WHAT’S KEEPING YOU AND YOUR ERECTIONS DOWN?

Millions of American men suffer from ED or erectile dysfunction. For young men having difficulty achieving an erection, here are some common causes:
Stress : Among men in their teens, 20s and 30s, most cases of ED are linked to psychological issues. Anxiety and stress are a major factors especially if these are factors right before sex. Many young men who are inexperienced feel pressure to perform the best sexually and also have concerns about size. This stress can lead to performance anxiety. This buildup of stress can cause an influx of adrenaline or epinephrine which can inhibit an erection.
Too much bike riding : Now, just to be clear, if you’re an avid biker, it doesn’t mean you’re going to develop ED. But if you experience numbness as you ride within the first few miles or after biking marathons you may be causing long-term damage. Below the prostate (and what directly rests on the bicycle seat) are the nerves responsible for bringing blood the penis, which is what happens during an erection. Try getting fitted for a better seat if you’re experiencing this.
Medicines : Cold medications like Sudafed contain pseudoephedrine, which acts as epinephrine in the body and decreases the ability to achieve an erection. It increases your body’s natural fight or flight reaction and makes your body think you’re scared of something. The effects of the drug aren’t permanent.
Partying : Drinking and recreational drug use may also serve as a proponent of ED. Alcohol is a depressant and relaxes you but can cause the inability to perform. Cocaine for example, will lower your testosterone levels.
Cancer treatments : If young men have been diagnosed with testicular cancer or another cancer and are being treated with chemotherapy and radiation may lower testosterone levels which affect blood flow to the penis. Radiation can also directly damage the lining of the blood vessels or cause nerve damage.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are other causes of ED because diabetes impacts the body’s ability to produce nitric oxide. Another major factor is being obese or overweight. Anything that’s bad for your heart is bad for your penis. Blood vessels are tiny in the penis and if they’re clogged the blood won’t flow there. Eating right and exercising makes everything work better.

1. STOP SMOKING

Heart problems aren’t the only issue keeping men down. Erectile dysfunction is commonly caused by stress, medications, partying, cancer treatments, or even bike riding.

Smoking can cause blood vessels to narrow, which can have a detrimental effect on blood flow to sex organs. Similarly, smoking diminishes your stamina, limiting the amount of rigorous activity one can handle – which unfortunately can leave your partner wanting more.
2. WORK IT OUT
Notwithstanding my earlier comments about biking, moderate regular exercise has been shown to help improve blood flow to the sexual organs. Exercises focused on thighs, buttocks and pelvis are especially good for genital circulation. In addition, exercise boosts self-image and confidence. Anything that improves self-esteem will in turn improve libido.
3. LOSE WEIGHT
Study out of Duke, found that up to 30% of obese people seeking help controlling their weight indicate problems with sex drive, desire, performance, or all three. This is because being overweight can reduce blood flow and lower testosterone levels. High cholesterol as well as type 2 diabetes, both associated with being overweight, impact sexual performance. Both can cause penile arteries to shut down when arteries get clogged with fat deposits. Erectile dysfunction leads to decreased sexual desire and libido.
4. GINGKO BILOBA
Herbal remedies like tea or supplements derived from ginkgo biloba can have a positive effect on sexual desire and even orgasm. This age-old remedy is known to improve circulation, yet again enhancing sex.
5. TRY SOME LIBIDO-BOOSTING FOODS
Certain foods, like those high in zinc (think oysters!) can increase sperm production and testosterone- the hormone in men responsible for sex drive. Also, foods high in essential fatty acids like flaxseeds, sardines, and nuts help to increase testosterone production and increase libido.

This article was written by Dr. Samadi a board-certified urologic oncologist trained in open and traditional and laparoscopic surgery, and an expert in robotic prostate surgery in New York City.

The Straight Dope on Dope-Sex and Marijuana

The occasional use of marijuana may enhance a man’s sexual performance. However, the long term effects of marijuana and not so pleasurable. The long-term affects include erectile dysfunction and loss of orgasm. Marijuana may also impact a man’s fertility.
Erectile Dysfunction
The Journal of Sexual Medicine published a study suggesting a link between marijuana and erectile dysfunction. The active ingredient in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. When a person uses marijuana, THC interacts with proteins in the brain called cannabinoid receptors. This interaction impairs the person’s brain function. There are also cannabinoid receptors present in penile tissue. Perhaps the interaction with THC may impair penile function (possibly causing erectile dysfunction)
Problems with Orgasm
In a study from Australia, men who used marijuana every day were four times more likely to have problems reaching orgasm than men who didn’t use weed. In addition, men who used marijuana every day were three times more likely to experience premature ejaculation than men who didn’t.
Other male daily users said they reached orgasm too slowly.
Fertility
Marijuana can also affect a man’s fertility. More specifically, THC hinders sperm cells’ ability to swim to an egg cell. And, if the sperm even reaches the egg, it will have a harder time fertilizing it.
Marijuana can also cause fertility issues for women. If a woman uses marijuana, THC can travel to her uterus, cervix, vagina, and vaginal fluids. Sperm cells that come into contact with THC from the woman behave much like sperm cells from a man who uses marijuana and the “swimmers” may have trouble reaching and then fertilizing the egg .
Therefore, couples who want to conceive are advised to avoid marijuana use.
The Bottom Line
If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction or problems with orgasm, consider your marijuana intake. And if you planning on starting a family, you should steer clear of the weed.

This blog was modified from Marijuana and Male Sex Health, Published on May 31, 2011 on SexHealthMatters.org