| Aids
For Impotence
February 7, 2004
(CBS) Millions of American couples are forced
to deal with erectile
dysfunction (ED). It's the inability of
a man to perform sexually.
But The Saturday Early Show's Dr. Mallika Marshall
says there are ways to remedy the problem. In
fact, she says there are now more medications
than ever before to treat it.
Marshall took a look at the latest drugs on
the market to help those suffering from ED.
She also offered advice on whether a man should
see a doctor about this problem.
Almost every man at one point or another has
experienced
problems with sexual performance, according
to Marshall. She says it's not a problem when
it is only an occasional occurrence. Any number
of things, including stress, anxiety, alcohol
consumption or prescription medications, can
bring about temporary performance problems.
But, if the problem becomes persistent and
is beginning to have a negative impact on the
relationship, Marshall advises men to talk with
their doctor, who will be able to prescribe
one of several drugs to help the problem.
In many cases, erectile dysfunction is the
result of an existing medical condition. Men
with prostate problems, including prostate cancer,
or with heart disease or diabetes, are more
likely to experience Erectile Dysfunction. And
men who drink excessively and smoke are also
more likely to have performance issues.
There are now a number of drugs to erectile
dysfunction drugs to treat ED.
Viagra
Viagra
works by increasing the flow of blood to the
genital region. It is recommended that it be
taken about an hour before any sexual activity;
the effects last for about four hours. There
are some documented side effects, which include
headaches, flushing and visual impairments such
as mild and temporary changes in blue/green
colors or increased sensitivity to light.
Studies show that Viagra, which has been marketed
since 1998, works for about 70 percent of the
men who take it.
Levitra
Levitra hit pharmacy shelves last August. Like
Viagra, Levitra is also a PDE-5 inhibitor. It
helps increase blood flow to the genital region.
The drugs, however, do use different active
ingredients. The ingredient in Levitra is more
potent, so a patient has to take less of it,
meaning it has fewer side effects. It also lasts
in the body's system for about 6 hours, which
is about 2 hours longer than Viagra.
As a side effect, some men complain of a faster
pulse and say that they feel flushed. Levitra
should be taken about an hour before sexual
activity.
Cialis
Unlike Viagra and Levitra, the effects
of Cialis last for about 36 hours, allowing
couples more spontaneity. The French have dubbed
it "le weekend." Cialis was introduced
in America in November. It starts working in
about 15 minutes. Unlike the other medications,
it can be taken after a full meal.
The most common side effect with Cialis is
back pain.
Marshall says these medications are not to
be used recreationally. They are for men with
an identified medical problem. While the drugs
have FDA approval and are deemed safe, there
are still the side effects.
Some products claim to have the powers of Viagra,
without needing a prescription. Marshall warns
that these products are bogus for the most part
and should be avoided. They often contain herbal
supplements that have not been adequately tested,
if they've been tested at all, by the Food and
Drug Administration.
Marshall says men should keep in mind that
erectile dysfunction could be the symptom of
a more serious problem such as heart disease.
When a man goes to the doctor for ED, the physician
may detect underlying health issues and offer
treatment options for those, as well.
©MMIV, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights
Reserved.
source:-http://www.cbsnews.com
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