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The popularity of Viagra has skyrocketed over the past year. This marvelous little blue pill has brought passion and excitement back into people’s sex lives. Viagra has proven to be a bestseller with good reason: it’s effective for many people. Despite side effects such as headaches and anecdotal reports of possible links to heart attacks, it has helped millions.
The problem with a short-term solution such as Viagra, is that it encourages people to forget about seeking treatment. Instead of visiting a doctor to correct the penile dysfunction, most men just pop a pill for instant (thirty minute) results. Viagra is currently the best treatment, but it should be used as a last resort and only after consulting a doctor.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
The causes of impotence range across physical and psychological factors and sometimes a combination of both. Symptoms include trouble achieving an erection, trouble maintaining an erection and reduced libido. Some more common causes of ED are heart disease, high cholesterol, Diabetes, obesity, sleep disorders, and other serious conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease and multiple sclerosis.
But psychological and emotional factors can also play a role. Relationship stress, anxiety, or depression.
Examine Yourself
No one can argue that popping a pill is convenient, but sexual dysfunction is a complex issue with many causes and manifestations. I caution people against the idea of taking a quick-fix approach to symptoms that are often part of a bigger problem.
The first thing you should do before even thinking of taking Viagra or any other supplement, is review your overall health and current medications with your doctor. It’s also essential to address any psychological or relationship issues through counseling or other forms of therapy. This is very important, because sometimes the problem might be treatable. By taking a quick-fix pop-a-pill approach without investigating the problem, you will only be adding to the delay of treatment and lowering your probability of fully recuperating.
Natural Treatments For ED
Viagra is very effective and fast acting — it typically boosts blood flow within 30 minutes to several hours — but some people prefer non-drug alternatives. Is there an alternative to Viagra, something more “natural” like an herb or supplement? And are any of these safe? Not every man requires the magic touch of Viagra; sometimes all one needs is a healthy diet, exercise and a little of Mother Nature’s touch. Several interesting supplements have recently come to light and may provide benefits within days to weeks.
Ginkgo Biloba
An herb that is commonly taken as a memory booster may provide benefits. It presumably acts by enhancing blood flow and seems relatively free of side effects. In a study conducted at the University of California, ginkgo reversed sexual problems in 84% of men who were taking antidepressant drugs such as Prozac. The ones who might benefit from it are men on Prozac or other antidepressants. The suggested dose is 80 mg three times a day, standardized to contain 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones.
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Arginine
An amino acid that also enhances blood flow. In a study of 50 men at Tel Aviv University, 31% of those with impotence improved after six weeks of taking arginine. The ones who might benefit from it are men who have circulatory disorders that may be contributing to sexual problems. The suggested dose is 1 gram three times a day; sold as L-arginine.
As with Viagra, you should avoid arginine if you are taking the heart medication nitroglycerin because the combination may cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. For the same reason, you should probably not take arginine with Viagra.
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DHEA
This supplement may also provide benefits for men who have low levels of this hormone. DHEA helps our bodies make estrogen and testosterone, and a recent trial at the University of Vienna found it helped men with impotence. The suggested dose is 5 mg each morning for men.
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Yohimbe
Some studies have shown that this herb may correct impotence. However, this herb can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure, as well as anxiety and other side effects. Many doctors prefer the purified form of the herb, the FDA-approved drug yohimbine, instead, because it has a guaranteed purity and potency. I suggest that you opt for the prescription drug yohimbine instead. See your doctor.
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As for passion potions such as Super Sex and Biagra sold at health-food stores or pharmacies, there is no real evidence showing that they restore sex drive. These potions are made with blends of herbs such as those mentioned above and other questionable ingredients. Check the label to make sure the product contains an adequate dose of the herbs mentioned above. If it does not have the recommended dosages, then the product is not likely to be effective. Instead of a blend, you may be better off purchasing an individual ingredient tailored to your particular condition.
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