Men who suffer from physical problems with sexual function rarely enjoy discussing them, which can make the condition frustrating and confusing for their partners too. But couples who have experienced sexual difficulties due to erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE) may find some good news in a recently published International Journal of Impotence Research study. For people who suffer from these conditions, this is important research to discuss due in large part to the way it was conducted and more importantly, the exciting outcome and potential it offers to men and their partners. Called a multi-center, placebo-controlled, double blind clinical study, which means it has undergone a rigorous process of analysis to ensure that the results of the study can be useful in the population that needs it, a strong case has been made for Korean ginseng berry as an aid to symptom-relief for men who are experiencing mild-moderate ED and PE, all with scant or no side effects.
Asian cultures have been using ginseng for years to treat a multitude of health-related issues, including improving the immune system and enhancing sexual function. After being administered four daily tablets of the Korean ginseng berry extract over the course of eight weeks, this study found that mild-moderate ED and PE symptoms were significantly improved. Although men are the direct benefactors of this information, the partners who care about them are also usually active participants in helping them stay healthy. But because this can be a very touchy subject for many couples, knowing a little bit about certain sexual dysfunction issues can go a long way in helping to start the discussion about them and their treatment options with a partner.
First, it’s important to identify the signs and symptoms of mild-moderate ED or PE, so you know when to seek medical help. The definition of Erectile Dysfunction is when a man has trouble getting or keeping an erection. It is more common in men as they age, but is NOT considered normal. If your partner is experiencing any level of ED, it’s important that he sees a doctor to discuss it; especially because it could be a sign that something else is happening in his body like clogged blood vessels or nerve damage.
ED can also occur as a result of disease, injury, after surgery, or when lifestyle choices such as smoking or excessive alcohol use inhibit a man’s body from performing sexually. Contributing psychological factors may also be present for men who have mild-moderate ED. Stress, guilt, depression, and fear of sexual failure can all play a role in bedroom performance for men.
Drug-related ED side effects are also common if your man is taking blood pressure medications, antihistamines, antidepressants, tranquilizers, appetite suppressants, or ulcer medication.
Most ED is treatable, and medications are used when appropriate, especially in cases where a doctor has assessed all avenues of treatment. However, unlike ED medications that can cause headaches, muscle pain, blurred vision or worse, have interactions with other medications that your partner is currently taking, the Korean ginseng berry study showed a considerable resolution of symptoms, but with scarce to no side effects.
The study also tested men with PE and found also that the Korean ginseng berry has a profound effect in treating this sexual dysfunction as well. About one in five men experience PE at some time in their lives, and though it’s common for people to assume that the condition is psychological, it can also be a real physical issue for men.
PE happens when sexual stimulation sends signals to the brain, which in turn cues ejaculation after a short period of time, often leaving the man’s partner dissatisfied and frustrated. But in this study, men showed an overall improvement in their PE symptoms, which could be attributable to a number of factors including biological responses or better erections that reduced performance anxiety.
Since both ED/PE are treatable, couples should seek help from a medical expert who specializes in male urological conditions and should assess all available options for correction. As far as traditional treatments are concerned for ED, doctors may suggest anything from lifestyle changes, injections of medication into the penis to increase blood flow or surgery. Mild forms of the condition can be treated with cutting back on unnecessary medications or quitting smoking, for example. In extreme cases, surgery may be suggested to implant a device to cause an erection, reconstruct arteries or block off veins. For PE, psychological therapy, behavioral therapy, antidepressants or anesthetic creams may be suggested.
However, as is the case with the Korean ginseng berry study, there are emerging alternative treatments out there. After discussing your options with a doctor, you and your partner might just find that exploring these alternatives provides the relief needed for the two of you to enjoy a happy and healthy sex life once again. To read the full study, visit: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23254461