| Men, it's still January. While you're somewhat invested in your New Year's resolutions, here's another reason to watch your waistline and your cholesterol. Researchers in the ongoing Massachusetts Male Aging Study released this January 17th have found, in their latest study, that in some cases, losing weight improves the symptoms of erectile dysfunction (E.D.). This is happy news, but many men will not heed it.
"Men need to understand that not all erectile dysfunction needs to be treated with pharmacological agents," says Aline Zoldbrod, Ph.D., of SexSmart.com. "Just because you had an episode of unstable erections doesn't mean that this condition will persist. This newest study really points up how important living a healthy lifestyle can be to a man's sexual functioning. Trying a wholesome diet would be great for your overall health, and not as costly as taking pills."
"Try not to panic," Zoldbrod says. "I find that men often insist on ingesting one of the E.D. medications every time, just as a guarantee that their erection will be strong when they want to have intercourse. Erectile functioning waxes and wanes during different periods of time, particularly as men age. I wish more men understood this. Most middle age men are terrified once they have an episode or two of ED, which almost all of them do."
Zoldbrod also offers another simple piece of non-pharmacological advice: "Don't expect automatic erections when you're not a kid anymore. Ask your partner for the physical touch that you need. This includes caresses all over your body, and also on your penis. Works like a charm."
Aline Zoldbrod, Ph.D., of SexSmart.com is a Boston-based sex therapist certified by the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) and relationships expert, as well as a three-time author. She is affiliated with the Center for Sexual Function in Peabody, Massachusetts, and has a private practice in Lexington, Massachusetts. |
