Impotence

Description

Impotence is the most common male disorder: encompassing the failure to achieve or maintain an erection and, possibly to ejaculate. Several forms are recognized:-

Functional impotence has a psychological basis;

Anatomic impotence is due to defective genitalia.

Atonic impotence involves disturbed neuromuscular function, including fatigue, alcohol and drugs.

An occasional failure is not regarded as clinically significant.

Causes

Impotence becomes increasingly common with age. Impaired circulation, declining hormone levels and the increased prospect of prescription drugs may all contribute.

Physical disorders include diabetes.

Neurological disorders include spinal trauma, although some paraplegics retain their ability to father children.

Antipsychotic and antihypertensive drugs are leading pharmaceutical causes. Alcohol is the leading non-pharmaceutical drug.

Signs & Symptoms

The physical sign is quite straightforward. However, the psychological ramifications are complex and may require extensive testing and therapy to unravel.

Changes in medication, counseling and sex therapy are successful in over half the cases. Otherwise, mechanical devices and implants may be used.

Nutritional Supplements

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General Supplements
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CoQ10*
Manganese*
Octacosanol	1,000 mcg
Vitamin B-Complex	50 mg tid
Vitamin E	400 IU
Zinc	80 mg

*Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.

Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.

Dietary Considerations

A well-balanced diet is recommended.

A good snack item would be pumpkin seeds.

Homeopathic Remedy

Description	Remedy
	Galium
	Testis bovis
With hoarseness	Selenium tinct.

Treatment Schedule

Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X ) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).

This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.

Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.

Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.

Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.

Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.

If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.

References

Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.

Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.

Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.

Herbal Approaches

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Herbs
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Damiana
Ginkgo
Muira puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides)
Sarsaparilla
Saw Palmetto
Wild Yam
Yohimbe

Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.

Discussion:

Yohimbine is credited with up to 43% success rate, however, side effects can be severe.

A safer alternative seems to be emerging from Brazil: Muira puama or potency wood (Ptychopetalum olacoides). Reported benefits are between 51 and 62% success.

In Ayurvedic philosophy, the floral structures of plants have their medicinal effects on the reproductive system. This formula is made of three flowers; the first is an aphrodisiac, the second exerts an influence on the sexual chakra and the third exerts and influence on the heart chakra and acts to harmonize the blend.

2 parts safflower (or 1 part saffron)
2 parts hibiscus flower
2 parts rose flower
in tea (1 tsp. per cup) or capsules (1-2 OO caps).

References:

Choi, H.K. et al: Clinical efficacy of Korean red ginseng for erectile dysfunction. Int. J. Impotence Res. 1995, 7(3): 181-186.

Morales, A: Is yohimbine effective in the treatment of organic impotence? Results of a controlled trial. J. Urol. 1987, 137:1,168-1,172.

Sikora, R. et al., Ginkgo biloba extract in the therapy of erectile dysfunction. J. Urol. 1989, 141:188A.

Susset, JG et al., Effect of yohimbine hydrochloride on erectile impotence: a double-blind study. J. Urol. 1989, 141:1,360-1,363.

Waynberg, J: Aphrodisiacs: contribution to the clinical validation of the traditional use of Ptychopetalum olacoides. First International Congress on Ethnopharmacology, Strasbourg. June, 1990.

Aromatherapy - Essential Oils

"Frigidity":

Cedarwood Essence,	Clary Sage Essence,
Neroli Essence,	Patchouli Essence,
Rose Essence,	Sandalwood Essence,
Ylang-Ylang Essence.

Related Health Conditions

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Hypertension
Hypotension
Infertility
Prostatitis
Varicose Veins
Venereal Disease

Abstracts

References

Anonymous: Iron overload disorders among Hispanics--San Diego, California, 1995. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep, 1996 Nov 15, 45:45, 991-3.

Aydin S et al., Acupuncture and hypnotic suggestions in the treatment of non-organic male sexual dysfunction. Scand J Urol Nephrol, 1997 Jun, 31:3, 271-4.

Havryliuk IP et al: [The treatment of chronic prostatitis complicated by sexual disorders with vibrotherapy]. Lik Sprava 1995, no. 5-6 pp. 169-72

Helgason AR et al., Factors associated with waning sexual function among elderly men and prostate cancer patients. J Urol, 1997 Jul, 158:1, 155-9.

Lawrence IG et al., Erythropoietin and sexual dysfunction. Nephrol Dial Transplant, 1997 Apr, 12:4, 741-7.

Lewis RW & Witherington R: External vacuum therapy for erectile dysfunction: use and results. World J Urol, 1997, 15:1, 78-82.

McMahon CG: Nonsurgical treatment of cavernosal venous leakage. Urology, 1997 Jan, 49:1, 97-100.

Morales A et al., Testosterone supplementation for hypogonadal impotence: assessment of biochemical measures and therapeutic outcomes. J Urol, 1997 Mar, 157:3, 849-54.

Murray, M.T. & Pizzorno, J.E.: An Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Prima Pbng, Rocklin, CA.

O'Farrell TJ et al., Sexual satisfaction and dysfunction in marriages of male alcoholics: comparison with nonalcoholic maritally conflicted and nonconflicted couples. J Stud Alcohol, 1997 Jan, 58:1, 91-9.

Riley AJ & Athanasiadis L: Impotence and its non-surgical management. Br J Clin Pract, 1997 Mar, 51:2, 99-103, 105.

Werbach, M. R.: Nutritional Influences on Illness: A sourcebook of clinical research. Keats Pbng. New Canaan, CT.

Werbach, M. R.: Nutritional Influences on Illness: A sourcebook of clinical research. Third Line Press, Tarzana, CA. Second Edition.