| Male Sexuality and Vitality |
Over the past few decades’ society has begun to allow a more open forum with regards to sex and sexuality.
Despite the fact that some issues regarding sexuality are still being debated, it is not uncommon for the media
to discuss issues such as male sexual dysfunction, also known as Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Many myths
have been portrayed over time suggesting that a man’s sexual function and stamina define the man. The
pharmaceutical companies and the media have continued to perpetuate this myth by promoting drugs with
ads that suggest that unless you take this drug you will be unable to satisfy your partner. Even the word
impotence is synonymous with helpless, inadequate, and useless. Satisfaction is defined as, “the act of filling
a desire or need or appetite.” This suggests that satisfaction can come in many forms and not just through
sexual performance.
Human sexuality begins in the brain. It is true that certain diseases or drugs may cause sexual dysfunction,
but occasionally it can stem from a dissatisfaction, which emanates from elsewhere in our lives. A few things
that may affect performance include poor physical condition, depression, bad relationships, dissatisfaction
with a job or work environment, and stress. Regardless of the cause, sexual dysfunction can have a
devastating affect on the psyche.
It is reassuring for some to know that there are pharmaceutical drugs, which have been developed and claim to
extend the duration of an erection, help to sustain an erection, and can work in as little as fourteen minutes.
However, the risks associated with such drugs are monumental. In July 2005, the FDA issued an alert,
which stated, “A small number of men have lost eyesight in one eye some time after taking Viagra, Cialis, or
Levitra. This type of vision loss is called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
NAION causes a sudden loss of eyesight because blood flow is blocked to the optic nerve.” Other risks
include diarrhea, dyspepsia, headache, Urinary Tract infection, visual disturbances, vision loss, breast
enlargement, cardiac arrest, cardiac death, depression, seizures, etc. This does indeed seem like a high price
to pay when there are alternatives to pharmaceuticals, which have few if any known side effects.
In dealing with disease or illness we often state that prevention is the key. Most of us are fairly conscientious
when it comes to maintaining our vehicles. We take our cars in for an oil change, tire rotation, and tune-ups in
the hopes of preventing problems in the future. However, we are not always that conscientious when it comes
to our bodies. Eating a healthy diet, exercising, and reducing stress have all been proven to reduce the risk of
disease. Despite this knowledge many of us continue to abuse our bodies until it is to late and the chronic
illness and disease is already present. At this point quiet a number of people resort to prescription drugs for
conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, just to mention a few. Many of these drugs are
known to cause sexual dysfunction. So the question is, if we know that eating healthy, exercising, and
reducing stress will help to prevent disease and keep us from having to resort to prescription drugs, which
promote sexual dysfunction, why don’t we?
Fortunately, everything we need for good health exists in nature. There are quiet a number of herbs and
nutrients, which are effective in enhancing sexual function and performance.
Yohimbe is a tonic herb with stimulating properties, which has been used as an aphrodisiac. This herb has
affects on the circulatory system and is thought to increase blood flow to the pelvic area. However, Yohimbe
should not be used with other drugs or where there is inflammation of the organs or with someone who has
high blood pressure.
Ashwagandha is a tonic herb, which acts as an aphrodisiac. It is recommended for the reproductive system,
nervous system, and the musculo-skeletal system. Specifically recommended for male sexual dysfunction and
to increase fertility.
Schizandra is known as a sexual enhancer, increases blood circulation, and is an adaptogen, which helps to
increase energy to the entire body.
Sarsparilla contains a testosterone like chemical, which aid the male sexual dysfunctions.
Other herbs, which are of great benefit, are Damiana, Saw Palmetto, Siberian ginseng, and Donq quai.
Some nutrients to consider would be Zinc and Vitamin C, which help to boost testosterone levels, Vitamin E
to increase circulation, and Selenium, which has been shown to improve sperm production and motility.
Prior to taking anything for impotence you should first try to determine what might be causing the problem.
Consider what drugs you are taking, what medical conditions you may have, and what psychological issues or
stresses may be burdening you. If you are doing recreational drugs or alcohol consider these as a potential
underlying cause. Examine your lifestyle to see if a poor diet or lack of exercise could be contributing to the
problem. If there are underlying physical or mental issues try resolving them first before moving on to any
alternative. If you still need some support, you may want to consider some of the herbs that we have
discussed. Take particular care in where and what you purchase. Just because something is labeled
standardized or natural doesn’t mean that you are getting a pure product.
Reference:
1. Balch, P & Balch, J. (2000). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. New York: Penguin Putnam Inc.
2. Food and Drug Administration. (2005) FDA Alert: Viagra (sildenafil citrate) Information (Online).
Available: http://www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/viagra/
3. Green, J. (1991). The Male Herbal: Healthcare for Men & Boys. Berkley: The Crossing Press.
4. Haas, E. (1992) Staying Healthy with Nutrition. Berkley: Celestial Arts.
5. Hoffman, D. (1993). An Elders’ Herbal. Rochester: Healing Arts Press.
6. Ritchason, J. (1995). The Little Herb Encyclopedia. Third Edition. Pleasant Grove: Woodland
Publishing Inc.
© Natalie Vickery, CFH, June 2006
Despite the fact that some issues regarding sexuality are still being debated, it is not uncommon for the media
to discuss issues such as male sexual dysfunction, also known as Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Many myths
have been portrayed over time suggesting that a man’s sexual function and stamina define the man. The
pharmaceutical companies and the media have continued to perpetuate this myth by promoting drugs with
ads that suggest that unless you take this drug you will be unable to satisfy your partner. Even the word
impotence is synonymous with helpless, inadequate, and useless. Satisfaction is defined as, “the act of filling
a desire or need or appetite.” This suggests that satisfaction can come in many forms and not just through
sexual performance.
Human sexuality begins in the brain. It is true that certain diseases or drugs may cause sexual dysfunction,
but occasionally it can stem from a dissatisfaction, which emanates from elsewhere in our lives. A few things
that may affect performance include poor physical condition, depression, bad relationships, dissatisfaction
with a job or work environment, and stress. Regardless of the cause, sexual dysfunction can have a
devastating affect on the psyche.
It is reassuring for some to know that there are pharmaceutical drugs, which have been developed and claim to
extend the duration of an erection, help to sustain an erection, and can work in as little as fourteen minutes.
However, the risks associated with such drugs are monumental. In July 2005, the FDA issued an alert,
which stated, “A small number of men have lost eyesight in one eye some time after taking Viagra, Cialis, or
Levitra. This type of vision loss is called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
NAION causes a sudden loss of eyesight because blood flow is blocked to the optic nerve.” Other risks
include diarrhea, dyspepsia, headache, Urinary Tract infection, visual disturbances, vision loss, breast
enlargement, cardiac arrest, cardiac death, depression, seizures, etc. This does indeed seem like a high price
to pay when there are alternatives to pharmaceuticals, which have few if any known side effects.
In dealing with disease or illness we often state that prevention is the key. Most of us are fairly conscientious
when it comes to maintaining our vehicles. We take our cars in for an oil change, tire rotation, and tune-ups in
the hopes of preventing problems in the future. However, we are not always that conscientious when it comes
to our bodies. Eating a healthy diet, exercising, and reducing stress have all been proven to reduce the risk of
disease. Despite this knowledge many of us continue to abuse our bodies until it is to late and the chronic
illness and disease is already present. At this point quiet a number of people resort to prescription drugs for
conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, just to mention a few. Many of these drugs are
known to cause sexual dysfunction. So the question is, if we know that eating healthy, exercising, and
reducing stress will help to prevent disease and keep us from having to resort to prescription drugs, which
promote sexual dysfunction, why don’t we?
Fortunately, everything we need for good health exists in nature. There are quiet a number of herbs and
nutrients, which are effective in enhancing sexual function and performance.
Yohimbe is a tonic herb with stimulating properties, which has been used as an aphrodisiac. This herb has
affects on the circulatory system and is thought to increase blood flow to the pelvic area. However, Yohimbe
should not be used with other drugs or where there is inflammation of the organs or with someone who has
high blood pressure.
Ashwagandha is a tonic herb, which acts as an aphrodisiac. It is recommended for the reproductive system,
nervous system, and the musculo-skeletal system. Specifically recommended for male sexual dysfunction and
to increase fertility.
Schizandra is known as a sexual enhancer, increases blood circulation, and is an adaptogen, which helps to
increase energy to the entire body.
Sarsparilla contains a testosterone like chemical, which aid the male sexual dysfunctions.
Other herbs, which are of great benefit, are Damiana, Saw Palmetto, Siberian ginseng, and Donq quai.
Some nutrients to consider would be Zinc and Vitamin C, which help to boost testosterone levels, Vitamin E
to increase circulation, and Selenium, which has been shown to improve sperm production and motility.
Prior to taking anything for impotence you should first try to determine what might be causing the problem.
Consider what drugs you are taking, what medical conditions you may have, and what psychological issues or
stresses may be burdening you. If you are doing recreational drugs or alcohol consider these as a potential
underlying cause. Examine your lifestyle to see if a poor diet or lack of exercise could be contributing to the
problem. If there are underlying physical or mental issues try resolving them first before moving on to any
alternative. If you still need some support, you may want to consider some of the herbs that we have
discussed. Take particular care in where and what you purchase. Just because something is labeled
standardized or natural doesn’t mean that you are getting a pure product.
Reference:
1. Balch, P & Balch, J. (2000). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. New York: Penguin Putnam Inc.
2. Food and Drug Administration. (2005) FDA Alert: Viagra (sildenafil citrate) Information (Online).
Available: http://www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/viagra/
3. Green, J. (1991). The Male Herbal: Healthcare for Men & Boys. Berkley: The Crossing Press.
4. Haas, E. (1992) Staying Healthy with Nutrition. Berkley: Celestial Arts.
5. Hoffman, D. (1993). An Elders’ Herbal. Rochester: Healing Arts Press.
6. Ritchason, J. (1995). The Little Herb Encyclopedia. Third Edition. Pleasant Grove: Woodland
Publishing Inc.
© Natalie Vickery, CFH, June 2006
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