Several studies have shown that approximately 30 million men in the U.S. report suffering from %26lsquo;erectile dysfunction%26rsquo; or, to put it simply, impotence. While most people attribute impotency to old age, it is actually stress, fatigue, lack of blood flow and dietary imbalance that account for the majority of impotency cases. Whether a person is young or old, they want a passionate, powerful, productive and purposeful life. However, impotency can even cause men to lose their sense of direction.
The popularity of Viagra has significantly raised over the last couple of years. This marvelous little blue pill has brought passion and excitement back into people's sex lives. Viagra is tremendously successful at combating this problem, and it is one of the most widely sold drugs in the history of medicine. Although it can cause some mild side effects such as headaches it has helped millions. The biggest problem with a short-term solution such as Viagra, is that it encourages people to forget about seeking treatment. Instead of visiting a doctor to correct the penile dysfunction, most men just pop a pill for instant results. Viagra is currently the best treatment, but it should be used only as a last resort and only after consulting a doctor. But is there an alternative to Viagra, something more %26quot;natural%26quot; like a herb or supplement?
Typical causes of erectile dysfunction
Interruption in blood circulation to the penis
Several studies on this subject have revealed that the main cause of erectile dysfunction is an interruption in blood circulation to the penis. The most common causes of this blood interruption are:
%26bull; poor nutrition
%26bull; caffeine
%26bull; alcohol
%26bull; tobacco
%26bull; foods that are high in carbohydrates
%26bull; consuming saturated fats
%26bull; psychological factors as well as anxiety
Erectile dysfunction can happen at any age.
However, it%26rsquo;s certainly more prevalent as age increases, as are all kinds of degenerative illness specifically related to decreased circulation.
How does Viagra work?
Viagra is the first medication that proved to be effective in helping men achieve and maintain an erection. Viagra is a drug and can only be purchased with a prescription from a doctor. This medication blocks the action of the type 5 phosphodiesterase enzyme, which results in the accumulation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a compound that causes a reduction in the amount of calcium within a muscle cell. The more cGMP inside the cell, the better the erection will be.
Bad things about Viagra
%26bull; Possible side effects
Viagra can cause some serious side effects. The fact is that over 700 men have died while using Viagra in the U.S. alone. Other side effects include a blue discoloration in front of the field of vision after taking it, digestive disturbances, headaches and other problems.
%26bull; The cost
Another problem is that Viagra is quite costly. It costs about $10 a pill but people sometimes pay a lot more for it. That could be a big problem if someone uses it regularly.
%26bull; Misuse
There are people who are using Viagra as a sex enhancer even if they don%26rsquo;t have erectile dysfunction. Although Viagra can intensify performance, it can only be effective if the erectile dysfunction is due to neurological factors rather than emotional or psychological factors. So it will not increase the response of a man who doesn%26rsquo;t have circulation problems. In other words, Viagra is not truly an aphrodisiac which might increase sexual response.
%26bull; Sustained erection
It has been reported that Viagra can sometimes cause a sustained erection. In some people that can be a problem, but it%26rsquo;s not normally considered a major side effect of Viagra.
%26bull; It doesn%26rsquo;t work for women
Women suffering for a decreased sex drive will not benefit from Viagra.
Natural alternatives to Viagra
Natural medicine differs in its approach to treatment of erectile dysfunction in the same way that it differs in its approach to treating any illness: rather than looking at the particular effected part of the body, natural or holistic medicine looks at what is wrong with the whole person. Its three-pronged approach, in a nutshell:
1. The emotional and spiritual life, which is the most important consideration in any illness.
2. Diet and lifestyle choices.
3. Exercise.
Certain herbal products have been known to increase sex drive and ones ability to sexually perform better for centuries.
Natural products contain a number of natural aphrodisiacs, which have proven effective in increasing sexual desire and improving sexual performance. Unlike Viagra, herbal aphrodisiacs are available without prescription and are cheaper than Viagra. An estimated 42% of women, who are suffering from decreased sex drive can also profit from natural alternatives. Natural substances often lead to longer, stronger erections and better control of ejaculation. In addition, users of the natural aphrodisiac herbs report much greater enjoyment of the sexual act with more pleasant climax and orgasm.
Herbal extracts also increase the blood flow, but not just to the genitals - to all parts of the body, including the brain.
Natural alternatives work well, are safe and inexpensive.
Natural Viagra alternatives can:
%26bull; Increase frequency of sexual intercourses for men
%26bull; Increase possibility to reach orgasm in women
%26bull; Boost sexual desire and sexual performance
%26bull; Improve control over ejaculation
%26bull; Increase subjective enjoyment and intensity of orgasm
%26bull; Improve erectile capacity
%26bull; Help to overcome erectile dysfunction naturally
In the last couple of years, many researches have shown that one way to improve sexual performance is by increasing concentrations of several sex hormones, which are needed to maintain sexual health. Scientists believe that some herbs are able to do this by directly stimulating the hypothalamus, a major hormone-producing gland in your brain.
Self-examination first
Because sexual dysfunction is a complex issue with many causes and manifestations, no one can really argue that popping a pill should be avoided. The first thing that every person should do before even thinking of taking Viagra or any other supplement, is review its overall health and current medications with a doctor. This is very important, because sometimes the problem might be treatable.
Most common natural Viagra alternatives
%26bull; Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is a herb that is commonly taken as a memory booster. It is proven it may also provide some sexual benefits. It supposedly acts by enhancing blood flow and seems relatively free of side effects. The suggested dose is 80 mg three times a day, standardized to contain 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones.
%26bull; Arginine
Arginine is an amino acid that also enhances blood flow.
The only ones who might benefit from it are men who have circulatory disorders that may be contributing to sexual problems. The suggested dose is 1 gram three times a day; sold as L-Arginine.
Remember: As with Viagra, you should avoid Arginine if you are taking the heart medication nitroglycerin because the combination may cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
%26bull; DHEA
This supplement may also provide benefits for men who have low levels of testosterone. High concentrations of DHEA are naturally present in young men, whereas a progressive decline in DHEA levels in the blood occurs with age. The suggested dose is 5 mg each morning for men.
%26bull; Yohimbe
Several studies have shown that this herb may correct impotence, but it is important to remember that this herb can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure, as well as anxiety and other side effects.
%26bull; Damiana
The Latin name of this herb is turnera aphrodisiaca, which tells us that it has been known for at least hundreds of years as an aphrodisiac.
%26bull; Muira puama
This is another herb that may be very helpful in this area. This is a herb from Brazil and the Amazon; it has been used there as an aphrodisiac for hundreds of years. In the few tests that have been done in a clinical setting, Muira puama had very good results.
%26bull; Kava Kava
Kava kava (Piper methysticum) is well known in the US. It is a herb most often used as an anti-anxiety treatment. It possesses the added benefit of producing a very low level of side effects. It simply puts people in a good, relaxed mood.
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