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DISORDERS
(Their description, characteristics or symptoms,
causes, and complementary or alternative treatments)
Disorder: IMPOTENCE
Description: Impotence is defined as the inability to sustain a satisfactory erection to perform intercourse and ejaculation. Erections result from a complex combination of brain stimuli, blood vessel and nerve function and hormonal actions. Some factors that can lead to impotence include peripheral vascular disease; the use of certain medications, alcohol, or cigarettes; a history of sexually transmitted disease; and chronic illness such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Symptoms: Inability to achieve or maintain an erection adequate for normal sexual intercourse.
Incidence: It is estimated that about 10 million men in the United States are experiencing some form of impotence, of which only about 200,000 per year seek medical help. Impotence may be chronic or recurring, or it may occur as a single isolated incident.
Causes: In the past, it was assumed that impotence was primarily a psychological problem, but many therapists and physicians today believe that as many as 85 percent of all cases of impotence have some physical basis. The Association for Male Sexual Dysfunction recognizes over 200 drugs that may cause impotence. Some of the most common are alcohol, antidepressants, antihypertensives, diuretics, narcotics, nicotine, sedatives, stomach acid inhibitors, and ulcer medications. Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, poses a risk to the condition of the heart and the penis. Most people today know smoking and eating fatty foods lead to the production of plaques that clog the arteries and block the flow of blood to the heart. These same plaques also can block the arteries leading to the genitals, interfering with the ability to attain an erection.
Treatments: The appropriate treatment for impotence depends upon whether the cause is physical or psychological. A man whose impotence is psychologically based generally still has erections during his sleep, while an individual whose impotence is physical in origin usually does not. The usual method of determining the cause is the "stamp test," which involves placing a ring of paper around the penis prior to bedtime. If the ring has been disrupted in the morning, the man has experienced an erection some time during the night. This indicates that the cause of the impotence is most likely due to psychological factors rather than to physical causes. Follow the recommendations listed below.
Nutrients:
Supplement Dosage Comments
|
Vitamin C |
As directed on label. |
A major component of the seminal vesicles and prostate gland, and high amounts are found in prostatic secretions. |
|
Vitamin E |
Start with 200 IU daily and slowly increase to 400-1,000 IU daily |
Increases circulation. |
|
Zinc |
80 mg. daily. Do not exceed this amount. |
Important in prostate gland function and reproductive organ growth. Use zinc gluconate lozenges. |
|
Vitamin A Plus Natural beta-carotene |
15,000 IU daily. 15,000 IU daily. |
Antioxidants that enhance immunity. |
|
Vitamin B complex |
50 mg. 3 times daily |
Needed for a healthy nervous system; important in all cell activity. |
Herbs:
 | Coryanthe yohimbe and ginkgo biloba are often used for
the treatment of impotence due to their ability to stimulate vascular flow to
the penis. Coryanthe yohimbe has also been shown to increase libido and
decrease the latency period between ejaculations, as well as have a positive
effect on impotence problems due to depression. Several studies have confirmed
the beneficial action of ginkgo biloba. In one study, ginkgo biloba extract
was found to increase penile blood flow in a group of patients who had not
responded to traditional drug therapy. Half the group regained potency within
six months.
| Ginseng and gotu kola are both reported to help with
sexual function.
| Saw palmetto helps to normalize prostate function.
| Other herbs that may be beneficial include wild yam,
dong quai, hydrangea root and pygeum. | |
Recommendations:
| Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
| Avoid alcohol, particularly before sexual encounters.
| Eliminate from your diet animal fats, sugar, fried
foods and junk foods.
| Do not smoke and avoid second-hand smoke.
| Avoid stress.
| Consult a urologist for testing to determine whether
impotence is caused by an underlying illness that requires treatment.
| Several prescription drugs are associated with a high
incidence of impotence. They include certain blood pressure medications,
tranquilizers, ulcer and heartburn treatment drugs such as cimetidine (Tagamet)
and ranitidine (Zantac). Consult your physician if you suspect impotence may
be related to a drug you are taking. There may be a satisfactory alternative.
However, do not stop taking a prescription drug or change the dosage without
first consulting your doctor.
| Investigate the possibility of heavy metal
intoxication. A hair analysis can reveal possible heavy metal poisoning. | |
Considerations:
| If impotence is related to clogged blood vessels, a
diet low in fats can actually help reverse the problem.
| Keep in mind that sexual function changes with age. As
you age, you may require more stimulation and a longer period of time to
achieve an erection.
| Alcohol decreases the body’s ability to product
testosterone. Research at Chicago Medical School revealed that drinking
alcohol may cause the hormonal equivalent of menopause in men. Alcohol not
only affects sexual function, but also helps set the stage for a heart attack
and other serious conditions.
| Heavy smoking decreases sexual capability by damaging
the tiny blood vessels in the penis. The use of marijuana and cocaine also can
result in impotence.
| If your doctor believes atherosclerosis is the
underlying problem, he or she may advise vascular surgery to improve blood
flow to the penis.
| Urologists differ in the types of treatment they
recommend for impotence, but many opt first for nonsurgical treatment.
| Injections of certain prescription drugs before
intercourse have been shown to be roughly 80 percent effective in producing
satisfactory erection in impotent men who have tried it. These drugs work by
relaxing smooth muscle, causing the blood vessels in the penis to dilate,
promoting an erection that can last an hour or more. An estimated 300,000 men
in the U.S. use this technique each year. Possible side effects include
prolonged, painful erections.
| Yohimbine is a prescription drug that has been
approved by the FDA for treatment of impotence. Yohimbine has an effect on the
body similar to that of adrenaline; it speeds up the heartbeat and elevates
blood pressure. Many experts question the effectiveness of this drug.
| A number of vacuum devices, available by prescription
only, are used to promote erection. With these devices, a cylinder is placed
over the penis and a hand pump is used to create a vacuum in the cylinder.
This in turn causes blood to flow into the penis, creating an erection.
| Since the early 1970’s, more than 250,000 American
men have used inflatable penile implants to mechanically create erections.
They are surgically installed devices that are made of silicone or
polyurethane. Since 1984, the FDA has logged more than 6500 reports of
problems with inflatable devices. With the development of more effective
agents, implants are now considered to be a last resort, to be tried only when
all other methods have failed. | |
Vitamin For Life Recommended Regimen and cost:
|
Product No. 59618- |
Description |
Comments |
Cost |
|
970-12 |
Vitamin C with rose hips tablets 500 mg. |
As directed on label. |
$5.75/60 |
|
942-15 |
Yohimbe Plus Tablets |
As directed on label. |
$14.75/100 |
|
237-15 |
Vitamin E 200 IU (D-alpha tocopheryl) |
Start with 1 softgel daily and slowly increase to 2 to 5 softgels daily |
$5.28/100 |
|
925-15 |
Beta Carotene 25000 IU softgels |
1 softgel daily |
$5.95/100 |
|
891-15 |
B Complex 50 mg. tabs. |
1 tablet 3 times daily |
$6.95/100 |
|
223-15 |
Zinc (Chelated) Lozenges |
As directed on label. |
$4.95/100 |
|
950-12 |
Ginkgo Biloba 60 mg. caps. |
As directed on label. |
$9.95/60 |
|
951-15 |
Gotu Kola 550 mg. tabs. |
As directed on label. |
$6.95/100 |
Sources:
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2nd Edition
By James F. Balch, M.D. & Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.
Alternative Medicine, The Definitive GuideCompiled by the Burton Goldberg Group
