Written by Team MD
14 April 2018

16NN292-sex

Improving Sexual Function - Science Tells How

 

 

1) Testosterone Supplements Improve Sexual Function

Testosterone is critical for normal erections— according to a study on rats from Tongji Medical College in Hubei, China. Testosterone helps the tissues deal with reactive oxygen species (ROS)— sometimes called free radicals— that are produced naturally during metabolism. ROS are highly reactive chemicals linked to DNA and cell membrane damage, suppression of the immune system and severe blood vessel disruption. Testosterone prevented ROS accumulation and increased antioxidant production that promotes normal physiological function. (Peer J, published online May 3, 2016)

 

2) The Mediterranean Diet Improves Sexual Function

Sexual dysfunction is extremely common in aging men and women, particularly those with type 2 diabetes. Male and female sexual dysfunction is linked to heart problems and premature death. Heart disease and sexual dysfunction are linked to poor metabolic health, which impairs blood sugar and fat regulation, and blood vessel control. People with type 2 diabetes following the Mediterranean diet showed a reduced incidence of sexual problems— according to an eight-year study by scientists from the Second University of Naples in Italy. The diet improved metabolic and sexual health by decreasing inflammation and improving blood sugar control. Healthy lifestyle is the most effective way to promote sexual health. (Diabetes Care, published online June 28, 2016)

 

3) High Homocysteine Levels Linked to Erectile Dysfunction

Homocysteine (HS) is an amino acid linked to arterial disease and blood vessel inflammation. It is a major risk factor for heart attack and Alzheimer’s disease. Chinese researchers, in a study on rats, found that high levels of HS are also linked to erectile dysfunction. Homocysteine reduces nitric oxide secretion by the cells lining the blood vessels, which regulates blood flow throughout the body. Other studies found that folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements reduced blood levels of homocysteine. High homocysteine levels may cause six to 10 percent of all heart attacks occurring in the United States. It is thought to contribute to heart disease by damaging the inner lining of blood vessels. Poor blood vessel health is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and poor mental and sexual performance. Regular exercise and proper nutrition are the best ways to maintain vital blood vessels that stay healthy throughout life. (www.nature.com/Scientific Reports, 2016)

 

4) Why Young, Healthy Men Take Viagra

Viagra has given aging Romeos a sexual second wind. It is also a recreational drug that men of all ages use to enhance sexual performance. Why would young, healthy men need erection-promoting drugs? Rosalijn Both from the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research at the University of Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, conducted extensive interviews with young, African men. Most took the drug to boost sexual performance, but Viagra also helped men cope with feelings of sexual inadequacy. Porno movies have triggered unrealistic sexual expectations in men and women. Curiously, longtime use of Viagra reduced sexual confidence. (Culture, Health & Sexuality, 18:5. 2016)

 

5) Why Men Pay for Sex

Charlie Sheen said, “I never pay for sex; I pay for them to leave.” Internet pages such as Backpage.com have made it easy for people to hook up with escorts on demand. Many people perceive customers as prophetic perverts who can’t do any better. According to an Internet survey led by psychotherapist Ian Kerner, escort customers represent a broad cross-section of society that includes physicians, farmers, bank clerks, electricians and company presidents. Most prefer one or two regular providers, and see escorts as much for human contact as for sex. Forty-seven percent liked having multiple sex partners, and 40 percent wanted variety in their sexual activities. More than half were married or involved in a committed relationship. Among singles, only 38 percent said that they would stop paying for sex after they got married. Typically, committed relationships deteriorate when wives or girlfriends find out about the extracurricular activities. (Broadly.vice.com, July 2016)

 

6) Men With ED Have Brittle Bones

Men with erectile dysfunction were three times more likely to develop osteoporosis— a decrease in bone mineral content— according to a large population-based study in Taiwan. The disease is usually associated with women, but can affect aging men with poor metabolic health. The results are the same in men and women with the disease: increased fracture risk, risk of back and joint pain, risk of falling and premature death. The relationship was most serious in men developing erectile dysfunction at a young age. Men with erectile dysfunction should be checked for bone mass and men with osteoporosis should be checked for erectile dysfunction. (Medicine, 95:26, 2016)

 

DISCUSS THIS ARTICLE ON THE MD FORUM

READ MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS IN THE CHEM SECTION

 

FOLLOW MUSCULAR DEVELOPMENT ON:

FACEBOOK: MuscularDevelopment Magazine

TWITTER: @MuscularDevelop

INSTAGRAM: @MuscularDevelopment

YOUTUBE: http://bit.ly/2fvHgnZ