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Love Potions
January 19, 2004
Love Potions
A guide to some of the medical treatments
available for what ails our libidos
self-test
The Passionate Love Scale
Determine just how you feel about that special
(or ex-special) someone
Sex may be a natural act, but for the millions
who suffer from sexual
dysfunction, it can be vexingly unattainable.
Below, a guide to some of the medical treatments
available for what ails our libidos:
PRESCRIPTION THERAPIES
OPTIONS -- MEN
--Viagra, Levitra and Cialis: All these drugs
work the same way, by relaxing smooth-muscle
cells and widening blood vessels, primarily
in the penis. Cialis stands out as particularly
long-acting--up to 36
hours, compared with four or five hours
for the others
--Testosterone: For men who don't produce enough,
patches (Androderm, Testoderm) and gels (Androgel)
deliver extra hormone through the skin
--Alprostadil: This vasodilating drug can be
self-administered as an injection (Caverject)
in the penis, or inserted into the urethra as
a suppository (MUSE)
OPTIONS -- WOMEN
--Testosterone: Doctors prescribe the hormone
in lower doses than typically used for men,
though it's not approved for this use by the
FDA. Women can also take under-the-tongue drops
specially formulated by pharmacies or use patches
and gels
--Estrogen: Tablets (Vagifem), creams (Estrace,
Premarin) and a silicone ring (FemRing) inserted
into the vagina release estrogen to alleviate
such symptoms of menopause as vaginal dryness
--Viagra
and Levitra: Initial trials are disappointing,
but the drugs appear to work for some women
NONPRESCRIPTION THERAPIES
OPTIONS -- MEN
--Ginkgo biloba: Better known as a memory enhancer,
this herb is believed by some to improve blood
flow to the body, including the penis. Conclusive
scientific proof is lacking
--Ginseng: In the lab, ginseng has been shown
to release nitric oxide, but there's no evidence
to suggest that it improves erectile function
--L-arginine: This naturally occurring amino
acid is a precursor to nitric oxide and is believed
to improve the flow of blood to the genitals
OPTIONS -- WOMEN
--Avlimil: The pill contains various plant
leaves and roots and is touted as the female
Viagra, but experts question its effectiveness
--Zestra: A botanical-oil lotion applied to
the genitals can create a tingling sensation
and enhance orgasm
--XZITE: A daily capsule, manufactured in Marina
del Rey, Calif., containing Chinese plant bark,
flowers and roots, which doctors at UCLA's Female
Sexual Medicine Center say works for many of
their patients
DEVICES
OPTIONS -- MEN
--Penile prostheses: These surgically implanted
devices are still used by men who, for medical
or physical reasons, don't respond to drugs
OPTIONS -- WOMEN
--Slightest Touch: UCLA doctors express high
hopes for this device, which uses a set of electrodes
to stimulate nerve pathways
Sources: Dr. Ridwan Shabsigh, Columbia University;
Dr. Debra Wickman, Female Sexual Medicine Center,
UCLA
source:-http://story.news.yahoo.com
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