair nitric oxide production.4

– Aging—as we get older there is a decrease in nitric oxide production because the body makes less citrulline and arginine.5

Boosting nitric oxide production with nutritional supplements

Supplemental arginine helps the body produce more nitric oxide, and it helps with conditions that improve when blood vessels are relaxed, such as atherosclerosis and intermittent claudication (difficulty walking due to pain in leg muscles because of inadequate blood supply).

Even more importantly, new studies are showing that supplemental citrulline also assists in nitric oxide production by boosting blood levels of arginine. It does this because it is more readily absorbed and bioavailable than arginine alone, and it bypasses metabolism in the liver and gastrointestinal tract and is readily absorbed in the kidneys.6, 7

Citrulline and arginine scientific studies

In the first study to show that oral supplementation with citrulline raises blood levels of arginine, 20 healthy volunteers were given 6 different dosing regimens of placebo, citrulline, and arginine.

After one week of oral supplementation, the citrulline dose increased plasma arginine concentration more effectively than arginine alone.8

A study in humans also showed the citrulline supplementation’s “time release” effect on arginine production. In this study an oral dose of 3.8 grams of citrulline resulted in a 227% peak increase in plasma arginine levels after 4 hours, compared with a 90% peak increase with the same dose of arginine.7,9

Thus, acute oral administration of citrulline appears to be considerably more efficient at raising plasma levels of arginine over the long term than arginine itself.7

Reduces blood pressure

In another recent study, citrulline supplementation was shown to reduce blood pressure in 17 young (average age 21.6 years) men with normal blood pressure after they were submitted to a cold pressor test (CPT). (A cold pressor test is a cardiovascular test done by having the subject immerse his hand into a bucket of ice water for one minute. Blood pressure and heart rate are then evaluated.)

Even more importantly, new studies are showing that supplemental citrulline also assists in nitric oxide production by boosting blood levels of arginine.

The men were randomly assigned to four weeks of oral citrulline (6 grams/day) or placebo in a crossover design. Blood pressure was measured after the blood pressor test. The results showed that compared to placebo, oral citrulline decreased brachial systolic blood pressure (-6 +/- 11 mm Hg), aortic systolic blood pressure (-4 +/- 10 mm Hg), and aortic pulse pressure (-3 +/- 6 mm Hg) during CPT but not at rest, suggesting improved production of nitric oxide under stress.10

Boosts immune system function

Citrulline’s beneficial effects on nitric oxide were also demonstrated in a group of male professional cyclists who took 6 grams of oral citrulline before a race. Researchers found that the racers’ levels of arginine increased, as well as their neutrophil immune cells.11

Citrulline’s enhancement of immunity may benefit endurance athletes as it has long been noted that immune defenses drop after an intense athletic event, increasing susceptibility to infection.12
Pharmaceutical drugs that stimulate nitric oxide production

Of course “Big Pharma” has developed a number of drugs that work to increase the production of nitric oxide in the body, but as usual they don’t work with the body like natural amino acids do and they are loaded with side effects.

Nitroglycerin and amyl nitrite serve as vasodilators because they are converted to nitric oxide in the body.

Sildenafil citrate, popularly known as Viagra®, stimulates erections primarily by enhancing signaling through the nitric oxide pathway in the penis.

But as mentioned, these drugs come with a long list of side effects, including headache, vision impairment, flushing, and rare but serious effects including heart attack and stroke.

Taking supplemental citrulline in combination with arginine is a great way to relax your blood vessels and avoid plaque build-up without drug side effects.
What to look for in a supplement

For each gram consumed, citrulline is more effective at raising nitric oxide levels (in vascular endothelium) than arginine alone. This is because approximately 50% of the arginine gets converted into other amino acids by the intestines and the liver. As the conversion of citrulline to arginine is not immediate, arginine will provide faster results.

As a convenient daily supplement in capsule form, citrulline is the best choice. This is because 6 grams (6,000 miligrams) of arginine is required to gain benefits. For those wanting to avoid swallowing a hand full of capsules, look for an arginine drink mix. Avoid pure arginine powder as the taste is awful, and the pH can burn the throat.

Taken together, you can get an immediate boost of nitric oxide production from the arginine, while allowing the citrulline time to produce additional arginine, for prolonged nitric oxide production.

This one-two punch of arginine and citrulline is a promising treatment for cardiovascular disease involving arginine deficiencies, reduced nitric oxide availability, and vascular dysfunction.

Together, citrulline and arginine supplementation is a natural and safe means of providing your body arginine, both short and long term. This combination can increase the natural production of nitric oxide, help reduce your chances of having a heart attack or stroke, boost your immune system, and improve your love live, all without the side effects of pharmaceutical drugs.
How are citrulline and arginine related?

As soon as citrulline enters the kidney, vascular endothelium and other tissues, it is converted into arginine. Plasma and tissue levels of arginine increase, which is necessary for the production of nitric oxide and relaxation of blood vessels.

An additional benefit of supplemental citrulline is that it helps eliminate ammonia, a highly toxic substance, from the liver.
Will citrulline and arginine help my sex life?

The answer is yes. Arginine has been well studied for its ability to enhance sexual satisfaction. Both men and women report longer and more intense orgasms when their intake of arginine increases. Additionally, arginine is often used by men to achieve long lasting and harder erections.

Since citrulline is a precursor for arginine and arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide, you can combine the two for enhanced sexual pleasure and vascular health.
References

Collins JK, Wu G, Perkins-Veazie P, Spears K, Claypool PL, Baker RA, Clevidence BA. Nutrition. 2007 March.

Abstract ↑
Romero MJ, Platt DH, Caldwell RB, Caldwell RW. Therapeutic use of citrulline in cardiovascular disease. Cardiovasc Drug Rev. 2006 Fall-Winter;24(3-4):275-90.

Abstract ↑
Dessy, C.; Ferron, O. (2004). “Pathophysiological Roles of Nitric Oxide: In the Heart and the Coronary Vasculature”. Current Medical Chemistry – Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 3 (3): 207–216.

Abstract ↑
Osanai, T; Fujiwara, N; Saitoh, M; Sasaki, S; Tomita, H; Nakamura, M; Osawa, H; Yamabe, H et al. (2002). “Relationship between salt intake, nitric oxide and asymmetric dimethylarginine and its relevance to patients with end-stage renal disease.”. Blood purification 20 (5): 466–8. doi:10.1159/000063555. PMID 12207094

Abstract ↑
Kang L, Reyes RA, Delp, JM. Aging impairs flow-induced dilation in coronary arterioles: role of NO and H2O2. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2009 September; 297(3): H1087–H1095. Published online 2009 July 17. doi:

↑
Cynober L. Pharmacokinetics of arginine and related amino acids. J Nutr. 2007 Jun;137(6 Suppl 2):1646S-1649S.

Abstract ↑
Romero M, Platt D, Caldwell R, Caldwell R. Therapeutic Use of Citrulline in Cardiovascular Disease. Cardiovascular Drug Reviews Vol. 24, No. 3–4, pp. 275–290.

Abstract ↑
Schwedhelm E, Maas R, Freese R, Jung D, Lukacs Z, Jambrecina A, Spickler W, Schulze F, Boger RH. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of oral Citrulline and Arginine: impact on nitric oxide metabolism. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2008 Jan;65(1):51-9. Epub 2007 Jul 27.

Abstract ↑
Kuhn KP, Harris PA, Cunningham GR, Robbins IM, Summar ML, Christman BW. Oral citrulline effectively elevates plasma arginine levels for 24 h in normal volunteers. Circulation AHA Scientific Sessions 2006; abstract 1692, p. II-1339.

Abstract ↑
Figueroa A, Trivino JA, Sanchez-Gonzalez MA, Vicil F. Oral Citrulline supplementation attenuates blood pressure response to cold pressor test in young men. Am J Hypertens. 2010 Jan;23(1):12-6. Epub 2009 Oct 22.

Abstract ↑
Sureda A, Cordova A, Ferrer MD, Tauler P, Perez G, Tur JA, Pons A. Effects of Citrulline oral supplementation on polymorphonuclear neutrophils oxidative burst and nitric oxide production after exercise. Free Radic Res. 2009 Sep;43(9):828-35. Epub 2009 Jul 6.

Abstract ↑
Chinda D, Nakaji S, Umeda T, Shimoyama T, Kurakake S, Okamura N, Kumae T, Sugawara K. A competitive marathon race decreases neutrophil functions in athletes.Luminescence. 2003 Nov-Dec;18(6):324-9.

Abstract ↑
Halstead, Bruce W., M.D. The Science of EDTA Chelation Therapy. Golden Quill Publishers, Inc., Colton, CA., 1979.

↑
Robbins, S.L.; Cotran, R.S.: and Kumar, V., eds. Pathological Basis of Disease. New York: W.B. Saunders, 1984.

↑

Study: ED questionnaire lacks crucial questions

Study: ED questionnaire lacks crucial questions

By Jeni Williams

* This article is a repost which originally appeared on UrologyTimes

Chicago-A patient-reported outcomes survey that is widely used to determine whether men are experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED) fails to ask three critical questions that could uncover whether men truly have ED and the extent to which they face challenges, researchers say.

In a presentation at the AUA annual meeting in Chicago, one research methodologist said there are three obvious problems to using the six-question version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-6) to assess erectile function:

• Men who respond that they are not sexually active are not asked why—and their answer significantly lowers their survey score. Yet for many men, lack of sexual activity is not due to a loss of sexual function.

• Men are not asked whether they are using erectile aids.

• Because men do not report use of erectile aids, physicians miss an opportunity to ask patients to rate their level of sexual function with these aids.

“Too often, a man who says he is not having sex is automatically defined as having ED when that may not be true. If someone is not having sexual activity, you cannot assume that person has ED. You must ask additional questions,” Andrew Vickers, PhD, attending research methodologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, told Urology Times.

Once men share the answer to this question, it’s important to adjust survey results to reflect the reason men are not having sex. Only in doing so can health care professionals gain valid insight into a man’s sexual health, Dr. Vickers said.

The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center under the direction of Karandeep Singh, MD, MMSc, assistant professor of learning health sciences and assistant professor of medicine for the University of Michigan Medical School. The study was supported in part by funding from the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan, and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.

Men with prostate cancer who had undergone radical prostatectomy were asked to complete the existing version of IIEF-6 as well as adjusted versions that added a question about the use of erectile aids, instructed men to respond to the survey based on their level of erectile function without use of aids, and asked men who reported not having intercourse to share the reason why. EPIC sexual function scores were analyzed for men who reported no sexual activity on the IIEF-6.

A total of 24,732 surveys were completed by 6,780 men as part of their routine care. The results show the extent to which the IIEF-6 provides limited insight around erectile function in some men who have undergone radical prostatectomy.

Study: ED questionnaire lacks crucial questions: Page 2 of 2

Among the 16,573 surveys that included data around the use of erectile aids, 15% reported the use of erectile aids, predominantly injections (89%). A simple modeling analysis showed that before a question around the use of erectile aids was introduced, some men would report their level of erectile function using the aids; others would assess their erectile function without the use of aids.

Among men who stated they were not having sexual intercourse, 46% gave reasons other than ED for the absence of sexual activity, including lack of a partner, sexual orientation, sexual preference, and health problems of the female partner. In men who were having sexual intercourse, doubling the first three questions on the survey resulted in almost perfect scores compared with the full IIEF-6.

In the 251 men who reported not having sexual activity, 13% reported they continued to have erections sufficient for sexual activity. Meanwhile, 5.6% reported scores of at least 65 on the EPIC sexual function domain.

Adjusting the survey to provide more detailed and informative insight into the erectile function of men who have undergone radical prostatectomy “is an easy fix,” Dr. Vickers said.

“The problem is not in calculating a group average. The problem is in working with individual patients,” he added.

It’s also important to ensure patients understand what is meant by the word “intercourse,” Dr. Vickers said.

“Some men think ‘sex’ means ‘intercourse’ [only],” he said.

 

7 Productive Things to Do Instead of Spending Money

7 Productive Things to Do Insteaf of Spending Money money worries

7 Productive Things to Do Insteaf of Spending Money money worriesWith the holidays approaching, stress levels are on the rise. One of the most common stressors for this time of year is — MONEY!

Gifts and travel and entertaining and eating out… well, it all adds up to a lot of money being spent, and even if you’re doing well with your budget, just this uptick in spending can be stressful.

This stress can make you more irritable and can even negatively impact your relationship with your significant other. Stress and anxiety are also a leading factor in erectile dysfunction!

Check out my list of 7 productive things you can do, instead of spending money.

  1. 7 Productive Things to Do Insteaf of Spending MoneyGo for a walk – by yourself, with your partner, or with your favorite 4-legged friend. Even in the winter time, even in the snow, check out the beauty around you. Snow on the ground – or even just the stark contrast of a leafless tree against a gray sky. If you’re with your partner – hold hands. If you’re alone – put in some headphones with your favorite music playing.
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  2. Do a puzzle – I know that sounds old fashioned, but puzzles are like the original Farmville. You have a sense of accomplishment for completing tasks! Plus, putting a puzzle together actually exercises your brain. Do it with your partner, with the TV and cell phones off, and just enjoy being together. Your local library may even have some puzzles you can check out for FREE!
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  3. Call a relative – Just to say “Hi!” In today’s world, chances are most of your non-face-to-face communication is electronic – e-mail, text, personal messages, etc.. But, that’s not the same as actually hearing another person’s voice. So, give someone you love a call! If you both have the ability to video chat – that’s even better! You don’t have to have a reason to call – just call to chat.
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  4. Prep for the week ahead – While this one isn’t fun while you’re doing it, it’ll make the rest of your week SO much easier, you’ll be glad you did it! Iron all of your clothes for the coming week. Plan out what you’re having for dinner for the week and prep any veggies you can (like dicing onions, etc) and putting the things you need all together in one spot. If you make lunches, do what prep you can for the week there too. MrKimberly likes turkey-roast beef-and Swiss sandwiches. I take the three and make up sandwich portions – layering some turkey, some roast beef, then 2 slices of Swiss, with a little piece of wax paper between that portion and the next. That way, when I go to make his lunch for the day, I have the meat already pre-portioned out. Yes, I feel a little like Subway. 😉
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  5. Do yoga or meditate – Yoga and meditation are 2 of the best stress relievers! In fact, if you have high blood pressure, you should be doing both every single day! The great thing about the Internet is you don’t have to pay for a gym membership or even buy a yoga mat to do these exercises. YouTube has LOTS of great instructional videos that will walk you through a yoga routine or lead you calmly through a meditation. No need to dress up or even leave your own home!
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  6. Dance – Dance like no one is watching by yourself. Turn on your favorite music and just have FUN! Or, if your partner’s around – dance with them! Heck, YouTube again has great instructional dance videos – you can learn to Salsa or Cha-Cha or Floss or any of a million dance moves!  All free!
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  7. Draw and/or color – Drawing and coloring (or painting or any artistic endeavor) is something we used to do all the time as kids. We used art as a way to express ourselves. We also used it to build our self-esteem. Do you remember how good it felt when your artwork was put up on the wall at school for display? Or even when your parents hung it on the refrigerator?  You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy creating art. Doodle even. Stick figures. Whatever. Just let your inner child come out and create for a little while!

Generic Viagra Comes to Your Wallet’s Rescue: Happy 20th Birthday, Viagra!

generic viagra

generic viagraThe ever-increasing price for erectile dysfunction drugs is a serious problem for tens of thousands of men. When a single-dose of 10 mg Viagra can cost $60 or more… well, it can seriously impact your sex life.  Thank goodness, generic Viagra has come to market and is saving men a lot of money.

Why Do Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Cost So Much?

NOTE: For the purpose of this section, let’s set aside the occasional nefarious price-gouging the pharmaceutical industry does on medications, and instead just focus on the reasonable (but still high) costs of ED drugs.

why do erectile dysfunction drugs cost so much

Let’s start this discussion with why erectile dysfunction drugs are so expensive, and really, why every name brand drug is so expensive.  Pharmaceutical companies, obviously, put millions and millions of dollars into the development of a drug. Oftentimes, these drugs never come to market, for numerous reasons. So, for every drug that comes to market – it has to pay for all of the other drugs that were just big sinkholes of money.

Now, compound this need to recover lost R&D costs on other failed products with the liability pharmaceutical companies endure with each and every drug they sell. Like the medical industry in general, costs have skyrocketed over the last couple of decades due to an increasingly litigious society. Those costs of lawsuits – both won and lost – have to be covered as well.

Lastly, a prescription’s protection is only for a finite length. Patent protection for a brand name drug, like Viagra, is only 20 years. After that time, other manufacturers can make the drug. So, they only have that short time span when they stand unchallenged – and smartly try to make as much profit as possible during that time.

Enter Generic Viagra – Happy 20th Birthday Viagra!

happy birthday viagra generic viagraOn March 27th, 1998, Pfzier Pharmaceuticals was given FDA approval to sell the infamous “little blue pill”. Now, 20 years later, that patent protection is gone and generic Viagra, Sildenafil, has come to market.

The result?

A HUGE savings!

Generic Viagra is available now for $10 or less per dose, at your local pharmacy here in the states. That’s less than the hourly rate for a babysitter!  OK, it’s still not super-cheap, but it’s far more affordable than $60!

Now, having sex three times a week will only cost you a the average monthly credit card payment and not a mortgage on a small house.

To learn more about Viagra, check out this post –

Viagra: Everything You Want to Know About the Little Blue Pill

To get a prescription for Viagra online and have your prescription safely, discreetly and legally delivered right to your house, check out this post –

A New Way to Treat Erectile Dysfunction – Roman Changes Everything!

EQ Problems with the Lights On & Male Incontinence: Ask the Experts

Big Al, of MaleEnhancementCoach.com, answers questions about erection quality problems with the lights on and male incontinence, in this Ask the Experts article.

If you have questions you’d like answered in an Ask the Experts article, please PM Kimberly at forum name – KMWylie – and she’ll have the experts here on PEGym get your questions

Q. I have found that when I have the lights off my EQ is very good!…

…I am able to last as long as I like and there are no problems.  My penis is rock hard during these times!  When the lights are on then I begin to have problems maintaining hardness and sometime ejaculate early.  Do I still need to keep working on EQ?

Big Al:  How EQ is trained depends on your goals.  If you’re goal is enlargement, you’ll need to ever escalate your EQ- even if it’s well within satisfactory levels for sexual performance.  EQ is the literal life blood which runs the penis.  If your case, it’s not your EQ which is the issue but an emotional block which happens when the lights are on as that’s when it becomes easier to observe your penis.  If this isn’t a deep seated issue then you might want to condition yourself by [gradually, over time] increasing the level of illumination.

Q. I’m going to be 70 this year, but in the past few years I’ve noticed I’m not quite as able to control my flow of urine like I used to….

…When I looked it up it appears I’m suffering from incontinence.  Will Kegels help me?

Big Al:  Incontinence is usually associated with aging, but it doesn’t have to be. The Kegel exercise has many useful functions, and studies* show it to be very good for treating issues like incontinence.  Making sure you remain physically active is very important!  You should also check with your medical profession to ensure there aren’t any other potential issues which could be contributing to urinary difficulties- like an enlarged prostate.

*Baum N1, Suarez G, Appell RA.(1991)
Urinary incontinence. Not a ‘normal’ part of aging.
Postgrad Med. 1991 Aug;90(2):99-102, 107-9.

The Mental Aspect of Sex & Coffee and Erections: Ask the Experts

Big Al, of MaleEnhancementCoach.com, answers a question about the mental aspect of sex & coffee and erections, in this Ask the Experts article.

If you have questions you’d like answered in an Ask the Experts article, please PM Kimberly at forum name – KMWylie – and she’ll have the experts here on PEGym get your questions answered.

Q.  I’ve read up on a lot of your stuff over the years and your mind-related posts…

…are the ones which interest me the most!  I feel like I’m weak minded when it comes to sex.  I can get it up but it’s hard for me to enjoy it fully because I’m always worried about my performance.  When I get a chance to have sex with a really attractive woman is when it’s worst for me!  I wish I could go back to the days where sex was done like on instinct the way animals do it.  That way us men wouldn’t have to deal with all of this pressure!

Big Al:  The human mind has a very large range.  On the low end of the emotional spectrum we can wallow in fear and self-loathing.  As we rise through the emotional spectrum we ascend through the emotions of courage, reason, and peace/proficiency.  The path to the higher emotional states comes through utilizing your mind and by mastering yourself.  You alluded to performing at the level of animality.  As a man, you can develop yourself to go far above what you’ve be able to do without proper training and conditioning.  If you automatically see yourself as weak and leave yourself to the mercy of your lower mind, it’ll be difficult for you to improve your situation.  Focus on developing your courage and make the attempt at being objective about your performance and you’ll be able to condition yourself through training and by confidently undertaking real life experiences.

Q. What effect does coffee have on erections?…

…  I find when I drink a large coffee I get jittery and tend to turtle pretty hard.

Big Al:  Your reaction would depend on your tolerance to caffeine.

Small doses of caffeine may actually have a beneficial effect on erections. When excess is consumed and side effects like jitteriness is observed, vasoconstriction is induced.  This can have a negative effect on erections.

The following article (with references) may be of interest to you: “Drinking Coffee Could Help Prevent Erectile Dysfunction” http://thebiohacker.com/articles/drinking-coffee-prevent-erectile-dysfunction