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Erectile dysfunction or impotence is a disorder found among diabetic patients. Studies say that above fifty percent of diabetic patients are suffering from this diabetic consequence. While comparing diabetic patients, impotence is most common among men than women. As the name suggests, erectile dysfunction or impotence is the incapability of erection during sexual lovemaking. Chance of getting diabetic impotence increases with age and intensity of blood sugar level. Major cause for diabetic erectile dysfunction is insufficient blood flow. Usually blood circulation will not be uniform in all parts of the body. Especially in body extremities like male organ region, there will be low blood flow in case of diabetic patients.

As per medical research, it is found that diabetes will effect healthy functioning of muscles, blood vessels and brain cells. In diabetic patients, muscles around penile artery constrict and block the flow of blood. Damaged blood vessels restrict production of nitric oxide chemical needed for proper blood flow to male organ. Unhealthy blood vessels and damage nerves prevent erection leading to impotence or erectile dysfunction. This disorder due to diabetic condition is reversible and can be well controlled by maintaining a diabetic diet. Patient with erectile dysfunction or impotence may sometimes show signs of depression. Formation of this type of depression due to erectile dysfunction is medically termed as psychological impotence.

Now we will see preventive measures for controlling diabetic impotence. Maintaining blood sugar level is the best solution for diabetic erectile dysfunction. Patients can easily maintain their normal blood sugar level by controlling their lifestyle. Avoiding fried meat, alcohol, sweet candies and sugary beverages like coffee and wine helps in reducing blood sugar level. Increased blood pressure seen among diabetic patients increases risk of cell damage there by promoting impotence or erectile dysfunction. High cholesterol level creates block inside artery walls and prevents easy blood flow to male organ.

Excess consumption of sugary food items cause attachment of sugar molecules with cells. Accumulation of sugar molecules increases with increase in sugary food consumption which in turn effects the normal functioning of nerves. Healthy nerve cells are very important for normal erectile functioning. Intensity of accumulated sugar molecules around cells can be checked by making use of HBA1C test. Test result should obtain a value less than 6.1 for normal functioning of nerve cells.

Always try to maintain a well balanced diabetic diet with proper medication from nutritionist. Apart from maintaining blood glucose level by diet, today many drugs like Viagra for impotence treatment are available in market. These medicines work on patients by relaxing blood vessels there by stimulating erectile function. There are some common drugs for patients with erectile dysfunction. Sometimes, drugs may not find useful in later stages of diabetic erectile dysfunction. In this case, patients are advice to take other means of remedial measures like impotence injection and penile implants. This diabetic disorder creates a negative impact on patient’s married life. If proper treatment is done for controlling blood sugar level, patient can smoothly handle and reverse this diabetic situation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Natural-Remedies-for-Diabetes-and-Erectile-Dysfunction-(Impotence)&id=5982007

Motility is a distinct characteristic of a sperm cell to move and swim towards the egg in order to stimulate fertilization. It refers to the strength and endurance of sperm cell thus, low motility most often results to male fertility problems. Several ways on how to increase sperm motility believed to be effective include eating the right foods and taking herbal supplements.

Here are 5 simple ways on how to increase sperm motility and combat male infertility.

1. By taking vitamin E supplement. Vitamin E protects the body against free radicals and unstable molecules that can damage our reproductive system.

2. Experts advise another effective approach on how to increase sperm motility through eating the right foods. Zinc rich foods such as oysters, help improve motility and maximize semen volume. Other food groups that are rich in zinc include liver, lean red meat, nuts and grains.

3. By eating selenium rich food. Selenium is used by testes to make selenoprotiens, a vital protein used to boost semen production. Examples of selenium rich food are eggs, brewers yeast, brazil nuts, seafoods and garlic.

4. By eating foods rich in L-carnitine. Sperm production uses an amino acid called L-carnitine. Medical reports show that sperm motility and quality are enhanced within the span of 4 months by increasing the intake of amino acid L-carnitine. Food groups that are rich in L-carnitine are lean meat, and dairy products.

5. By taking herbs like maca root and ginger. Both herbs have been used by other cultures and were proven to be non-toxic. It is used in traditional Chinese and South American medicine to prevent infertility in men.

The ways on how to increase sperm motility can’t be simpler! With a few dietary changes, herbal medicine and time, one can improve sperm motility and increase your chances of conceiving a child.

There are no magical drugs or potions that directly increase sperm motility. However many men have found using natural herbal supplements as a great approach on how to increase sperm motility. These special herbs, which are formulated to promote overall male sexual health, prove to be effective in helping sperm cells become more fertile and motile.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Increase-Sperm-Motility-in-5-Easy-Steps&id=2117562] How to Increase Sperm Motility in 5 Easy Steps

A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.

It is possible to develop erectile dysfunction with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing erectile dysfunction. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your healthcare provider what you can do to reduce your risk.

Risk factors include:

Age

The incidence of erectile dysfunction rises with age, with about 5% at age 40, to 15%-25% at age 65 and older.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction, including:

Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries)
Chronic kidney disease
Cirrhosis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Peyronie’s disease (bending of the penis caused by scar tissue)
Endocrine disorders (hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism , hypothyroidism , hyperprolatinemia, Cushing syndrome )
Neurological disorders (such as multiple sclerosis , peripheral neuropathy , stroke )
Myotonic dystrophy
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Psychiatric disorders (such as anxiety , depression , schizophrenia )
Psychological problems (stress, personal relationships, new partners)

Traumatic Conditions

Trauma, whether through an accident or surgery, can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction. Trauma includes:

Vascular surgery
Urologic surgery, such as prostate surgery
Pelvic surgeries (particularly for prostate cancer)
Spinal cord injury

Behaviors

Certain behaviors can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction, including:

Alcohol use
Illegal drug use (eg, heroin, marijuana)
Anabolic steroid use
Heavy smoking

Medications

Certain medications can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction, including:

Antihypertensives
Antihistamines
Antidepressants
Tranquilizers
Antipsychotics
Histamine blockers
Nicotine

If you suspect a medication may be affecting your sexual functioning, talk with your doctor. Do not stop taking a medication without talking to your doctor first.

Source – http://www.aurorahealthcare.org/yourhealth/healthgate/getcontent.asp?URLhealthgate=%2219417.html%22 

It is common knowledge that smoking actually causes a restriction of blood vessels which ultimately leads to artery blockages. If a man’s penis is receiving insufficient amounts of blood to and through it a man may not be able to achieve or maintain an erection.

Smoking is actually one of the most common reasons for impotence. Clinical studies have showed that being a smoker may increase a man’s risk of erectile dysfunction in men between 30 and 50 years by 50 percent.

Considerable Damage Is Done To Smokers

Not only does smoking affect a man’s ability to form an erection but it is also responsible for decreasing a man’s sperm count, increasing sperm mortality and decreasing a man’s sex drive.

Other Factors Which Contribute To ED

There are a number of other lifestyle factors that make a man more likely to suffer from impotence. Being overweight and not exercising often are possible causes sexual dysfunction. Cigarettes contains nicotine which causes restriction to the arteries. If this occurs, the chemicals released occurs when a man becomes aroused cannot adequately send the right signals to allow a penis to relax. Instead there is a restriction of blood flow to and through the genital area.

How Nicotine Impairs Blood Flow

When nicotine travels through the arteries it restricts the ability to trap blood flowing specifically to the penile tissue and thereby makes it more and more difficult for men to keep an erection for sexual intercourse.

How To Prevent Impotence

The best way to prevent it is to not smoke or quit smoking asap. The three ways to do reduce your chance of suffering from sexual dysfunction include:
1. quitting smoking
2. talking to a doctor about the problem
3. speaking to a therapist or joining a support group

If these three methods do not work to stop a man’s smoking addiction then the next step would be using a preventive ED treatment as a man reaches around 30 years of age or when the first signs of symptoms appear.

Even through impotence is not a life-threatening medical condition it can compromise overall well-being and quality of life for both a man and his partner.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Smokers-Are-Twice-As-Likely-To-Become-Impotent&id=1034561] Why Smokers Are Twice As Likely To Become Impotent

Gentlemen if you’re experiencing Erectile Dysfunction (ED) there’s a chance that your high cholesterol could be causing the problem.
If your cholesterol levels are above 240 your risk of ED doubles compared to men with levels below 180.

If you have problems getting and/or keeping an erection during sex you may have ED. The problem may not be constant but should be a warning sign that something is wrong

Bad cholesterol (ldl) builds substances known as plaque in the walls of your arteries thus decreasing the blood flow that is needed to maintain an erection.

Blood pressure and certain medications will also cause ED.

If you think that you have high cholesterol you should see your doctor to get a cholesterol test and discuss ways to lower your levels. Your doctor may also place your on medication for ED.

If you do not like taking a lot of different medicines you may want to try some of the better herbal products that’s on the market today.

These are some things you can do prior to seeing your doctor:

Stop smoking if you smoke

Include more fiber in your diet and cut down on saturated fats

Start taking an Omega 3 supplement such as Krill Oil.
You should start an exercise regiment to increase blood flow but only after you have seen your doctor.

This problem is common… you’re not the only one affected by it and treatment is available.

Article Source: [ http://EzineArticles.com/?High-Cholesterol-Is-Associated-With-Erectile-Dysfunction&id=228800] High Cholesterol Is Associated With Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) has been reported by 12% of men under 59, 22% of men aged 60 to 69, and 30% of men 70 and over. Being overweight makes it even more likely. Men with a body mass index (BMI) over 28.7 have a 30% higher risk of having ED than those with a normal BMI (i.e. 25 or below).

Physicians in Naples, Italy, have studied whether weight loss and increased physical activity can improve ED in obese men. Their findings are reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association, and are summarized here.

What was done

Obese men with erectile dysfunction, aged 35 to 45 years, were recruited. They had to have a body mass index of 30 or above, and a score of 21 or less on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). (This score was the result of answers to 5 questions; each allocated up to 5 points, so the maximum score possible was 25.) Men with diabetes, high blood pressure, or raised cholesterol levels were excluded from the study.

Of 140 obese men assessed initially, 30 were eliminated – for health reasons or because they were unwilling to undertake the suggested lifestyle changes. The remaining men were allocated at random to join either the so-called ‘intervention’ group, or the ‘control’ group.

Men in the intervention group received detailed advice on how to reduce their body weight by 10% or more – individually tailored dietary recommendations, and guidance on increasing physical activity. The trial lasted 2 years, during which the men had regular sessions with the nutritionist and the exercise trainer – monthly in the first year and bi-monthly in the second.

Obese men in the control group were given general information about healthy eating and exercise at baseline, and then again every two months, but they received no further counseling.

Tests conducted at baseline and after 2 years included height, weight, waist size, and blood pressure measurements; total cholesterol, HDL, and triglyceride levels; blood inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein or CRP, interleukins 6 and 8); and the function of the cells lining the blood vessels (endothelium) after L-arginine stimulus. And, of course, the IIEF was repeated after 2 years, as the measure of success or failure in improving erectile dysfunction.

What was found

At baseline the results of the IIEF and the tests outlined above were similar in both groups of obese men. Their average BMI was 36.5, and the average IIEF score was 13.7.

It can be seen that the lifestyle intervention was effective in reducing the BMI levels and improving the IIEF scores in the men who received it. After 2 years, 17 out of 55 obese men in the intervention group, compared with 3 out of 55 controls, reported IIEF scores above 22 i.e. their symptoms of erectile dysfunction had nearly disappeared.

Along with the improved symptoms, there were reductions in some of the inflammation markers in the blood, and improvements in the blood lipid profiles, indicating a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. No such changes were seen in the control group men.

What this means

In an earlier US study, men who began to exercise in midlife had a 70% lower likelihood of developing erectile dysfunction, compared with those who remained sedentary. In the study we’ve summarized here, weight loss achieved by changes in lifestyle (diet, exercise) clearly improved existing erectile dysfunction in obese men. The take-home message is clear-cut. Start exercising in midlife to avoid erectile dysfunction, and if you are overweight and have developed this problem, diet and exercise will help you get back to normal functioning. You should certainly try this approach before turning to Viagra and its near relations.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-Exercise-Fight-Erectile-Dysfunction?&id=262622 

You Are What You Eat:

>What to Include in Your Diet to Increase Your Semen Volume

The maxim that you are what you eat holds true when it comes to your fitness level as a person. But did you know that your diet can also have a positive effect to one particular aspect of your life that you want to improve? That is none other than your sex life.

Basically, one of the things that men look at as a problem regarding their sex life is that they find their semen volume to be quite lacking.  To increase semen volume is to generally up the ante in your sex life due to a number of reasons.

First, a high volume of semen load is something of a turn on for most women. It’s also a symbol of male virility, endurance and even fertility – that is why most members of the male species get alarmed if they find that the volume of their ejaculate seems to be lower than usual.

So how can you actually work to increase seminal volume? Again, it all goes back to your diet. By having a lifestyle which has a generally healthy diet, plenty of exercise and by keeping yourself hydrated at all times, it will be much easier for you to naturally increase semen volume without resorting to buying expensive pills.

Increase Seminal Volume by Including these Food Items in Your Diet

To help you out in your quest to increase semen volume so that you can have a better sex life, here are some food items that you can include in your diet, as well as additional food-related tips:

1. Eat foods which are low in fat in high in protein.

Not only will a high-protein, low-fat diet help to increase semen volume, but it will also do wonders for your overall health. Combine this with eating a lot of fruits, vegetables, beans, wheat germ, oatmeal and other whole grains which are rich in fiber.

Did you know that your diet can even affect the way that your semen tastes?  If you’re lucky enough to regularly receive some oral loving from your partner, treat her to something sweet by eating foods that will make your semen taste sweeter: cranberries, pineapples and papayas are good for this. If you eat a lot of junk foods combined with beer, your semen will taste bitter.

2. Minimize your consumption of alcohol and caffeine.

Remember that the fluid produced in your semen is made up of 98% water.  As such, you should always keep yourself hydrated if you want to produce a decent volume of load when you ejaculate.  In addition, steer clear of beverages which may cause you to be dehydrated, such as alcoholic drinks and coffee. If you must drink these, always drink plenty of water afterwards to compensate.

3. Try out these other food items to increase your sperm volume.

Aside from increasing your libido, oysters are also a great way to increase your semen volume. Celery is another vegetable which contains components that stimulate your sexual desire, not to mention increase your semen volume at the same time.

Finally, power-pack your diet with foods which are rich in zinc and you’re all set. By following these diet tips, you can eat your way towards a healthier diet, an increased semen volume and a better sex life.

If you want to fast track your results?, there are powerful supplements that can fast track your,  these products are safe, natural products that have concentrated amounts of the best ingredients to aid in semen volume enhancement and sexual reproductive improvement overall.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Foods-to-Help-Increase-Semen-Volume&id=2638045]

Male menopause occurs between the ages of 40 and 55 due to men becoming low on testosterone with age. Though the causes for low testosterone may present an interesting topic for discussion, for the men (and women) who suffer from it, it’s a matter of reclaiming the joy in their lives.

Although the  causes of low testosterone can be very technical and difficult to understand when medical jargon is employed, this article will attempt to explain why some men are low on testosterone in while keeping the jargon to a minimum.

The cause of low testosterone is when the testes produce less testosterone. Having low testosterone is a byproduct of complex physiological, hormonal, and chemical changes.

Low testosterone starts with a complex chain of signals that begins in the brain. This chain is called the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis where a very intricate physiological sequence of events is triggered. The production of two hormones by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus decrease resulting in the Leydig cells of the testes manufacturing less testosterone.

These causes for low testosterone may come from damage to the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, or testicles inhibiting hormone production. Natural life events oftentimes makes this a difficult to avoid occurrence.

The causes for low testosterone that occur in men can also be a result of one’s lifestyle. Lack of exercise, unhealthy diet, smoking, and excessive drinking are all causes of low testosterone that can be modified by changing one’s living habits.  These factors are responsible for some of the aforementioned gland damage.

Other reasons men may be low on testosterone include poor circulation, and hypertension. Use of prescription or non-prescription medications may also be a cause of low testosterone. Psychological problems, too, it is believed in some circles might cause a man to suffer low testosterone although there is no consensus on this.

Although the causes for low testosterone vary and many of them may be out of one’s control, remedies in the form of testosterone replacement therapy do exist.  These remedies consist of boosting a man low on testosterone to a normal testosterone level, thereby hopefully alleviating any symptoms from which he was suffering.

Another interesting approach to treating the cause of low testosterone is through using an herb called tribulus terrestris. This practice has been taken by many different cultures as a natural way to treat men low on testosterone along with a variety of other sexual conditions for centuries.

Tribulus terrestris takes a different approach. It may address one of the other causes for low testosterone related to the pituitary gland. The secretion of Lutenizing Hormone by the pituitary gland is a cause of low testosteron because lutenizing hormone stimulates the testes to produce testosterone. When a man is low on Lutenizing Hormone, he becomes low on testosterone.

Using tribulus terrestris is a safe way to try to raise one’s body’s testosterone production because currently it has no known serious side effects. This is opposed to some forms of testosterone replacement therapy that can create undesirable side effects like male breasts in men, acne, deepening of the voice, and more.

The causes for low testosterone are complex and can only be understood in general terms by the layman. However, clear steps can be taken to remedy the situation of a man being low on testosterone thus reducing unwanted sexual problems in one’s second half of life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Discover-the-Causes-for-Low-Testosterone&id=160701

Nutritional supplements can be great in helping you stay healthy and ensuring you get all the necessary vitamins and minerals your body requires. However many bodybuilders take and misuse ‘bodybuilding supplements’, with goal of bulking up faster. The bodybuilding supplement which is most often misused by bodybuilders is anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids will help you get bigger much faster than a natural bodybuilder, but the negative effects of such bodybuilding supplements seriously outweigh the benefits.

Bodybuilders Beware…

As a bodybuilder you must know that steroids are illegal, and most competitive bodybuilders have to take drug test before competing. The damage you will do to yourself by being caught out doing steroids will destroy your reputation within bodybuilding circles and outside them. Plus the damage you might do to your body is potentially very bad.

You’ll Stop Being A “Real” Man

Here’s What Steroids Might Do To You (as a man):

-They will cause men’s testicles to shrink

-Steroids have been shown to lower men’s sperm count

-Cause breasts to develop

-Induce you voice to deepen

-Trigger your hair to fall out

Who’s the man now then?

Women also are effected; by a deepening of the voice, hair loss and also the development of facial hair. Teenagers who take steroids might have their growth stunted. And if all this isn’t enough, it can get much worse.

Anabolic steroids can cause damage to your liver, with the side effect of jaundice. They are also believed to cause tumours in the liver and cancer. However the worst effect is found on the heart, as steroids can cause the heart to enlarge and the arteries to harden, with the result being heart disease and eventually heart failure.

Even More Side Effects

Other bodybuilding supplements have been found to cause spots, acne, shaking, and uncontrollable anger, also known as roid rage that causes the user to be extremely aggressive and violent.

I’m not going to touch in detail on the reasons why steroids help you bulk up, because I don’t believe you should be taking them. All you need it hard work, dedication, good nutrition and a proven training program, and if you stick to it all you’ll have the body of your dreams in no time.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Dangers-of-Bodybuilding-Supplements&id=509767

Testosterone is an anti aging hormone in men that is responsible for many other functions apart from defining sexual characteristics and drive in men. This hormone which also known as anabolic steroid regulates basic body metabolism, stimulates red blood cell production and hinders the excessive production of free radicals. It also facilities protein synthesis and build up of lean body tissue. Unlike most other hormones testosterone exerts its effect by quickly passing through the membranes of cell and binding itself to the specific activation site of the DNA.

Testosterone is produced by small group of specialized cells within the testicles. Production is triggered through the simulation of these cells by the luteinizing hormones from the pituitary gland. As with most hormones the level of testosterone is monitored by hypothalamus in the brain. If testosterone levels exceeds certain value then hypothalamus issues a command to stop secreting luteinizing hormones and in their absence testosterone production comes to a halt. Such is the complex process of testosterone production.

High levels of testosterone are associated with balding and overtly aggressive behavior. Sometimes high levels of this hormone may be a factor in causing prostate cancer. Further too much of this hormone can cause blood to thicken and red blood cells to clamp together. This can place a man at a greater risk of stroke and heart attack.

With age the levels of testosterone slowly decreases. From the age of 30 there is a 1% to 2% reduction in testosterone levels till the age of 70. The decrease in levels of this hormone may vary depending on the individual and may produce menopausal like conditions in some men. Many men who are above 80 years of age have abnormally low testosterone levels. Men with low levels of this hormone have diminished sex drive and have difficulty in maintaining erection. They may become lethargic, withdrawn and may loose strength and physical endurance. Body composition also changes with low levels of this hormone and the lean muscle is replaced with fat.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Functions-of-Testosterone-and-the-Consequences-of-Low-Testosterone-Levels&id=4584690