Tag Archives: Viagra

A Year Later – The Female Libido-Enhancing Pill Update

Obstetrics and Gynecology, Genital/Urinary, , , , , , , , , ,

Introduction

This post revisits the female libido-enhancing pill Addyi a year later.

It was a year ago that Straight, No Chaser reviewed approval for the first medication meant to address less than optimal sexual desire in females. That drug is flibanserin, which hit the market under the brand name Addyi. Let’s revisit the discussion – mostly as a reaffirmation of a basic Straight, No Chaser lesson.
femalevhypoactive

The idea of a female counterpart for Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs has been bantered about for years. After all, it’s been shown in the medical literature that at some point, approximately 10% and up to one-third of women may suffer from hypoactive sexual desire disorder (the actual term for premenopausal women with diminished or absent sexual desire, aka low libido in women) – or should I ignore the fact that Viagra earned its maker more than $1.6 billion dollars last year?

Female-Viagra’-Gets-Greenlighted-by-FDA

If you think through the premise, the issue existing with women never should have been exactly the same as exists with men. After all, men are treated for erectile dysfunction, and after all, women don’t have penises. Furthermore, the condition in women speaks to diminished desire, not diminished ability as in seen in men. The situations aren’t exactly analogous, thus you wouldn’t think the solution would be as simple as giving women a drug used for erectile dysfunction.

The Female Libido-Enhancing Pill – An Update

And so, the drug flibanserin, which is not the same drug as Viagra (sildenafil), has been fully approved by the FDA for treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Again, it’s important to immediately point out that this is a different medication. In fact, it’s a drug that acts on the central nervous system and is in the same category of pharmaceuticals as antidepressants.

Any of you suffering from depression and taking antidepressants may have paused at that last sentence, and here’s a word of caution to those legitimately suffering. The FDA rejected this same drug twice within the last five years prior to its approval, presumably based on its (lack of) merits. Most of the reasons this medication hadn’t been approved previously were related to the associated side effects (often a deterrent to compliance with antidepressants), which include episodic low blood pressure, fainting, and fatigue. Questions continue to exist on interactions with alcohol or birth control pills. The specific challenge in finally getting approval was largely based on getting a better handle on the side effect profile and on weighing the side effects vs. the benefits.

femaleviagra

But does it work?

You tell me – it’s been nearly a year! Using Viagra as an analogy, has the marketing machines of Big Pharma inundated your televisions with ads trumping Addyi’s success? Do you doubt that this wouldn’t have occurred with overwhelming success? This has often been discussed in Straight, No Chaser (and is echoed by many sex therapists and behavioral psychologists). The cure for such conditions is not likely to be found in a bottle.

When conditions are mental instead of physical or physiological in nature, the solution may need to also be mental. It is fair to say approval of this drug rode a wave. This was partially based on a combination of existing lack of options in women’s health, politics and the sincere desire to provide solutions to women in need. That is not the same as saying this drug is definitely the solution for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women. Nor does it mean to suggest that it can’t be an option for women in need.

Still, the drug has been studied in more than 11,000 women. It performed better than a placebo by all measures examined. Specifically, women in clinical trials of the drug experienced two to three “satisfying sexual events” per month before joining the trial. FDA analysis showed they had 0.5 to 1 more such event per month with flibanserin, compared with a placebo. That’s a fact, and that gets a drug approved. Just remember: just because a drug is approved doesn’t mean in will work in you. It also doesn’t mean it will be safe for you to take. Discuss this with your physician. In the meantime, remember: diet, exercise, stress reduction and moderation in your indulgences make for a best approach. Seeking health from a pill bottle is rarely, if ever, the answer.

Follow us!

Ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic. Also, take the #72HoursChallenge, and join the community. Additionally, as a thank you, we’re offering you a complimentary 30-day membership at www.72hourslife.com. Just use the code #NoChaser, and yes, it’s ok if you share!

Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s books There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life and The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days at Amazon or at www.jeffreysterlingbooks.com. Another free benefit to our readers is introductory pricing with multiple orders and bundles!

Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK. Likewise, please share our page with your friends on WordPress! Also like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com! Follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.

Copyright ©2013- 2019 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: The Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

Medical Treatment, Genital/Urinary, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Penis-Pump-For-Penis-Enlargement-font-b-Erectile-b-font-font-b-Dysfunction-b
Well, here’s what many of you’ve been awaiting.  Assuming the preventative efforts I mentioned didn’t work for you, there are several different treatment approaches. If there’s an underlying medical cause, then treatment of that cause is not only a good way to relieve erectile dysfunction (ED), but it’s a good way to get healthy and avoid other complications from the primary disease. Today, I’ll review different treatment strategies your primary care physician or urologist may discuss or recommend to you for treatment.
The medications
A first consideration is to be wary of (any) medications via mail order. The same level of testing, scrutiny and quality control just doesn’t exist to the same degree as do medications obtained through a pharmacy. Reports abound of people receiving expired or weak formulations of the pills, as well as fake or hazardous substitutes of the pills they thought they were receiving. Engage at your own risk.
Now, regarding those medications you know all too well by name and brand (e.g. Levitra, Cialis and Viagra), there’s no special ‘magic’ to them. They all are variations of the same theme, physiologically relaxing muscles in the penis, resulting in increased blood flow to it.  Unfortunately, that’s not the entire story with these medications.  ED medications all lower blood pressure throughout the body, and that increased blood to the penis is coming at the expense of decreased blood flow elsewhere (This is called a ‘steal syndrome’.).  If you’re otherwise unhealthy, and your redirecting blood that was needed in the heart or brain, you could end up with a heart attack or stroke while taking these meds.  Therefore, this leads to two very important cautions regarding ED meds.  You shouldn’t start them without discussing with a physician first (to determine “…if you’re healthy enough to have sex”, as the commercials say), and secondly, don’t keep the fact that you’re taking them a secret (to your significant other, and especially to any physician you come across if you’re sick).  These medications could be the cause of whatever medical issue has you in an emergency room. They could also be contributors to life-threatening adverse effects if you’re being treated for something else with a medication that interacts with the ED med you’re taking but didn’t bother to mention to the emergency physician.  This is why ED medications generally aren’t given to men also on medications for high blood pressure, an enlarged prostate, blood thinners or certain other heart diseases (e.g. angina).
There are actually even more intricate medications used to treat ED.  Taking testosterone injections is an increasing means of addressing low hormone levels.  Additional injections directly into the penis or inserting a suppository into the penis itself are additional, effective treatment methods.  You’d be given these options by your urologist if necessary.
The counseling
If your ED is due  to anxiety, stress or other psychologically generated reasons, psychotherapy (possibly with your partner) may be of incredible assistance.  If you pursue this option, you and your partner must be prepared to be patient and to work through a variety of issues and possible approaches.
Surgery and additional methods

  • If you’ve ever seen an Austin Powers movie, you’re familiar with (well at least the jokes about) penis pumps.  These are real things, and involve placing a hollow tube over the penis and creating a vacuum to pull blood to the penis via a pump.  A tension ring is placed about the base of the penis to maintain the erection during intercourse.
  • Actual vascular surgery to repair damaged arteries may be indicated in certain cases.
  • Penile implants are an additional option.  Inflatable rods are placed into the sides of the penis.  These rods are simply inflated when needed.

Penile-Prosthesis-300x168
If you think some of this is a bit much, it may or may not be, depending on if you’re the one suffering.  As I usually conclude, prevention would have been a much better course of action.  Hopefully if that’s not the case, you’ve understood the information provided well enough to have an informed conversation with your physician.  Good luck, and I welcome your comments and/or questions.
Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2016 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Female Libido Enhancing Pill

Obstetrics and Gynecology, Genital/Urinary, , , , , , , , , ,

Introduction

This post is about the female libido-enhancing pill flibanserin, branded as Addyi.

It was barely two months ago that Straight, No Chaser forecasted approval for the first medication meant to address less than optimal sexual desire in females. Given the approval of Flibanserin, which should hit the market by Oct. 17 under the brand name Addyi, it’s time to revisit the discussion.libido enhancing pill

A Female Viagra? She-agra?

The first thought that comes to mind is hmm…. The idea of a female counterpart of Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs has been bantered about for quite a while. After all, according to the medical literature, at some point, approximately 10% and up to one-third of women may suffer from hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). (HSDD is the actual term for premenopausal women with diminished or absent sexual desire. This is also known as “low libido in women”). Should I note that Viagra earned its maker more than $1.6 billion dollars last year?

Female Libido Enhancing Pill

If you think this through, the issue existing with women shouldn’t be exactly the same as exists with men. After all, men are treated for erectile dysfunction, and after all, women don’t have penises. Furthermore, the condition in women speaks to diminished desire, not diminished ability as in seen in men. The situations aren’t exactly analogous, thus you would think the solution wouldn’t be as simple as giving women a drug used for erectile dysfunction.

Flibanserin – A Female Libido-Enhacing Pill

And so, the drug flibanserin has been fully approved by the FDA for treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Note: this is not the same drug as Viagra (sildenafil), Again, it’s important to immediately point out that this is a different medication. In fact, it’s a drug that acts on the central nervous system and is in the same category of pharmaceuticals as antidepressants.

femaleviagra

Any of you suffering from depression and taking antidepressants may have paused at that last sentence. Here’s a word of caution to those legitimately suffering. The FDA rejected this same drug twice within the last five years. It had been presumed that this was based on its (lack of) merits. Most of the reasons this medication hadn’t been approved prior to now were related to the associated side effects (often a deterrent to compliance with antidepressants), which include episodic low blood pressure, fainting, and fatigue.

Questions continue to exist on interactions with alcohol or birth control pills. The specific challenge in finally getting approval was largely based on getting a better handle on the side effect profile and on weighing the side effects vs. the benefits.

What decision should you make?

This has been discussed in Straight, No Chaser (and is echoed by many sex therapists and behavioral psychologists). The cure for such conditions is not likely to be found in a bottle. As exists in this example, when conditions are mental instead of physical or physiological in nature, the solution may need to also be mental. It is fair to say this drug is riding a wave based on a combination of existing lack of options in women’s health, politics and the sincere desire to provide solutions to women in need.

That is not the same as saying this drug is definitely the solution for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women. Still, the drug has been studied in more than 11,000 women. It performed better than a placebo by all measures examined. Specifically, women in clinical trials of the drug experienced two to three “satisfying sexual events” per month before joining the trial. An FDA analysis showed they had 0.5 to 1 more such event per month with flibanserin, when compared with a placebo. That’s a fact, and that gets a drug approved. Just remember: just because a drug is approved doesn’t mean in will work in you. It also doesn’t mean it’s safe for you to take. Discuss this with your physician.

Follow us!

Ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic. Also, take the #72HoursChallenge, and join the community. Additionally, as a thank you, we’re offering you a complimentary 30-day membership at www.72hourslife.com. Just use the code #NoChaser, and yes, it’s ok if you share!

Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s books There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life and The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days at Amazon or at www.jeffreysterlingbooks.com. Another free benefit to our readers is introductory pricing with multiple orders and bundles!

Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK. Likewise, please share our page with your friends on WordPress! Also like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com! Follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.

Copyright ©2013- 2019 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPressfemaleviagra

 

Straight, No Chaser in the News: Potential Approval for a “Female Viagra?"

Obstetrics and Gynecology, Genital/Urinary, , , , , , ,

femalevhypoactive

The first thought that comes to mind is hmm…. The idea of a female counterpart for Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs has been bantered about for quite a while now. After all, it’s been shown in the medical literature that at some point, up to one-third of women may suffer from hypoactive sexual desire disorder (the actual term for premenopausal women with diminished or absent sexual desire, aka low libido in women) – or should I note that Viagra earned its maker more than $1.6 billion dollars last year?

Female-Viagra’-Gets-Greenlighted-by-FDA

If you think this through, the issue existing with women shouldn’t be exactly the same as exists with men. After all, men are treated for erectile dysfunction, and after all, women don’t have penises. Furthermore, the condition in women speaks to diminished desire, not diminished ability as in seen in men. The situations aren’t exactly analogous, thus you would think the solution wouldn’t be as simple as giving women a drug used for erectile dysfunction.
And so, the drug flibanserin, which is not the same drug as Viagra (sildenafil), has been approved by a FDA advisory committee for treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Again, it’s important to immediately point out that this is a different medication. In fact, it’s a drug that acts on the central nervous system and is in the same category of pharmaceuticals as antidepressants.
femaleviagra
Any of you suffering from depression and taking antidepressants may have paused at that last sentence. One of the reasons this medication hasn’t been approved prior to now related to the associated side effects (often a deterrent to compliance with antidepressants). To this point, the delay in approval has been partially based on getting a better handle on the side effect profile and on weighing the side effects vs. the benefits.
You may be wondering what’s next. The FDA typically signs off on recommendations of its advisory committees but doesn’t have to do so. Much will be determined by additional analysis of the above concerns as well as any political and/or advocacy efforts that come into play. In the meantime, as has often been discussed in Straight, No Chaser (and is echoed by many sex therapists and behavioral psychologists), the cure for such conditions is not likely to be found in a bottle. As exists in this example, when conditions are mental instead of physical or physiological in nature, the solution may need to also be mental. More to follow.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd. Preorder your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com.

Straight, No Chaser: The Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

General Health and Wellness, , , , , , , , , ,

Smiling_BobPenis-Pump-For-Penis-Enlargement-font-b-Erectile-b-font-font-b-Dysfunction-b
Well, here’s what many of you’ve been awaiting.  Assuming the preventative efforts I mentioned didn’t work for you, there are several different treatment approaches. If there’s an underlying medical cause, then treatment of that cause is not only a good way to relieve erectile dysfunction (ED), but it’s a good way to get healthy and avoid other complications from the primary disease. Today, I’ll review different treatment strategies your primary care physician or urologist may discuss or recommend to you for treatment.
The medications
A first consideration is to be wary of (any) medications via mail order. The same level of testing, scrutiny and quality control just doesn’t exist to the same degree as do medications obtained through a pharmacy. Reports abound of people receiving expired or weak formulations of the pills, as well as fake or hazardous substitutes of the pills they thought they were receiving. Engage at your own risk.
Now, regarding those medications you know all too well by name and brand (e.g. Levitra, Cialis and Viagra), there’s no special ‘magic’ to them. They all are variations of the same theme, physiologically relaxing muscles in the penis, resulting in increased blood flow to it.  Unfortunately, that’s not the entire story with these medications.  ED medications all lower blood pressure throughout the body, and that increased blood to the penis is coming at the expense of decreased blood flow elsewhere (This is called a ‘steal syndrome’.).  If you’re otherwise unhealthy, and your redirecting blood that was needed in the heart or brain, you could end up with a heart attack or stroke while taking these meds.  Therefore, this leads to two very important cautions regarding ED meds.  You shouldn’t start them without discussing with a physician first (to determine “…if you’re healthy enough to have sex”, as the commercials say), and secondly, don’t keep the fact that you’re taking them a secret (to your significant other, and especially to any physician you come across if you’re sick).  These medications could be the cause of whatever medical issue has you in an emergency room. They could also be contributors to life-threatening adverse effects if you’re being treated for something else with a medication that interacts with the ED med you’re taking but didn’t bother to mention to the emergency physician.  This is why ED medications generally aren’t given to men also on medications for high blood pressure, an enlarged prostate, blood thinners or certain other heart diseases (e.g. angina).
There are actually even more intricate medications used to treat ED.  Taking testosterone injections is an increasing means of addressing low hormone levels.  Additional injections directly into the penis or inserting a suppository into the penis itself are additional, effective treatment methods.  You’d be given these options by your urologist if necessary.
The counseling
If your ED is due  to anxiety, stress or other psychologically generated reasons, psychotherapy (possibly with your partner) may be of incredible assistance.  If you pursue this option, you and your partner must be prepared to be patient and to work through a variety of issues and possible approaches.
Surgery and additional methods

  • If you’ve ever seen an Austin Powers movie, you’re familiar with (well at least the jokes about) penis pumps.  These are real things, and involve placing a hollow tube over the penis and creating a vacuum to pull blood to the penis via a pump.  A tension ring is placed about the base of the penis to maintain the erection during intercourse.
  • Actual vascular surgery to repair damaged arteries may be indicated in certain cases.
  • Penile implants are an additional option.  Inflatable rods are placed into the sides of the penis.  These rods are simply inflated when needed.

Penile-Prosthesis-300x168
If you think some of this is a bit much, it may or may not be, depending on if you’re the one suffering.  As I usually conclude, prevention would have been a much better course of action.  Hopefully if that’s not the case, you’ve understood the information provided well enough to have an informed conversation with your physician.  Good luck, and I welcome your comments and/or questions.
Copyright © 2015 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: The Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

Medical Treatment, Genital/Urinary, , , , , , , , , ,

Smiling_BobPenis-Pump-For-Penis-Enlargement-font-b-Erectile-b-font-font-b-Dysfunction-b
Well, here’s what many of you’ve been awaiting.  Assuming the preventative efforts I mentioned didn’t work for you, there are several different treatment approaches. If there’s an underlying medical cause, then treatment of that cause is not only a good way to relieve erectile dysfunction (ED), but it’s a good way to get healthy and avoid other complications from the primary disease. Today, I’ll review different treatment strategies your primary care physician or urologist may discuss or recommend to you for treatment.
The medications
A first consideration is to be wary of (any) medications via mail order. The same level of testing, scrutiny and quality control just doesn’t exist to the same degree as do medications obtained through a pharmacy. Reports abound of people receiving expired or weak formulations of the pills, as well as fake or hazardous substitutes of the pills they thought they were receiving. Engage at your own risk.
Now, regarding those medications you know all too well by name and brand (e.g. Levitra, Cialis and Viagra), there’s no special ‘magic’ to them. They all are variations of the same theme, physiologically relaxing muscles in the penis, resulting in increased blood flow to it.  Unfortunately, that’s not the entire story with these medications.  ED medications all lower blood pressure throughout the body, and that increased blood to the penis is coming at the expense of decreased blood flow elsewhere (This is called a ‘steal syndrome’.).  If you’re otherwise unhealthy, and your redirecting blood that was needed in the heart or brain, you could end up with a heart attack or stroke while taking these meds.  Therefore, this leads to two very important cautions regarding ED meds.  You shouldn’t start them without discussing with a physician first (to determine “…if you’re healthy enough to have sex”, as the commercials say), and secondly, don’t keep the fact that you’re taking them a secret (to your significant other, and especially to any physician you come across if you’re sick).  These medications could be the cause of whatever medical issue has you in an emergency room. They could also be contributors to life-threatening adverse effects if you’re being treated for something else with a medication that interacts with the ED med you’re taking but didn’t bother to mention to the emergency physician.  This is why ED medications generally aren’t given to men also on medications for high blood pressure, an enlarged prostate, blood thinners or certain other heart diseases (e.g. angina).
There are actually even more intricate medications used to treat ED.  Taking testosterone injections is an increasing means of addressing low hormone levels.  Additional injections directly into the penis or inserting a suppository into the penis itself are additional, effective treatment methods.  You’d be given these options by your urologist if necessary.
The counseling
If your ED is due  to anxiety, stress or other psychologically generated reasons, psychotherapy (possibly with your partner) may be of incredible assistance.  If you pursue this option, you and your partner must be prepared to be patient and to work through a variety of issues and possible approaches.
Surgery and additional methods

  • If you’ve ever seen an Austin Powers movie, you’re familiar with (well at least the jokes about) penis pumps.  These are real things, and involve placing a hollow tube over the penis and creating a vacuum to pull blood to the penis via a pump.  A tension ring is placed about the base of the penis to maintain the erection during intercourse.
  • Actual vascular surgery to repair damaged arteries may be indicated in certain cases.
  • Penile implants are an additional option.  Inflatable rods are placed into the sides of the penis.  These rods are simply inflated when needed.

Penile-Prosthesis-300x168
If you think some of this is a bit much, it may or may not be, depending on if you’re the one suffering.  As I usually conclude, prevention would have been a much better course of action.  Hopefully if that’s not the case, you’ve understood the information provided well enough to have an informed conversation with your physician.  Good luck, and I welcome your comments and/or questions.
Copyright © 2013 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress