PROSTATE SURGERY

The prostate gland is a chestnut sized gland that lies at the neck of a man’s bladder and through which passes the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis and is involved in the production of semen (Urethra).

Although problems with the prostate are not restricted to more mature men, it is not uncommon for this gland to enlarge in men aged 50 or over and affects their flow of urine to an uncomfortable and embarrassing degree - a condition that could lead to further complications.

Increasing the amount of zinc in the diet has been shown to afford relief from symptoms of an enlarged prostate. This is because enlargement is often caused by the build up of a hormone called Dihydrotestosterone which itself is triggered by an inadequate amount of zinc in the diet. Cells in enlarged prostates are commonly found to contain lower than normal levels of this mineral. Zinc rich foods include whole grains, nuts, seeds, seafood and oily fish.

Nutrient deficiency is not the only cause of prostate problems. A study of 50,000 men in the US found a link between those who had advanced prostate cancer and also had a high consumption of animal fats. Other studies have suggested a link with alcohol intake. Alcohol, coffee and tea are believed to be ‘irritants’ in this area, therefore some medical experts advise only occasional consumption of these beverages in favour of increased intake (up to 3 pints a day) of other fluids. Where enlargement is non cancerous, herbalists often administer diuretic herbs such as Couch Grass, Horsetail or Saw Palmetto to encourage the discharge of urine. In several Japanese studies, flower pollen has been used to reduce urinary symptoms. Practitioners of acupuncture also claim to be able to treat the problem successfully. ED caused by surgery on the prostate can be treated. You should talk to your doctor about the possibilities of using Viagra for this condition.

MEDICINES If you are taking conventional medicine for problems such as blood pressure, heart conditions, cancer, anti-depressants or diuretics and are experiencing ED, this could be the cause. Viagra can be of assistance in these cases and can safely be taken in conjunction with other drugs but you should always consult your doctor about taking Viagra and continue your present drug regime unless otherwise advised by a qualified medical practitioner.

LIFESTLE CAUSES OF erectile dysfunction

Smoking

If you smoke, you risk serious damage to your health through heart disease and respiratory problems. You also increase your risk of contracting cancer of the mouth, lungs, throat, stomach, pancreas, bladder and rectum as well as contracting leukaemia.

Smoking is also known to have a complex effect the circulation. It is believed that nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarettes make the heart beat faster whilst at the same time making the blood thicker. This puts increased strain on the heart which together with thickened arteries due to cholesterol deposits also caused by smoking, results in heart disorders that kill one in eight smokers. Smoking also causes damage to blood circulation in and around the penis so it is no surprise that smokers are more likely to suffer from ED than non-smokers.

Giving up smoking is the best option and it’s never too late. Once you’ve made the decision to stop make sure you don’t replace one addiction with another. Its very common for ex smokers who suddenly find their hands and mouths have ‘nothing to do’ to start grazing on unhealthy snack foods, therefore its essential to adhere to a healthy diet that provides the nutrients the body needs when withdrawing from nicotine addiction.

Smoking depletes the body of vitamin C, E and the B group so a diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds, avocados, vegetable oils and whole grains will all provide these nutrients.

Giving up any addiction is never easy but various complimentary therapies could help. Acupuncture has been known to work well on those who really want to stop. Needles are inserted into the ears and lung area. Often small needles can be left in the ear and when the urge to smoke is felt, stimulating these needles appears to take away the craving for a cigarette.

Behavioural therapy that uses rewards, time planning, relaxation and habit breaking techniques can also be successful.

Hypnotherapy, where the patient is put into a relaxed state where the subconscious mind is susceptible to positive suggestions designed to strengthen the will to stop have also proven effective.

Drinking Too Much Alcohol

You may have heard of the term ‘brewer’s droop’? It’s a colloquial phrase to describe how too much alcohol in the blood can affect the ability to achieve an erection. Whilst alcohol can fuel the desire for sex, it inhibits a man’s ability to satisfy that urge. This is not surprising as alcohol slows down the central nervous system so affecting your body’s ability to react normally to sexual stimulation.

Cutting back on your alcohol intake is an obvious solution but like smoking, alcohol can be a serious addiction. A doctor may recommend a form of aversion therapy by administering a drug called Antabuse that makes the drinker violently sick if he drinks alcohol.

Lifestyle changes such as taking more exercise, relaxation (if you drink to relieve stress) and a healthy diet can all help to repair damage to the body through alcohol abuse and make the process of giving up less painful.

Herbalists often recommend taking Evening Primrose Oil because the Gamma-Linolenic Acid it contains is believed to help in preventing mood swings and further liver damage. Milk Thistle is also believed to help repair the liver whilst others such as Skullcap, Pasque Flower, Motherwort and ordinary porridge oats are all natural relaxants that can help ease the stress associated with withdrawal symptoms.

Hypnotherapy where positive suggestions are used to influence the subconscious mind for increased will power and determination to stop drinking given by either a therapist or a self-help CD or tape can also be of great help.

Stress

There are many causes of stress in our hectic modern lives, from the death of a loved one to pressure at work or family problems at home.

Different kinds of activities have been categorised into either having the highest stress rating such as personal injury or illness, a high stress rating like a change of jobs, a moderate stress rating such as having problems with your boss and a low stress rating such as doing the Christmas shopping.

Experiencing sexual problems is regarded as a high stress rating. Many men’s self esteem is based upon their ability to function well sexually. The danger of experiencing sex related stress is that if corrective action is not taken a viscous downward spiral can begin which only makes matters worse. As stress can lead to reduced sex drive you may experience ED and this in turn leads to more stress and worry. Because you are stressed your ED gets worse, so you get even more stressed and so it goes on as one problem feeds upon the other.

If you feel you are suffering from stress there are many natural ways you can tackle the problem.

Studies have shown that when you get stressed your immune system can become weaker making you more susceptible to colds and flu. Certain nutrients, such as the B group of vitamins and vitamin C, are used up more quickly when you are under stress. Good nutrition, therefore, is essential in helping your body cope.

To maintain an adequate intake of B vitamins which helps maintain a healthy nervous system, try eating green vegetables, fresh fruit, yeast extract, wholegrain cereals, dairy products, nuts, seeds and pulses.

For vitamin C eats lots of fresh fruits, fruit juices and vegetables. This vitamin plays an important role in keeping your immune system strong and healthy as does the mineral zinc. To increase your intake of zinc, include in your ’stress free’ diet eggs, dairy products and whole grain cereals or consider taking supplements.

An adequate intake of complex carbohydrates is also recommended to boost your energy and calm the mind so remember to eat foods such as bread, rice, pasta, potatoes and pulses.

Of course, just dosing up on vitamins and minerals helps your body cope with stress but isn’t going to cure the problem, so here are some other activities proven to relieve stress you might like to try.

Take regular exercise.

Practice some form of relaxation technique such as yoga, tai chi or meditation.

Consider having a pet. Studies have shown that pet owners suffer far less from stress than those without an animal.

Talk about your problems, either to a professional counsellor or a trusted friend. Sometimes just getting things out in the open instead of bottling them up inside can be a tremendous relief.

Take regular relaxing holidays if you can. It doesn’t have to be somewhere exotic and expensive. Weekend breaks in your own country where you can just ‘get away from it all’ can be equally effective. Just sitting down and listening to some relaxing music after a stressful day can help put things in perspective.

Expressing your anger or frustration through art or dance can prove a great way to release pent up emotions in a safe and creative way. Book yourself a professional massage or get your partner to help you ease away any physical tension in your body.

In herbal medicine, hot teas made from Lemon Balm or Camomile are traditional relaxants or for something a little stronger you could try natural tranquiliser pills made from herbs such as Valerian, Skullcap or Cowslip, usually available at health food shops and drug stores.

In homeopathy, Ignatia is prescribed for stress arising from shock, bereavement or an unhappy experience. For students or workers under pressure who feel week or depressed due to stress, Ac. Phos. is said to help.

Hypnotherapy or self-hypnosis has been proved to be very effective in a wide range of psychological problems, including stress. There are many CD’s and tapes on the market designed to relax your mind and body through visualisation and positive suggestions to your subconscious mind.

Simon Goodall is a freelance writer with over 10 years experience writing for web and print publications. All his articles can be read at www.readmystuff.biz and he is available for commissions.