July 30th, 2008 -- Posted in Mens Issues |
Some experts believe that low testosterone levels, which become more common with age, are linked to several health conditions. These include loss of bone and muscle mass, depression, decreased libido, and, most important, the metabolic syndrome — a cluster risk factors that increase the chances of developing heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
The studies, all of which were expected to be presented at The Endocrine Society’s annual meeting, in San Francisco, suggest that therapy to raise testosterone back to normal levels may have several positive effects.
One study showed that testosterone treatment significantly reduced abdominal fat, total cholesterol, LDL (”bad”) cholesterol, triglycerides and body mass index (a measure of body fat). It also helped raise HDL (”good”) cholesterol.
Researchers in a second study found that men older than 63 benefited as much as younger men.
“We conclude that if elderly men have a deficiency of testosterone, it is worthwhile to treat them with testosterone,” co-author of both studies, Farid Saad of Berlin-headquartered Bayer Schering Pharma — a drug company that makes a form of testosterone therapy — said in a prepared interview.
A third study added to previous evidence that low testosterone increases one’s chance of early death from any cause in the long run.
In the study, funded in part by drug maker Novo Nordisc, researchers looked the causes of death in almost 2,000 German men aged 20 to 79 years. The men with low testosterone at the start of study, which had an average follow up period of 7 years, had a more than 2.5 times greater risk of dying during the next 10 years compared with men with higher testosterone. These men tended to be older, fatter and had a greater prevalence of diabetes and high blood pressure than the men with higher testosterone levels, Haring said.
This difference was not explained by age, smoking, alcohol intake, level of physical activity or increased waist circumference (a risk factor for diabetes and heart disease), according to researcher author Robin Haring, a Ph.D. student from Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University of Greifswald, Institute for Community Medicine.
Low testosterone levels predicted increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer but not death of any other single cause, the study found.
July 30th, 2008 -- Posted in Mens Issues |
The very thought of injuring that most precious part of the male anatomy is enough to make most men wince with pain. Fortunately, it does not happen all that often. Yes, injuries can occur on occasion. For example, an erect penis can collide with a woman’s pelvic bone during intercourse, causing the fibrous penile tissue to rupture. For the most part, though, penile pain signals an underlying health problem. Among the most common causes of penile pain is Peyronie’s disease, in which the fibrous tissue within the penis thickens. While the pain may subside on its own in time, Peyronie’s disease should be treated by a physician. Prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate gland, can also produce penile pain. But there is nothing wrong with the penis itself. Here are some tips that you can consider to adopt to get relief fast.
1. Just Say No
With some conditions, you might need to avoid intercourse completely until you heal. With an abrasion, for example, you do not want to do anything that tugs on the skin. It is recommended to give it a rest. The same goes for Peyronie’s disease. Getting an erection will make your pain worse and having intercourse will make it worse still. If you must have sex, be very gentle. The more aggressive you are, the more it is going to hurt.
2. Try Something New
If intercourse aggravates your pain, experiment with different positions. It is recommended to work with your partner to find what is most comfortable for both of you.
3. Stay Warm
Some conditions respond very well to applications of heat. It is recommended draping a heating pad over the top of your penis for 20 minutes, four times a day. Be sure to use thin towel between the heating pad and your penis. Soaking in a sitz bath or a hot tub can also be effective. Ask your doctor whether heat treatments are appropriate for your condition.
4. Get Your Blood Moving
To improve circulation in the groin area and speed healing, apply heat and ice simultaneously. Place a hot pack on your lower back and a cold pack on your abdomen, and leave them on for 10 to 15 minutes. Then reverse the packs for your next treatment, hot in front, cold in back. Repeat the applications four times a day.
5. Pinpoint The Problem
The prospect of using needles to treat penile pain may leave you a bit skittish. But certain acupuncture points in the pelvic region are very effective in relieving the pain in the genitals. To find a qualified acupuncturist in your area, contact the referral service of your local hospital.
6. Opt For An Ointment
For a minor abrasion or irritation of the penis, it is recommended to use a topical ointment. But do not expect it to get better overnight. Your penis gets erect while you sleep, causing the wound to reopen. This prolongs the healing time.
7. Reach For A Pain Reliever
An over-the-counter painkiller may provide some relief. Depending on your degree of discomfort, aspirin or acetaminophen may suffice. If neither works, then try ibuprofen.