Gallbladder Stone Disease Associated With Increased Risk of ED

Free photo

 Gallbladder stone disease—or gallstones—is a condition that affects 10% to 15% of the US population according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. That is the equivalent of 25 million people.

 

It’s something that people have to look out for as they grow older, especially those with a family history of gallstones as they are at a higher risk of getting it.

 

While gallbladder stone disease tends to cause a considerable amount of pain, most cases do not cause any symptoms—meaning they’d have asymptomatic gallbladder stone disease—and wouldn’t require any treatment. However, there is data to suggest that gallstones can be linked to erectile dysfunction (ED).

 

Today, let’s talk about what gallstones are, how they can affect you, and their link to ED.

 

What Are Gallstones?

Gallstones are deposits of hardened digestive fluid that resemble small stones of varying sizes.

 

These develop inside your gallbladder and are made up of either cholesterol or pigment stones (bilirubin).

 

These stones can travel from the gallbladder to the common bile duct, which is the largest duct in the liver.

 

Those who get larger stones (they can grow to the size of a golf ball) will never experience any discomfort nor show symptoms. There’s a good chance they won’t even know they have gallstones. In cases like this, there won’t be any need for treatment.

 

But when smaller gallstones make their way to the common bile duct, that can lead to a medical emergency. These can cause cholangitis, pancreatitis, or other conditions. In extreme cases, surgery will be required to fix the issue though there are less invasive means available.

 

What Are the Symptoms of Gallstones?

Most people who have gallstones won’t feel any of the symptoms. But when they do, they’ll experience any (or a combination of) the following:

 

Pain in the upper-mid or upper-right of the abdomen

Pain in the right shoulder

Pain in the chest

Vomiting or nausea

Yellow tint in the skin and eyes (jaundice)

As far as pain is concerned, it can last anywhere between 15 minutes to five hours. The pain can be severe but it will subside in one to three hours.

 

Do note that while the pain could be excruciating, it will often not put you in a medical emergency.

 

According to AAFP, asymptomatic patients have a low annual rate of developing gallstone symptoms. The chances of getting symptoms for asymptomatic patients is only 2%.

 

However, you should seek professional help if:

 

The pain is so severe that you’re unable to sit still or lie down comfortably

If your skin and the whites of your eyes have a yellow tint

If you’re experiencing a fever with chills

What Causes Gallbladder Stone Disease?

Several established risks contribute to gallbladder stone disease development.

 

One of them is having too much cholesterol in the bile ducts. Another is having too much bilirubin—a chemical produced by the body—in your bile. And you can also experience gallstones if your gallbladder does not empty correctly.

 

Some people have a higher probability of developing gallstones. Those with specific conditions like diabetes and Crohn’s disease can get a gallbladder stone disease diagnosis. So can people that are overweight or eat a diet that’s high in cholesterol and fat.

 

Women are also more likely to suffer from gallstones. Those who are taking oral contraceptives are also at a higher risk. People with certain blood disorders are just as susceptible.

 

While gallstones occur worldwide, it’s most common among North American Indians and Hispanics. It’s low in Asian and African populations.

 

Can Gallbladder Problems Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

can gallstones and gallbladder problems cause ED

 

A study from the American Journal of Men’s Health shows that there might be a link between gallbladder stone disease and erectile dysfunction. In the study, researchers identified 9,362 men aged 20 years old or older that were diagnosed with the disorder between 2000 and 2011.

 

They then gathered the same number of men who had no gallbladder stone disease, trying to match subjects on a 1:1 level including age and date that the subject was diagnosed with gallbladder disease.

 

The objective of the study was to see if these subjects start developing organic erectile dysfunction and measure the incidence of erectile dysfunction. It wanted to see the gallbladder stones-erectile dysfunction connection if any.

 

The study lasted until December of 2011.

 

The results?

 

It concluded that the risk for organic erectile dysfunction was higher for those that had gallbladder stone disease versus those that didn’t have it.

 

Can Stomach Problems Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

If you suspect that you have gallstones and want to be reassured that it’s not going to affect your sexual health, you should consult a doctor.

 

The same goes for those that already suffer from ED and want to get to the root cause.

 

There are plenty of factors that could contribute to erectile dysfunction. People with diabetes can develop gallstones, but it could also affect your erections for completely different reasons.

 

Your diet can also cause gallstone disease and erectile dysfunction. A doctor could give you guidance on what kind of diet you should follow to avoid weight gain, which may help to avoid getting both complications.

 

Sometimes, ED can be caused by conditions that are not even remotely related to gallstones such as having low libido. It can also come from other organic and psychogenic factors as well as common chronic diseases.

 

The point is that to be sure of what’s causing your erectile dysfunction incidence or other acute critical illness, you’ll have to find a doctor that can explain to you what’s causing your issue.

 

Is Erectile Dysfunction a Permanent Problem?

It doesn’t have to be. There are treatments available for this problem. If organic erectile dysfunction contributed to your unhappiness, there are solutions out there.

 

Regardless of whether your erectile dysfunction was caused by gallstones or not, the treatments generally remain the same.

 

But we should point out that not all ED treatments are suitable for everyone. A medical professional will recommend a treatment that’s best suited for you. It could be as simple as customizing a healthy living program or developing a weight loss treatment that’s just right for your needs.

 

Or for more serious organic erectile dysfunction development, a doctor might recommend a specific type of therapy to alleviate its prevalence and risk factors.

 

Takeaways for Men Facing Gallbladder Stone Disease and Erectile Dysfunction

consult medical clinic gallbladder and erectile dysfunction issues

 

Even if you have gallstones, there’s a low chance that you’ll feel it. And there’s a good chance that it will pass on its own.

 

But if you believe that your gallstone issues are causing you to develop erectile dysfunction, then you should consult with a doctor right away.

 

This disease doesn’t always cause erectile dysfunction symptoms. But there’s a good chance that there are other underlying factors that you have to be aware of, otherwise the risk of erectile dysfunction may increase. And that might lead to you not getting sufficient penile erection or maintaining sufficient penile erection.

 

Only a doctor will be able to tell what’s causing your ED, identify well-recognized risk factors, perform examinations like blood tests, and recommend the appropriate sexual health treatment options.

 

If you’re having issues with erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation, call the team at Prime Men’s Medical Center now to schedule an appointment to have a consultation with their experienced and specially trained medical staff. We are Jacksonville’s leading men’s clinic providing ED therapy, PE therapy, Acoustic Wave therapy, hormone therapy, and much more.

 

Read more about male health ,  please  follow xinghaoya.net

 

Does High Blood Pressure Cause ED?

 With more than 600,000 annual deaths, heart disease remains the most common cause of

death in the US. According to the Center for

Disease Control (CDC),

heart disease beats out cancer, accidents, and breathing issues. Hypertension, also known as high

blood pressure, relates to heart disease and affects almost one in four US adults. What many people

don’t know is the correlation between high blood

pressure and erectile dysfunction.

 

We often get the question “does high blood pressure cause ED?” In this article, we will go over

the answer to this question and provide information about blood flow, blood pressure, and men’s sexual

health.

 

Does High Blood Pressure Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Yes, high blood pressure causes erectile dysfunction (ED) for some men. But there is more to it than that.

Hypertension causes all of your body’s organs and tissues to slow down and additional strain to perform

every day functions. Roughly 30% of men with

hypertension also experience ED. Hypertension is both directly and indirectly responsible for these

issues.

 

High Blood Pressure and Your Blood Flow

When your blood flows naturally, you can have healthy erections. Natural arousal leads to increased blood

flow to your penis causing an erection. This process becomes more difficult with high blood pressure. In this

case, the blood vessels narrow, slowing its natural flow. Not only does hypertension raise your risk of a

stroke or heart attack, it also complicates erections. At this point getting or maintaining erections may

become a challenge – this is ED.

 

High Blood Pressure and Your Male Sex Drive

Testosterone is one of the key hormones responsible for sex drive, especially for men. High blood pressure

can lead to a decline in blood flow and thus a decline in the delivery of testosterone throughout your body.

With lower testosterone levels, men will become less interested in sex and performance as well as having

difficulty getting and maintaining erections.

 

High Blood Pressure and Your Sexual Performance

Lastly, high blood pressure can impact your sexual performance. With your narrowed blood vessels, the penis

gets less blood flow making it difficult to get and maintain an erection. It also makes physical exercise more

of a challenge. Due to sex being a physically demanding exercise, you may experience difficulty in continuing.

 

Getting Help with Your ED from Understanding Medical Professionals

As you can see, high blood pressure is no good for your body. It complicates your overall health and leads

some men to experience ED. Erectile dysfunction does not have to be a lifelong condition. Working with

the medical professionals at Prime Men’s Medical Center can help you live a healthier, happier life with fewer

sexual problems. Give us a call today to chat through your unique problems.

 

Read more about male health ,  please  follow xinghaoya.net

 

Ensuring Your Performance Remains Active While Traveling this Winter

 

Exercise and proper nutrition needed for experiencing and maintaining an

erection

 

Vacations or trips are times when many people relax and take a break from their typical routines. While this

can be fun, too many people don’t make healthy choices while traveling. These risky choices can impact

your overall health and even your sexual health.

 

Men can experience erectile dysfunction (ED) for many

reasons. Bringing greater balance into your life can help lower the instances of ED. If you ever have

experiences with ED, make sure to follow our healthy living tips below to give you a better chance of

performing while you travel this winter.

 

1. Plan Your Exercise Before You Leave

It is so easy to let things happen when you don’t have a plan. Relaxing in front of the TV while

getting room service sounds great, but that won’t support your overall health. To keep yourself on top

of it, set up a plan for exercise before you leave. Research the hotel or spot you where you will stay; does

it have a fitness area? If not, plan on doing bodyweight exercises or some stretches. It is much easier to

stick to a plan than create one on the spot.

 

2. Get the Kind of Sleep You Need

Sleep is one of the most important things you can do to protect your sexual and overall health. Waking up

feeling well-rested and “sharp” is a night and day difference from getting too little sleep and

going through your day groggy and “off.” Being well-rested can also help reduce your stress levels

and put you at ease, both help you perform better in the bedroom.

 

3. Get out for a Walk, Hike, or Tour

Getting out and about can help boost your mental health. According to Healthline and Science Daily, exercise, including

walking, can release neurotransmitters that help balance moods and support healthy brain function. Going for a

walk is a great opportunity to see the new city you visit. Make sure to bundle up if you will be in a cold

location. Consider going to a park or natural area for a hike. Another option is to attend a walking tour, so

you get some of the history of the area, exercise, and a social boost.

 

4. Choose the Stairs During Your Trip

Big change comes from small adjustments. Taking the stairs in your hotel instead of the elevator can make a

big difference. When you climb the stairs, you get some exercise and the feeling of accomplishment from having

done something instead of just being moved. Confidence lends itself into the bedroom by boosting your sexual

confidence and thus performance. Especially when it is too cold outside for a walk, the stairs make a great

back up.

 

5. Healthy Food Choices: More Fiber and Veggies

Your sexual health can also take a hit when you don’t give it the nutrients it needs to be productive.

Fiber is a beneficial nutrient found in nuts, oats, and apples. Fiber helps support a strong immune system and

reduce inflammation. Balance in your diet is also important. Include green and orange vegetables such as kale,

spinach, squash, and carrots into your meals to get the fats and vitamins necessary to feel good.

 

Protect Your Sexual Health by Working with Experienced Professionals

Keeping up with your physical, mental, and emotional health while supporting your confidence will help you

support your performance in the bedroom even while traveling this winter. Taking little steps with your

exercise and diet can help you lead a healthy life. For more help with ED and other sexual health concerns,

consider Prime Men’s Medical Center. Our dedicated and considerate medical staff can help you have

better experiences based on our treatments tailored to your unique situation.

 

Read more about male health ,  please  follow xinghaoya.net

 

5 Common Symptoms of Andropause, or “Male Menopause”

 

Before addressing the most common andropause symptoms, it’s important to understand where the term originated.

 

At this point, all of us should be aware of what our female partners encounter when they go through menopause. This is typically a major milestone in their lives, and their bodies experience a number of changes that all center around their sex hormones ceasing production. While the symptoms for women are obvious, there has been much debate over whether or not a similar process occurs for males.

 

The argument behind male menopause, or what some prefer to refer to as “andropause” stems from the fact that to this point there is no definitive proof that it exists. This is because in men, our sex hormones—namely, testosterone—do not ever fully cease production. In addition, the amount of testosterone, or lack thereof, affects individuals in a number of different ways.

 

However, as more and more research is conducted into andropause in men, some general patterns and symptoms have emerged. This also has led to andropause treatment—which typically focuses on ways to slow down or even promote the production of testosterone.

 

Before becoming too concerned about your own andropause symptoms, and certainly before attempting andropause treatment, it is essential to have an open and honest discussion with your doctor. A full physical, blood test, and even some uncomfortable questions are all necessary before determining how to proceed.

 

That said, there are some general andropause symptoms that, if you are experiencing any or all of, could warrant that trip to the physician. These include:

 

Fatigue

Weight gain

Loss of muscle mass and/or bone density

Loss of libido and/or erectile dysfunction

Depression

1. Andropause Symptom: Fatigue

Men who are most likely to experience symptoms of male menopause known as andropause often happen to be at or near the peak stress points of their lives. For most of us, by the time we’re in our 40s and 50s, we’re at the height of our careers, have a family, and are indebted in the form of mortgages, credit cards, car loans, and other obligations. Is it really that hard to understand that we may be a bit tired?

 

However, fatigue associated with andropause goes beyond being worn out by the day-to-day grind. It manifests in lack of focus or motivation and overall decreased energy levels. Things that you used to handle with relative ease—like housework, long drives, or staying up a bit late to catch up on some Netflix with your partner, suddenly become herculean tasks. If you are noticing prolonged periods where you are feeling abnormally tired in all aspects of your life, including downtime, then this could be a sign of andropause.

 

2. Andropause Symptom: Weight Gain

signs of andropause symptom weight gain

 

Around this time in our lives, it’s also a bit expected that we just aren’t taking as much care of our bodies as we did when we were younger. However, while some male weight gain is to be expected as we age, sometimes where that weight is showing up can be a clue to possible andropause. As testosterone levels decrease, we become more susceptible to weight gain, and it can continue to come on even as we exercise seemingly harder than before.

 

If you’re finding that all those extra pounds appear to specifically concentrate in the form of belly fat, then it may be time to head to the doctor to have your hormone levels checked out.

 

3. Andropause Symptom: Loss of Muscle Mass and/or Bone Density

Typically what comes hand in hand with the increase in weight is a loss in muscle mass and tone. With less testosterone, you aren’t burning through fat in the same way, nor building/maintaining muscle. This means those sculpted biceps and abs are going to become much harder, if not impossible to maintain as the decades go on.

 

While this is to be expected, a corresponding loss in bone density is less obvious and potentially more worrying. Bone loss creeps up on us because there aren’t any outward symptoms…until of course, one breaks. Declining levels of testosterone are one of the culprits behind bone loss and osteoporosis, so it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor about what you can do to prevent this, as you enter into the years wherein andropause symptoms may start to appear.

 

4. Andropause Symptom: Loss of Libido and/or Erectile Dysfunction

In addition to keeping our muscles and bones strong, testosterone is also responsible for helping us stay ready when the time comes to rise to the occasion in the bedroom. However, low T levels can bring a host of sexually-related issues, which are possibly the main driver behind andropause concerns for men.

 

A loss of libido or sex drive is a big deal for most of us. While it can lead to some uncomfortable conversations, the only way to overcome it is by confronting it head on. Increasing your physical fitness, changing your diet, and pursuing individual or couples counseling are several of the typical treatments your doctor may recommend.

 

Perhaps even more distressing are instances of erectile dysfunction. The important thing to keep in mind here is that not being able to perform in every single instance isn’t cause for alarm—in fact, experts say experiencing ed in up to 25% of sexual situations can still be considered normal. However, if you’re having problems upwards of half the time, this could be an obvious sign of lowered testosterone levels and possible andropause.

 

5. Andropause Symptom: Depression

men's menopause andropause symptom depression requiring treatment

 

Hormonal changes can have a drastic effect on our mood and general outlook on life. Mood swings between anger, sadness, happiness, and disinterest can be common signs of decreased testosterone, but the most important mental health aspect to be aware of is depression.

 

This goes beyond feeling down, and can take the form of constant irritability, excessive drinking or drug use, and increased risk taking. Unfortunately, many older men suffer from undiagnosed depression because of stigma and a lack of understanding of the symptoms. Pay attention to the concerns of your loved ones if they express any—but most importantly, pay attention to yourself, and never hesitate to speak to a doctor about whether or not you should take further steps for your mental health.

 

Regardless of its specific definition, the effects of andropause are likely to be encountered by a majority of men. Once you are able to identify the symptoms however, andropause treatment becomes an option.

 

If you’re suffering with andropause, erectile dysfunction,  premature ejaculation, or other sexual health problems–call the team at Prime Men’s Medical Center in Jacksonville now to schedule an appointment to have a consultation with their experienced and specially trained medical staff. We are proud to be one of Florida’s leading men’s wellness clinics providing ED therapy, PE therapy, acoustic wave therapy, hormone therapy, and many other specialized treatments.

Read more about male health ,  please  follow xinghaoya.net