Medications That May Affect Penis Health
According to a recent study in California, USA the more prescription drugs imbibed into the body, the greater the risk of penis health problems such as impotence and erectile dysfunction. It is well known that certain medications can cause problems with erectile health (antidepressants, blood pressure medications, etc.) but also taking multiple drugs simultaneously can cause the chemicals to interact negatively with one another giving the patient additional health problems. US healthcare practitioners continue to advise patients to move towards beneficial lifestyle changes including the regular intake of vitamins and minerals, whilst taking daily exercise, and healthy eating, and to reduce medications wherever possible.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are prescribed for many ailments: wounds, coughs, sinusitis, surgery, etc. Antibiotic ingredients such as erythromycin, tetracycline, nitrofurantoin and gentamycin have shown to affect male health negatively. Erythromycin interacts with the drug sildenafil, and gentamycin is toxic to the testes. In a study published in Experimental and Toxicological Pathology researchers found that tetracycline was toxic to both the testes and to sperm cells in both animals and humans. Tetracycline impaired testicular health, reduced testosterone levels, reduced fertility, and increased free radical damage. The harmful effects of the antibiotic were significantly reduced by supplementing with L-cysteine and vitamin C.
Heart Medications
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in adult men in the Western world. For many men, taking prescription medications to control blood pressure is a necessity, even if the negative impact on male sexual performance is understood; in many cases men simply feel they have no option.
Many types of blood pressure medications, including alpha-blockers, beta-blockers, and diuretics, reduce zinc and testosterone levels, damage libido, and adversely affect nerve functioning. These problems occur because the drugs reduce circulation to the peripheral areas, including the male reproductive system and the penis. In addition, beta-blockers may negatively affect the nervous system by sedating the user. While these medications may keep men alive for longer, they may also impact negatively on the quality of life. When erectile problems, low-libido or other symptoms arise, it is important to talk with the doctor about what other options might be available.
Prostate drugs
Half of men over the age of 50 experience some degree of benign prostate problems, including frequent urination at night, training to urinate and feeling that the bladder is not empty after urination. The most common drugs to battle these symptoms are the medications finasteride and dutasteride, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, designed to control androgen production which leads to non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland. 5-alpha-reductase inhibits are also commonly used for other problems, such as male baldness (alopecia).
A study from the Boston University School of Medicine, USA now confirms that these commonly used drugs do indeed impair male sexual health. Finasteride and dutasteride were found to be associated with symptoms of low-libido and depression in young as well as older men. Natural botanical extracts, such as saw palmetto, which are often purchased over-the-counter for prostate problems, may also contribute to low-libido, as they work on the 5-alpha-reductase enzymes similar to prostate medications.
Anti-depressants
According to Shubulade Smith, Senior Lecturer at Maudsley Hospital and Institute of Psychiatry, UK drugs that affect the nervous system are often notorious for causing erectile and libido problems in both men and women. Tricyclic antidepressants cause erectile dysfunction, MOAI's cause erectile dysfunction and delayed ejaculation, and SSRI's cause erectile dysfunction, low-libido, ejaculatory problems, and loss of orgasm while anti-epileptic, anti-psychotic and sleeping medication may also cause some sexual problems. Dr. Smith recommends talking to a doctor about what can be done to help the situation.
In a study funded by the University of California, USA researchers found extracts of the herb Ginkgo biloba significantly reduced the side effects of antidepressant medication (SSRI's, MAOI's, SNRI's and tricyclics) on sexual function, improving erections, libido, excitement and orgasms.
Penis Health Crèmes
Health crèmes are nutrient-rich products that may help to protect the penis and the male reproductive system from damage from prescription medications. Clearly it is not practical for men to simply stop taking prescription medications, but in many cases the negative impact upon the male organ can be reduced.
Formulas Specialist (most professionals recommend Man1Man Oil) include vitamin C for straight male from hormone production, vitamin E for circulation and tissue health, L – carnitine for healthy-fertility and libido, and alpha lipoic acid for nerve sensitivity. Penis health crèmes should not be contraindicated with any drugs or medications, as they are natural products rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Medications That May Affect Penis Health by John Dugan
