Today's Health Watch

Oral herpes, an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, is estimated to be present in 50 to 80 percent of the American adult population. 20 percent, over 50 million people, are infected with genital herpes, also caused by the herpes simplex virus, and the majority of these cases may be unaware they even have it. Studies show that more than 500,000 Americans are diagnosed with genital herpes each year, and the largest increase is occurring in young teens.

  Blocking Vaginal Transmission of HIV

Prescription drugs now used to treat human immunodeficiency virus infection in adults may prevent the vaginal transmission of HIV.

In this latest study, the mice were given the anti-retroviral drugs once a day for seven consecutive days starting 48 hours before being challenged intra-vaginally with HIV. None of the mice that had been given the anti-retroviral drugs contracted HIV; however, seven of the eight mice that didn't receive the anti-retroviral drugs tested positive for the infection as early as two weeks post-infection.

If this pattern proves to be true in subsequent trials, women someday might have to take one pill a day in order to potentially prevent vaginal transmission of HIV.

 Today's Health Articles

 

Parasitic Drug to Help Attack HIV A drug already used to treat parasitic infections, and once looked at for cancer, also attacks the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in a new and powerful way, according to new research. Past research has established that HIV has "learned" to hide out in certain human cells where it is safe from the body's counterattack, cells that come to serve as viral reservoirs. Operating from these havens, the virus slowly builds its numbers over more than a decade until it finally becomes capable of dismantling human immune defenses. In the end stages, this process leaves patients vulnerable to the opportunistic infections of AIDS. The newly published work explains for the first time how the virus makes chemical changes that keep its chosen reservoirs alive long past their normal lifespan. The new study also provides the first evidence that an existing ant-parasite drug can reverse this deadly longevity. These results are profound because, in discovering exactly how HIV hides in the body, this could help us take away its hiding places. *This research was published online in the open access journal Retrovirology January 30, 2008. Adapted from materials provided by University of Rochester Medical Center.

 

  Viagra and Erectile Dysfunction - ED

Viagra, Sildenafil Citrate belongs to a group of medicines that delay the enzymes called phosphodiesterases from working too quickly. The penis is one of the areas where these enzymes work. Viagra or Sildenafil Citrate is used to treat men who have erectile dysfunction (also called sexual impotence or ED). 

Men's testosterone plays an important role in sex for couples in their 50's and 60's.  By this age most will notice a difference in their sexual responses.  The mans penis may take longer to become erect, and even when it does it may not be as firm as in his youth.  It can also take longer to achieve full arousal and to have an orgasm.  Chemistry of the erection also plays a major part, as the body produces a shorter duration of this chemical as they age, which makes the erection duration much shorter.  Drugs such as Sildenafil, Vardenafil and Tadalafil  have been introduced to help with the general functioning of this biochemistry process.

As Women approach menopause they may experience a hormonal change very similar to the one they had as a teen, except now instead of an onset, it is a cycle that is shutting down. The estrogen in their bodies is declining.  Because of this decline, many women feel less receptive to their partner and they may have varied emotional changes as well.

Not only is age affecting sexual relations, but high blood pressure, diabetes, and some medications can cause a decrease in sexual function as well.  If you think your medication can be causing loss of sexual interest, continue to take the medication but talk to your doctor, don't be embarrassed, it may be possible to switch to a different medication with fewer side effects.

This is a time when a relationship can have an opportunity to grow, not decline.  Don't let Erectile Dysfunction affect your relationship. Engage your partner, which will lead to a more fulfilling sexual experience for both of you.  When one is trying to engage, and one is trying to avoid, now is the time to take charge to change this cycle.  Come to an understanding.  It's commonly stated that men have sex in order to feel close and women need to feel close to have sex. Find a middle ground, if men can find a way to be a bit more romantic, and women stop putting in so much effort to feeling about sex the way men do, flexibility becomes easier.

What else can we do to learn more?  Start at a good bookstore with a well-stocked human sexuality section.  You will find a helpful resource aimed toward what can be the wonderful second half of your sexual life and Erectile Dysfunction.  Talk to your doctor about Erectile Dysfunction, he may give helpful suggestions or even have you see a sexual medicine specialist.

There is no set normal sex life.  It varies depending on each individual and each relationship.  What is acceptable to both of you?  Think about how things are changing for you, learn how to optimize your body's response for sexual experiences in the here and now.  It will take education, flexibility, communication with your partner, and understanding of each others changing bodies.  If communication is a problem (you don't want to hurt the others feelings), try using the "I" method.  "I" find that as I get older I need more touch all over my body...", this will help break any barriers you may have with your partner.