Obesity takes an extra toll on men’s health and sexuality

It's no secret that obesity is hazardous to health. Men pay an extra price for excess weight, since obesity takes a special toll on male hormones, sexuality, and prostate health, reports the March 2011 issue of Harvard Men’s Health Watch.

Here are some of the ways that can affects a man's health:

Obesity and testosterone

Testosterone is the major male hormone. As such, it's responsible for the deep voice, large muscles, and strong bones that characterize our gender, for development of the male reproductive organs, for sperm production and libido, and for the typical male pattern of beard growth. After being converted to dihydrotestosterone, the hormone also spurs growth of the prostate, which is a much less welcome sign of manhood for older gents.

Testosterone levels surge at puberty and peak in early adulthood, and then after a few years of stability, the hormone begins a slow drift downward in early middle age. Because the drop in testosterone averages just 1% a year, most older men retain normal levels. But anything that accelerates the decline can nudge some men into testosterone deficiency.

Obesity lowers testosterone levels. For example, a 2007 study of 1,667 men ages 40 and above found that each one-point increase in BMI was associated with a 2% decrease in testosterone. In addition, a 2008 study of 1,862 men ages 30 and above found that waist circumference was an even stronger predictor of low testosterone levels than BMI. A four-inch increase in waist size increased a man's odds of having a low testosterone level by 75%; for comparison, 10 years of aging increased the odds by only 36%. All in all, waist circumference was the strongest single predictor of developing symptoms of testosterone deficiency. And if you doubt these two American studies, just consider Australian research that found almost one in every seven obese men could benefit from testosterone replacement, a rate more than four times higher than in nonobese men.

Erectile dysfunction

Although men with erectile dysfunction (ED) often blame testosterone, hormonal disorders account for only 3% of ED. But even with normal testosterone levels, men who are obese have an increased risk of ED. For example, a Harvard study found that a man with a 42-inch waist is twice as likely to develop the problem as a gent with a 32-inch waist. Brazilian research also linked abdominal obesity to ED, but only in men older than 60. And a California study reported that having a BMI of 28 (overweight but not obese) increased a man's odds of developing ED by over 90%.

Establishing a link is one thing; finding a way to improve erectile function, another. But a Massachusetts study found that weight loss can indeed improve things for overweight men with ED. Similar results were reported by Italian scientists who randomly assigned 110 obese men with ED to a diet and exercise program or to simply continue their usual care. After two years, more than 30% of the men in the diet and exercise group had corrected their ED without medication, compared with less than 6% in the group that received their usual level of medical care. Men who lost the most weight enjoyed the greatest benefit.

Reproductive function

Obesity takes a toll on sexuality, and it may also impair fertility. American research has linked obesity to low sperm counts and reduced sperm motility; German scientists reported similar findings in men between 20 and 30.

How Steroids May Be Beating Your Prostate Into Dysfunction

Ask any teenager the effects of steroids, and his mainstream media brainwashing will likely cause him to respond with the three most commonly cited side effects. The first side effect mentioned will likely be liver damage. We all know that injectables don't affect liver function much, and even orals cause rises to levels, which are still typically acceptable.

In most healthy males, only long-term abuse of anabolic steroids leads to liver damage. The second side effect he'll recall is acne. While this is unavoidable as skin receptors do react to anabolics, many topical and oral medications exist which can mostly alleviate this problem. This third side effect - harder to determine without a very invasive examination - is prostate damage. Do steroids really cause prostate damage?

For decades, scientists have cited prostate enlargement as a side effect of steroid use. The media has run with this assumption and declared steroids cause prostate cancer. In reality, this is not the case. It is correct that the prostate enlarges when androgens are present in the body. DHT or Testosterone inserted into the body will bind to receptors in the prostate, and new growth will occur as a result. However, once the bodybuilder stops the cycle, the prostate returns to regular size.

There are only two periods of life in which the prostate is enlarged. The first occurs during puberty when the body is producing obscene amounts of testosterone. After that, the prostate remains a constant size for the next 25 to 40 years. As men reach their 40's and 50's, prostate growth does begin again in all men. For men in this position, Dutasteride or Finasteride can help with prostate size reduction as well.

Therefore the average steroid user in his 20s or 30s will experience an enlargement of the prostate, but it will typically be nothing to become alarmed about. This does present an interesting set of risks for steroid users age 40 and above. Their prostate may begin growing naturally. Coupled with anabolic steroid use, real problems can occur.

If you are over age 40 and using steroids, annual prostate exams are essential. Males under the age of 22 should not use steroids. Not only because their prostate may be enlarged, but also because their bodies are already producing levels of testosterone sufficient for muscle growth. Toying with levels at this age can lead to a lifetime requirement of hormone replacement therapy.

Hormone Therapy and Erectile Dysfunction: Why It Happens

Hormone therapy and erectile dysfunction is an expected combination because the therapy dramatically reduces a man’s testosterone production. Although the amount of testosterone needed for healthy erectile function has not been defined, levels between 300 and 800 ng/mL are often used as a range. With use of hormone therapy, testosterone levels drop below 100 ng/mL, a level that is too low for erectile function and a healthy libido. Such low testosterone levels also affect erectile tissue.

Another factor is that during treatment with hormone therapy the muscle potentially is replaced by fat, and the flaccidity leads to collagen deposits in the penis, which in turn cause venous leakage (failure to adequately compress the draining veins from the erection chamber) and erectile dysfunction. Animal studies suggest that men who are on hormone therapy for longer than six to twelve months may experience irreversible damage to their erectile tissue. Once the tissue is damaged, venous leak results, and most men with venous leak do not recover spontaneous erections nor respond well to pills. Thus hormone therapy and erectile dysfunction may be an irreversible combination for some men.

About 50% of men who take anti-androgens alone retain their libido and erections, but they may experience erectile dysfunction with long-term use of the drugs. Only about 20% of men who take anti-androgens for a prolonged time keep their ability to get an erection.

Surgery as Hormone Therapy?

Surgery can also be used as a type of hormone therapy and erectile dysfunction will result as well. When surgeons remove the testicles (a procedure called orchiectomy), this eliminates the main source of male hormone production. This is a radical and irreversible move, which is why some men opt for “chemical castration,” which simply means taking drugs to stop male hormone production.

Long Term Effects

On the positive side, about 85% of men who have participated in hormone therapy for four to six months can expect to regain normal testosterone levels by one year after they stop treatment. The remaining 15% may take longer to have their testosterone levels restored, or they may not regain it at all.

Men who choose hormone therapy should also know that it also has an impact on libido and ejaculation, since testosterone is necessary for both sexual desire and the production of semen. About 10% of men may still have a healthy libido despite dramatically low testosterone.

Hormone Therapy and Erectile Dysfunction

Hormone therapy and erectile dysfunction as a side effect is a common occurrence. Also referred to as androgen deprivation or ablation, hormone therapy is designed to dramatically reduce the levels of male hormones, primarily testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and thereby starve the tumor. Although hormone therapy does not cure cancer, it can slow the growth of prostate cancers, or even cause them to shrink.

Hormone therapy primarily includes the use of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists (LH-RH for short) or anti-androgens, and less often, estrogens. For men who take LH-RH agonists, testosterone production essentially stops, and they will be unable to get an erection as long as they are taking the medication. Once they stop treatment, it can take 3 months to a year or even longer before they can achieve a spontaneous erection again. (Cancer Help UK)

Hormone therapy is not for every man who has prostate cancer. It is typically recommended:

    For men whose prostate cancer has already moved beyond the gland and has invaded nearby or distant parts of the body
    Before surgery or radiation in an attempt to shrink the tumor and enhance the effectiveness of the other therapies
    In combination with radiation therapy in certain men whose cancers are likely to return after therapy
    For men who have already had surgery or radiation and their cancer has returned

Long Term Effects of Hormone Therapy on Sexual Function

On the positive side, about 85% of men who have participated in hormone therapy for four to six months can expect to regain normal testosterone levels by one year after they stop treatment. The remaining 15% may take longer to have their testosterone levels restored, or they may not regain it at all.

Men who choose anabolic steroids therapy should also know that it also has an impact on libido and ejaculation, since testosterone is necessary for both sexual desire and the production of semen. About 10% of men may still have a healthy libido despite dramatically low testosterone.

Conquering Erection Problems - 7 Reasons it Might Not be Erectile Dysfunction after All

Erection problems are often seen as a problem for older men, but the truth is that men of any age can experience a less-than-stellar performance from time to time. While a bedroom flop might seem like a reason for panic, men who have only occasional bouts of erectile loss may want to look at some other aspects of their lifestyle. Some non-ED causes of erectile problems are detailed below, along with some simple suggestions for improved penis health.
8 Non-ED causes of erection problems:

Erection problems are not always related to erectile dysfunction perse. Other factors related to a man’s physical and emotional health can lead to temporary issues in the bedroom, including:

1. Alcohol use - While a drink or two can help to break the ice and move things toward the bedroom more quickly, overdoing it can have an unintended and unfortunate effect. Alcohol is a depressant, or downer, and one of the victims of the "downer" effect is the ability to become erect. Men who have romantic intentions for the evening should keep their consumption to no more than 2 drinks in order to avoid an embarrassing end to an evening.

2. Smoking - Smoking wreaks havoc on the body in numerous ways, including hardening and narrowing the blood vessels, interfering with neural activity and reducing a man’s stamina. Crushing out the butts is a proactive step toward overall better health, not to mention improved sexual ability.

3. Stress - The pressures of maintaining a job, caring for a family, studying for exams, or anything else that keeps a man up at night can cause chemical stress reactions that tend to interfere with erectile ability. Reducing stress or finding better ways to cope can help to improve a man’s ability to react to stimulation.

4. Poor circulation - Reduced circulation to the penis, whether due to excess body fat, reduced heart function, or just sitting at a desk for too long can restrict blood flow and result in at least temporary reduction in erectile action.

5. Depression - Depression and other emotional or mood disorders can manifest as loss of erectile ability; on the flip side, loss of erectile function can actually lead to depression. In either case, treating the depression with counseling and/or medication may help.

6. Relationship issues - Whether faced with partner conflict or just an old relationship in which the sex just doesn’t feel new and exciting any more, a man who is not feeling comfortable with his mate may not feel aroused every time the occasion calls for it. Couples counseling - or even a change in partners - might provide the answer in this case.

7. Medications - Finally, certain prescription medications can lead to loss of function; when medications are in the mix, talking to a doctor about an alternative may help to resolve the issue.

When erectile dysfunction may be diagnosed

Of course, there is always the potential that there is a more serious underlying health problem that is responsible for impotence issues, and in this case, ED may really be at stake. Erectile dysfunction may be diagnosed when a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection long enough to complete intercourse more than 25% of the time, or when he fails to experience night time erections. In this case, treating the health problem appropriately is an important step in restoring normal function.

Keeping the penis in game-ready condition

It goes without saying that being ready for sex means not only being able to get it up, but also feeling confident; and in order to feel confident, a man needs to believe that he is sexy and appealing. Some overall attention to grooming can help to take care of this issue - a shower, change of clothes and a shave can go a long way toward making a man feel attractive.

When it comes time to drop trou, a guy needs to be assured that his equipment is also ready for action - with smooth skin, no rough spots or blemishes, and most of all, no unpleasant, mushroomy odors. Adding a penis health creme (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) fortified with targeted male nutrients and all-natural moisturizers is a good way to ensure that the skin is in top condition. Nutrients like vitamin A, for instance, can help to eliminate odor-causing bacteria, while amino acids like L-arginine can promote the skin’s responsiveness to tactile stimulation. On top of these, a natural moisturizer - like Shea butter, olive oil, or jojoba oil, can keep the skin looking smooth and supple, giving it a pleasant appearance.

How Steroids May Be Beating Your Prostate Into Dysfunction

Ask any teenager the effects of steroids, and his mainstream media brainwashing will likely cause him to respond with the three most commonly cited side effects. The first side effect mentioned will likely be liver damage. We all know that injectables don't affect liver function much, and even orals cause rises to levels, which are still typically acceptable.

In most healthy males, only long-term abuse of steroids leads to liver damage. The second side effect he'll recall is acne. While this is unavoidable as skin receptors do react to anabolic steroids, many topical and oral medications exist which can mostly alleviate this problem. This third side effect - harder to determine without a very invasive examination - is prostate damage. Do steroids really cause prostate damage?

For decades, scientists have cited prostate enlargement as a side effect of steroid use. The media has run with this assumption and declared steroids cause prostate cancer. In reality, this is not the case. It is correct that the prostate enlarges when androgens are present in the body. DHT or Testosterone inserted into the body will bind to receptors in the prostate, and new growth will occur as a result. However, once the bodybuilder stops the cycle, the prostate returns to regular size.

There are only two periods of life in which the prostate is enlarged. The first occurs during puberty when the body is producing obscene amounts of testosterone. After that, the prostate remains a constant size for the next 25 to 40 years. As men reach their 40's and 50's, prostate growth does begin again in all men. For men in this position, Dutasteride or Finasteride can help with prostate size reduction as well.

Therefore the average steroid user in his 20s or 30s will experience an enlargement of the prostate, but it will typically be nothing to become alarmed about. This does present an interesting set of risks for steroid users age 40 and above. Their prostate may begin growing naturally. Coupled with anabolic steroid use, real problems can occur.

If you are over age 40 and using steroids, annual prostate exams are essential. Males under the age of 22 should not use steroids. Not only because their prostate may be enlarged, but also because their bodies are already producing levels of testosterone sufficient for muscle growth. Toying with levels at this age can lead to a lifetime requirement of hormone replacement therapy. 

To Treat Or Not Prostate Cancer

All the varieties of cancers are the second leading cause of death in men and women. Prostate cancer comes in second place for cancer-caused male deaths. Around 28,000 men die from it every year in the USA.

PSA, prostate specific antigen, is a blood test used for detection of prostate cancer. The problem with PSA is that it is sometimes high for reasons other than cancer, and it doesn't indicate the cancer's aggressiveness. Most prostate cancer cases are not lethal. Why, then, do so many men die from it? First of all, many men have it. Almost all men in their 80s have patches of prostate cancer in their gland and many men in their 70s have it. A large percentage of these men will live out their full life span without ever having a single prostate cancer symptom.

If a man could be assured that his prostate cancer would not be lethal, that man most likely would choose not to treat it. Treatment can come at a price. It can lead to erectile dysfunction, urine leakage and the complications of radiation, such as damage to the rectum. For these and other reasons, the United States Preventive Task Force recommends that men 75 years and older or men with a life expectancy of less than 10 years not be tested with PSA.

Not everyone agrees with these guidelines. Testing for prostate cancer at older ages is something best left to a well-informed patient and his doctor. Prostate problems effect a man's activities and all ages can be effected. Men often know a lot more about a womens cycle than they do about their own sexual health. Problems with a male prostate as just as common that with womens period cycle issues.

Some of the symptoms with men with prostate problems are difficulty in urination with increased frequency of urination. Painful urination and having to get up at night to urinate are other symptoms. Pain in the lower back is another sign of possible prostate problems.

Experts in diet recommend that a good diet and exercise routine help in preventive and treatment of prostate problems. General recommendations are to reduce red meat and saturated fat in the diet and eat more fruit and vegetables. Drinking more water rather that coke and a good exercise program are essential both for prostate care and leading a better, healthier and happier life.

Prostate Cancer Myths

Myth #1. Diseased with prostate cancer die but not from it

In fact, every sixth man diseases with prostate cancer, but dies of it only every thirty fifth man. There is possible to live with some forms of cancer for years, but do not forget that prostate cancer is a second oncologic male disease with fatal cases.

Myth #2. There is no need to undergo examination because doctors do quarrel about its effectiveness

In fact, the main aim of examination is to detect disease at early stages. There are two kinds of examinations: blood test on Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination. Doctors do not quarrel the necessity of both those examinations.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) normally is detected in blood in small amounts. The level of PSA usually raises when prostate cancer, and also when prostatitis and innocent hyperplasia of prostate. As most of analysis, PSA-test does not guarantee 100% diagnostic accuracy. In some cases invasive methods are used for examination (prostate biopsy).

On the other side, results of PSA can be normal even when prostate cancer. Since 1990, when PSA was introduced in clinical practice, mortality from prostate cancer is lowered. However, some doctors are not sure that PSA is the reason of that.

Quarrels about necessity of men health examination with PSA still take place. However, the examinations to detect prostate cancer are recommended for men over 50. If your nearest relatives (father, brother, uncle) were diseased with prostate cancer, you should start examinations at 45. Is it worth or not is a personal question.

Myth #3. After prostate removal a man becomes impotent

In fact, prostatectomy is a surgical procedure to remove prostate gland affected with cancer. Sometimes during this operation nerves controlling erection can be affected. After operation most of men face with such a problem as erectile dysfunction. How long problems will last depend on the man's age, erection before operation and on kind of surgical intervention.

The operation allowing to avoid nerves damage lowers risk of erectile dysfunction progress. If necessary, it is possible to keep erection by using penile injections and special devices.

Myth #4. Men after prostatectomy suffer from uroclepsia

The main side effect of prostatectomy is uroclepsia. In most men it occurs after several weeks or months after operation. According to statistics, in 5 years after surgical intercourse about 1/3 of men suffer from high-stress uroclepsia (urine leak when coughing, physical exercises, laughing or sneezing). Only in 5% of cases was registered a serious uroclepsia.

Risk of uroclepsia is lowered when the operation in performed in big oncologic centers under the supervision of qualified specialists.