Men’s Health
Erectile
dysfunction One of the common complaints of men is erectile dysfunction
(also called "impotence"). In the past it was perhaps thought to be
due to the normal aging process, but in recent years it has become more obvious
that there is a connection between obesity and erectile dysfunction. A study
from the Cornell University (NY) has shown that 80% of men with a waist
line of greater than 40 inches have erectile dysfunction. In contrast only 35%
of men with a waistline of 10 inches less than the fist group will have this problem.
Other studies have confirmed that the metabolic
syndrome is what is responsible for this difference not only in men, but
also in more subtle ways in women (polycystic ovaries, infertility, menopausal
symptoms). Here are more
details. There are a number
of factors that have been implemented with regard to erectile dysfunction,
which are summarized here.
Male menopause Hormone changes similar to those
that cause menopause in women do occur in males around the age of 45 to 60 years.
However these changes are not as obvious in men as they are in women (see details
here).
Prostate
enlargement One of the problems for men in midlife and beyond
is the fact that 50% are getting problems with an enlargement of the prostate.
Much has been learnt about this problem, but not all answers are out yet. Here
is a summary about
this problem.
Prostatitis
Males in the age group of 15 to 25 (the "single years") are prone
to chronic infection of the prostate gland. This condition is known as prostatitis.
Baldness
Testosterone
is the male hormone, produced mainly by the testicles, but also in the adrenal
glands. The enzyme 5-alpha-reductase is present in androgen susceptible hair follicles
on the scalp and it converts testosterone to DHT. This leads to premature hair
loss in the scalp area and causes male type baldness. As there are genetic differences
with respect to androgen response, it would explain why some men develop baldness
earlier than others. Here is a link to a chapter on baldness
(alopecia) and what can be done about it.
Plastic
surgery in men Many of these surgical
procedures to improve cosmetic appearance that used to be the domain of
women for many years, are more
and more used by men. After personal or sports injuries there can
be an unsightly, deformed nose and a rhinoplasty can be done to rectify this.
Some men were born with ears that stick out and a minor plastic surgery can rectify
this. However, face lifts and removal of excessive skin after major weight loss
are routine procedures in males now and are done on a large scale. Baldness can
also be permanently solved by hair transplants. Pain Control: For
the pain associated with plastic surgery, prostatitis or prostate enlargement
there is an FDA approved non-drug method available, IceWave
patches from Lifewave. This method to control pain is mentioned in the
book "Breakthrough" by Suzanne Somers (Ref. 4) where newer insights
of antiaging medicine are also reviewed. Although the patches are placed over
acupuncture points, there are no needles involved. Nanotechnology, a newer technology,
was used in the manufacturing of these patches and infrared (heat) waves from
body heat are utilized to stimulate an acupuncture point, which modifies pain
perception and reduces pain to half or less. Medically this would be considered
an excellent pain reliever. For more info on the patches see the IceWave patches
from Lifewave link above (click "products"). In the US a 5 pack of the
IceWave spray is available that can be directly sprayed onto the skin in the area
where the pain is located. |
