Sunday, February 4, 2007

Lipitor And Impotence: Sexual Health Alert!

By Athlyn Green
www.healthy-cholesterol-guide.com

Lipitor and impotence share an unfortunate link. Some patients taking this medication have found they had to contend with distressing and unanticipated effects.

When factoring in possible problems such as impotence lipitor may not seem like a good drug choice. Your doctor may feel, however, that along with a cholesterol-lowering diet and exercise, use of this drug is indicated.

Lipitor tablets contain atorvastatin, which is a statin. Atorvastatin decreases the production of harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and aids in its removal from the blood.

Statins lower the risk of heart attack and stroke by reducing excess cholesterol that might be deposited in the major blood vessels of the heart or in blood vessels leading to the brain.

Medicines affect people in different ways. Unfortunately, for some patients, lipitor and impotence have gone hand-in-hand.

Certain individuals have experienced erectile dysfunction within weeks of starting their medication. In determining the cause of their impotence lipitor has been identified as the culprit.

Lipitor and impotence have been investigated and it has been discovered that a strong relationship exists between statin drugs and erectile dysfunction. It is believed low serum testosterone levels, brought on by cholesterol depletion, may cause decreased libido.

Researchers think this condition is under-reported because of embarrassment on the part of patients. When someone is grappling with impotence lipitor may indeed be at fault—but this is still a sensitive subject for most people.

If you are worried about lipitor and impotence that could result from taking this drug, it is important to discuss these concerns with your doctor. If you have experienced any loss of sensation or other sexual difficulties, these should be investigated promptly.

Fortunately, other options are available and statin drugs do not have to be a last recourse. Many people have reduced their cholesterol levels safely and effectively taking natural substances that are not only beneficial for the body but that do not compromise sexual functioning.

Research has uncovered certain plant compounds that support the body, aiding it to naturally regulate cholesterol levels. If, in pinning down the cause of your impotence lipitor is the known agent, you can reverse the process while safeguarding your cardiovascular health.

What Can Natural Substances Offer?

Policosanol is extracted from sugar cane and beeswax. Testing has shown that it surpasses statin medication. It is used for hypercholesterolemia (an abnormal amount of cholesterol in the cells and plasma of the blood), hyperlipidemia (excess lipids in the blood), and for atherosclerosis (fatty deposits inside arterial walls). Inositol is beneficial for conditions associated with disorders of fat transport and for high cholesterol levels.

Beta-sitosterol is used for coronary heart disease and, in an opposite scenario to lipitor and impotence, this natural substance actually enhances sexual function! Vitamin E oil can prevent oxidative damage to cell membranes, the degeneration of veins, and atherosclerosis.

Supplements combine a specific blend of ingredients that make an important difference to blood cholesterol levels. Worrying about impotence lipitor use has triggered can become a thing of the past with modern approaches to cholesterol management.

You can reduce your cholesterol levels without the use of lipitor and impotence does not have to be experienced. Before starting or undertaking any program to adjust cholesterol imbalances, always obtain expert direction.

The Link Between Impotence and Sleep Apnea

By Rudy Watkins
www.apneaguide.com

Many people suffer from sleep apnea, which is a condition in which a person stops breathing for ten seconds or more several times a night. Sleep apnea can cause many short term side effects such as morning headaches, tiredness throughout the day, irritability, and inability to concentrate. There are also many very serious long term side effects such as heart attacks and strokes. This is because the heart must work much harder when the body isn’t getting enough oxygen. Sleep apnea also carries a not-so-talked-about side-effect: erectile dysfunction in men.

According to a study done by Dr. John P. Mulhall at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 24 out of 30 men suffering from obstructive sleep apnea also suffered from erectile dysfunction. While many men are still reluctant to talk about impotence there is no denying that obstructive sleep apnea is likely to cause ED.

There is no definitive answer as to why sleep apnea tends to cause impotence. One theory suggests that since sleep apnea patients rarely reach and maintain REM sleep, which is when men naturally have erections, this problem carries on into their waking hours. Another theories purports that it has more to do with being overweight than sleep apnea. Studies have shown that being overweight has a direct correlation with ED. Some also believe that men with sleep apnea tend to have lower testosterone levels which is to blame for the accompanying ED. While there is no absolute answer, many believe that ED is indeed a symptom of sleep apnea.

If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea you should see your doctor immediately. As previously mentioned, sleep apnea carries with it some significant health risks, especially if no treatment is sought. Luckily there are several treatment options such as surgery or the use of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine which can help reduce or eliminate sleep apnea episodes.