Category Archives: Male Sexual Dysfunction

Dr. Komaroff Dear Dr. K: I'm an avid biker. But could my biking lead to erectile dysfunction? Dear Reader: Biking is an excellent form of exercise. But occasionally, if men who bicycle many hours each week are not careful, it can lead to temporary erectile dysfunction. Your question caused me to review articles on this topic that have been published in medical journals. It appears that there are no studies large enough to give us a good idea of just how often bicyclists develop this condition. The risk appears to be highest for men who cycle more than three hours a week. I can't find any published research study to support my speculation, but I'll bet the risk is lower in using stationary bikes than in riding outdoors: The bumps in the road get transmitted through the bike seat. One recent study compared 142 men in a bicycle club to 83 men who did not ride bicycles and found no difference in the rate of erectile dysfunction. This does not mean that frequent riding cannot cause sexual problems, but it probably means that it doesn't happen very often. The reason avid bikers sometimes get erectile dysfunction (ED) is that the … Continue reading →

In December, a small local biotech named Apricus Biosciences decided to put substantially all its eggs in one basket: male and female sexual disorders. But in tackling male erectile dysfunction, Apricus faces stiff competition from pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly (Cialis), Pfizer (Viagra), and Bayer (Levitra). Trying to relieve female sexual dysfunction presents a completely different problem: many critics think this so-called disorder, although officially recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, is an industry marketing ploy to peddle potions of dubious value. Apricus is trying to get regulatory approval around the world for Vitaros, a topical treatment that, spread on the penis, is supposed to bring an erection faster than competitors products. It supposedly works well with men who dont respond to Viagra, but it has only been approved in Canada. Erectile dysfunction is a market of close to $5 billion. Two years ago, Cialis passed the originator, Viagra, in sales, greatly because it boasts of a high-powered drug that can be effective for up to 36 hours. In France, its called le weekender. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has never given the okay to any medical treatment for female sexual dysfunction, which comes in several varieties: … Continue reading →

A B.C. judge has certified a class- action lawsuit against a manufacturer of drugs for male prostate and baldness problems that allegedly result in ongoing sexual dysfunction. In May 2008, Michael Miller, the representative plaintiff in the case, obtained from his doctor a prescription for the drug Proscar, manufactured by Merck Frosst Canada for the treatment of hair loss. Proscar, a drug normally used for treatment of prostate problems, was given to Miller because it has the same active drug as Propecia, the companys drug for male baldness, and is cheaper. Miller claims that after about a month he became completely disinterested in sexual activity. The symptoms of sexual dysfunction increased over the following months and Miller became anxious and upset. He blames his problems on the side effects of the drug. Miller claimed that the company acted with reckless disregard and put profits before public safety by ignoring labelling changes outside of Canada and by marketing the drugs in Canada without adequate warnings. An affidavit filed by Millers lawyer said the law firm had been contacted by 281 Canadian men who wished to participate in the class action suit, 55 from B.C. The company argued that the allegations of … Continue reading →

Consumer Concepts Inc. is conducting a consumer/user level recall of all Rock-It Man Male Enhancement Capsules sold between October 2012 and April 2013. Finished product of Rock-It Man Male Enhancement Capsules was tested and found to contain an analogue of an ingredient in an FDA-approved drug. Analytical tests conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that the products contained hydroxythiohomosildenafil. Hydroxythiohomosildenafil is an analogue of sildenafil and is close in structure to sildenafil and is expected to possess a similar pharmacological and adverse event profile. Sildenafil is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in a FDA approved drug that is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) making these products unapproved new drugs. Analytical tests conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that the products contained hydroxythiohomosildenafil. Hydroxythiohomosildenafil is an analogue of sildenafil and is close in structure to sildenafil and is expected to possess a similar pharmacological and adverse event profile. Sildenafil is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in a FDA approved drug that is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) making these products unapproved new drugs. This undeclared active ingredient poses a threat to consumers because hydroxythiohomosildenafil may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as … Continue reading →

David, 28, was chronically faking his orgasms. His girlfriend hadnt caught on, but David decided to visit a specialist anyway. Was his fakery underhanded? Hardly, says his doctor, Abraham Morgentaler, who runs a pioneering clinic for male sexual dysfunction, Mens Health Boston, and describes Davids predicament in his book Why Men Fake It: The Totally Unexpected Truth About Men and Sex. David, he explains, didnt want his girlfriend to feel sexually inadequate: In that light, his ruse was considerate and kind, writes Morgentaler. This generous refrain men are noble, men just want to please women dominates the book, as Morgentaler bemoans the unrelenting portrayal of dudes as punchlines in pop culture and marketing, scorned by female authors whove proclaimed the end of men. Its a rough era for the male sex, says the author, associate clinical professor of urology at Harvard Medical School. What exactly does a man bring to the party for the modern woman who appears to have everything: career, money, independence, friends? Morgentaler spoke with The Globe from Brookline, Mass. Do you believe that womens gains in equality contribute to sexual dysfunction in men? [Facebook COO] Sheryl Sandberg pointed out that more women than men now graduate … Continue reading →