The Link Between Restless Legs and Impotence

New medicinal studies are popping up every month but one of the most intriguing one is the study that links erectile dysfunction and restless legs syndrome (RLS). On the surface, the two seem to be unrelated. Yet new research findings suggest they may be more linked than originally thought.

Harvard University published a study that found men that showed RLS symptoms had a higher risk of ED as well. The study had a little over 11,000 participants and it came up with numbers that showed men were about 50% more likely to experience impotency than males without RLS.

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This study actually builds on a study that was published by the Sleep journal. It is best to realize that this study does not state that these two issues are linked in every case but it does provide strong evidence to continue research and that is why studies are being furthered.

Every man with ED is not going to have RLS and every man with RLS is not going to have ED. Some researchers think the key may actually be levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is a vital role-player in both ED and RLS. If both are linked to dopamine levels, then that is another issue altogether and can open up a whole new avenue on research.

In the mean time, for those who suffer from RLS, impotence, or both, a physician can treat help treat both issues. There are a variety of ED drugs on the market, such as Cialis or Viagra, and RLS has many options as well, both medical and therapeutic. If you feel that you may have erectile dysfunction or RLS, know that you do not have to live with either.

Are Testosterone Drugs More Popular than Viagra?

Bloomberg data reports that the sale of testosterone medications have more than doubled since 2006 to 5.6 million last year. The increase in the sale of testosterone replacement therapies may provide treatment to the estimated nearly 14 million men older than age 45 in the U.S. who have low levels of testosterone. Sales of testosterone drugs, such as Eli Lilly’s Axiron and Abbott Laboratories’ AndroGel, are expected to reach $5 billion to 2017.

How do such testosterone replacement medications compare to erectile dysfunction treatments such as Viagra? IMS Health states that 2011 sales of erectile dysfunction sales totaled $5.3 billion, while Bloomberg data reports that 2011 sales of testosterone treatment drugs totaled $1.6 billion in comparison.

Low testosterone levels can lead to loss of sex drive, depression, and reduced tissue and bone mass. Testosterone medications can increase libido, but can also lead to blood clots, prostate tumors, liver damage, and infertility, which is important information for those men seeking testosterone aids to bolster sex drive in hopes of family planning.

Eli Lilly’s Axiron is applied under the arm, just like deodorant. The company started a widespread marking campaign last year to educate men about the causes of low testosterone levels and how to seek treatment. Abbott Laboratories’ treatment is coined AndroGel; Abbott only promotes FDA-approved use of its product for men who doctors have diagnosed with low testosterone levels. Such testosterone medications sales’ may be booming, but they have not yet reached the level of erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra, and before starting testosterone replacement therapy men need to speak with their doctor or health care provider.

How Internet Porn Can Negatively Impact Sexual Performance

Some couples find that adding pornography in the form of movies to their lovemaking sessions can enhance the experience. However, an over abundance of porn can lead to erectile dysfunction according to an article in Psychology Today.  The study showed that too much porn can be a cause of erectile dysfunction because of the body’s over stimulation and exposure to dopamine. If you’re being impacted by ED, contacting your doctor for a prescription of Viagra is a good step, but cutting back on porn may help as well.

The Psychology Today article noted that men who “consume too much porn can have erectile dysfunction and leave men finding regular sexual practices less stimulating.” If you find you simply cannot get aroused without the introduction of pornography, then you need to evaluate your sexual practices.  The connection between pornography and impotence, according to the study is that “the loss of an erection can be caused because of a ‘continuous over-stimulation of dopamine” the body’s reaction to sexual stimulation.’”

For many, the introduction of pornography to sexual routines are stimulating but watching too much negatively impacts the body’s reaction to traditional stimuli because of the over production of dopamine. This is a signal sent to the brain during foreplay and intercourse that leads to an erection. A continual release of dopamine because of the overstimulation caused by pornography leads to lack of erection.  

Weaning yourself off of pornography could be a way to allow your body to regulate itself, get the dopamine levels back in line, and lead to the ability to achieve an erection without the use of the movies. It’s possible that once pornography has been eliminated, normal levels of dopamine will return and the ability to achieve and maintain an erection may return.  

Impotence that continues to occur even after stopping pornography, however, could mean there are other underlying issues with ED. You will want to contact your doctor to discuss the issue if impotence continues, no matter how tough the subject is, as ED is treatable with medication and other therapies. Your partner will thank you!