Friday, January 31, 2020

List of Medications for Erectile Dysfunction

This is the last article on my series of list of medications for common ailments/diseases in the US. I hope you found the series informative.

Medications Used to Treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the condition of not being able to get or keep an erection that’s firm enough for sexual intercourse. It’s often caused by an underlying health problem. The Urology Care Foundation estimates that this condition affects 30 million men in the United States. For some men, treatment with drugs may resolve their ED.

There are many types of drugs used to treat ED. Each drug works differently, but they all improve sexual activity by stimulating blood flow to the penis.

The most common ED drugs belong to a group known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. They block certain enzyme activity that leads to ED.

If you have certain health issues, it may not be safe for you to take ED drugs. For instance, if you have heart disease, your heart may not be healthy enough for sex.

1. Alprostadil

Alprostadil (Caverject, Edex, MUSE) comes as an injectable solution and as a penile suppository. You’ll inject the solution directly into your penis 5 to 20 minutes before having sex. You can use it as needed up to three times per week. You should let at least 24 hours lapse between injections.

With MUSE (or Medicated Urethral System for Erections), the suppository should be administered 5 to 10 minutes before sex. It shouldn’t be used more than twice in a 24-hour period. The more common side effects of this drug include pain in the penis and testicles, as well as burning in the urethra.

2. Avanafil

Avanafil (Stendra) is an oral drug and a PDE5 inhibitor. You should take it about 15 minutes before having sex. Don’t take it more than once per day.

You shouldn’t use any PDE5 inhibitors if you’re also taking nitrates to treat heart disease. Examples of nitrates include isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) and nitroglycerin (Nitrostat). Taking nitrates with avanafil can cause severely low blood pressure and even death. The more common side effects of this drug include:

headache
flushing, or the reddening and warming of your face
stuffy or runny nose
back pain
sore throat

3. Sildenafil

Sildenafil (Viagra) is also a PDE5 inhibitor. Viagra is only available as an oral tablet. You should take it only once per day, about 30 minutes to an hour before sex. The more common side effects of this drug include:

headache
flushing
stuffy or runny nose
back pain
upset stomach
muscle aches
vision changes, such as blurry vision and changes in how certain colors look

4. Tadalafil

Tadalafil (Cialis) is an oral drug that increases blood flow throughout your body. You take this PDE5 inhibitor about 30 minutes before sex, no more than once per day. It may work for up to 36 hours. The more common side effects of this drug include:

headache
flushing
stuffy or runny nose
back pain
upset stomach
pain in the limbs

5. Testosterone

Testosterone is the main sex hormone in the male body. It plays many roles in overall health. Testosterone levels naturally drop with age. This change can lead to ED and other issues, such as:

fatigue
low sex drive
reduced sperm count
weight gain

Doctors sometimes prescribe testosterone to treat ED. In fact, PDE5 inhibitors are most effective when used alongside testosterone therapy in men with a testosterone deficiency. However, the drug does come with risks. Testosterone can increase your chance of a heart attack or stroke. Because of these risks, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source says that only men who have low testosterone due to certain health issues should use testosterone.

Your doctor will watch you closely if they give you testosterone. They’ll test the levels of testosterone in your body before and during your treatment with this drug. If your testosterone levels are too high, your doctor will stop your treatment or lower your dosage. Side effects of testosterone may include:

acne
male breasts
prostate growth
fluid retention that causes swelling
moodiness
sleep apnea, or interrupted breathing during your sleep

Testosterone for ED comes in many forms. The table below lists the forms of testosterone and their brand-name versions. Some forms may also be available as generic drugs.

Testosterone form	Brand names
Transdermal cream	First Testosterone Cream 2%
Transdermal gel	AndroGel, Fortesta, Testim, and Vogelxo
Transdermal patch	Androderm
Transdermal solution	None (only available as generic)
Topical gel	AndroGel and Natesto
Nasal gel	Natesto
Oral capsule	Testred
Oral tablet	Android 25
Mucoadhesive film that dissolves under your gums	Striant
Pellet implant	Testopel
Solution for intramuscular injection	Depo-Testosterone and Aveed

6. Vardenafil

Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) is an oral drug and a PDE5 inhibitor. You take it as needed 60 minutes before sex. You can take this drug up to once per day as recommended by your doctor. The more common side effects of this drug include:

headache
flushing
stuffy or runny nose
back pain
upset stomach
dizziness

7. Vitamins and supplements for ED

There are many vitamins and supplements on the market that claim to help ED. Some promise better sexual function as well as increased energy and vitality. However, these supplements usually don’t work. They may also be unsafe.
Some supplements that are marketed as “natural” may even contain drugs. ED supplements can still interact with other medications you’re taking. They may also cause side effects. Talk to your doctor before using any vitamins or supplements for ED.

Before you take ED medications

Not everyone with ED needs to take medications. If you think you have ED, see your primary care doctor. They’ll give you a physical exam and request certain lab tests, as well as a complete medical and psychosocial history.
They may also refer you to a mental health professional, who can help you manage performance anxiety or relationship issues related to your ED.

ED caused by underlying conditions

Your ED may be caused by untreated diabetes, high blood pressure, or another issue. Treating that condition first may improve your ED symptoms.

ED caused by medications

ED may also be caused by other medications you’re taking. These may include drugs used to treat:

high blood pressure
heart disease
depression
seizures
cancer

Your doctor can review the drugs you’re currently taking. They may make some changes that can improve your ED.

ED caused by lifestyle choices

Sometimes lifestyle choices can contribute to ED. Adopting healthy habits may help improve your symptoms. Try avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and keeping your alcohol intake in check.

Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/medication-list#work-with-your-doctor

Meanwhile, enjoy this photo from the Internet

Peter Peppers

Also enjoy this video,
https://youtu.be/7KqlAMqkxt0

Friday, January 3, 2020

Sea Creatures in the Coral Gardens of the Amoingon Coast

"I consider myself to be a pretty tough dude. Rough neighborhoods don’t bother me. But I was snorkeling today and ran into one of these motherfuckers swimming straight towards me and I started flailing around like a wild radioactive chicken, my mouthpiece filled with water, started choking cuz I thought I was drowning, and then swam back to shore like I was running from the cops.
My mom shouted over from sea asking why I wasn’t coming back in and I was like CUZ I’M CHILLIN’ DAMN WHY YOU ALWAYS GOTTA BOTHER ME, SHIT. I’M JUST TIRED CAN’T A FLIP GET SOME REST.

Photo: Zee Jambalos

The above two photos from the FB pages of Macrine's nephew and niece respectively reminded me of three articles about the Amoingon Coast of Western Marinduque, Philippines. The Amoingon Coast is the backyard of Chateau Du Mer- our second and vacation home in Boac.

1. Snorkeling in the Amoingon Coast of Western Marinduque

Son David III after his daily snorkeling with Miko our pet dog at Amoingon Beach- a few meters from the CDM beach house.

Three weeks ago, two prospective clients for Chateau Du Mer from Australia and Virginia, USA asked me if the beach in front of the beach house is excellent for snorkeling. I told them, i really do not know( because I do not snorkle), but last year when my youngest son was vacationing here, he snorkeled almost every day when the waves are calm and the sun is bright. Their questions prompted me to search for old articles about the Amoingon coast. Attached is a posting from Marinduque Rising titled Amoingon Beach Colors written by the prolific writer, Eli Obligacion- a fellow blogger, former neighbor and friend.

marinduque rising: Amoingon beach colors: Just a few meters away from the pebble-strewn beach in the quiet coastal barangay of Amoingon in Boac are coral gardens still home to a ...

Personally, I like to promote the Amoingon Coast as the snorkeling capital of Marinduque and the Torrijos Coast as the diving capital of the province.

2. A Paradise at Amoingon Coast

by Jane Dacumos on June 25, 2012

The western coast of Marinduque, known as the Amoingon Coast, is a coastal area with an abundant marine ecosystem. Just 10 to 15 meters away from the beachfront, the quiet coastal Barangay of Amoingon is home to a variety of tropical fishes, colorful butterfly fishes, bobbing clownfishes, lionfishes, melon-sized seashells, schools of angelfish, seahorses, and marine mollusks.

Amoingon is just over a mile away from the Port of Cawit in Boac. The beach itself is a tourist attraction. It is the home of numerous coral gardens. A railroad vine that help control erosion are allowed to bloom on this beach. These coral gardens welcome every visitor with a good and lovely charm.

Chateau-du-Mer is among the few resorts found in Amoingon with a beach house ideal for short vacations.

And Number 3: From Eli Obligacion Blog

http://marinduquegov.blogspot.com/2012/06/amoingon-beach-colors.html?spref=bl

Meanwhile, enjoy this pompano sarciado, we had for our Dinner last night

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/

Here's How Carlos described his encounter with the sea Creature above lurking in the Coral Gardens of our backyard at CDM*

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Our CareTaker wanted to help me take out our Christmas Decor today. I told her, we keep our decor after the Feast Of the Three Kings- the last day of the Christmas Season. Of the 10 houses in our neighborhood, seven took our their Christmas lights on December 26.

This incident inspired me to search for more information on the 12th day of Christmas. Here's a summary of what I learn from the Internet.

"Most people today believe that the twelve days of Christmas start on December 12th or 13th and run through Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. But in fact, the first day of Christmas is December 25th and the final day is January 5th. Thus, for hundreds of years the Christmas holidays didn’t begin until Christmas Eve and didn’t end until Epiphany.

https://youtu.be/vOwyMIoG5KI

Why were these twelve days important? These dozen days were tied to more than just the teaching of the Catholic Church. A host of other denominations also celebrated the twelve days of Christmas. Some denominations celebrated Christmas in January and began to count the twelve days then. But whenever they began, the counting of the days became an important facet of each holiday season. Even in the Dark Ages, in some Eastern European churches, the twelve days of Christmas meant attending daily church services.

For Christians who lived during this extremely difficult age, the twelve days were a time of re dedication and renewal. It was also a period when small, simple, and usually symbolic gifts of faith were given to children. Thus, in both coded poems and public worship, the twelve days were considered a holy period.

For many Christians today, even the recognition of the twelve days of Christmas has been lost . . . for two reasons. The first is that when Epiphany lost out to Christmas as the day of giving gifts, many simply quit celebrating the twelve-day observance. The other reason is based more on the change in the fabric of culture than on overlooking the Christian holiday of Epiphany.

In ancient times, when most societies were rural, few people worked in the dead of winter. It was a time when many were spending long, dark days inside their homes, looking forward to winter’s chill giving way to the spring thaw. So devoting a dozen days to prayer, reflection, and attending church was not a huge undertaking. Yet with the coming of the Industrial Age and the regular year-round work schedules it brought, finding time to continue the activities that had been traditionally associated with the twelve days of Christmas became all but impossible for most people.

So the passing of the twelve-days custom probably had as much to do with “progress” as with anything else. As fewer and fewer churches and families participated in the tradition, it was all but lost. Yet in the obscure poem that was later turned into a popular carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” live on. And the twelve days described are actually a wonderful and complete picture of the Christian faith.

The “true love” mentioned in the song is not a sweetheart but the Catholic Church’s code for God. The person who receives the gifts represents anyone who has accepted Christ as the Son of God and as Savior. And each of the gifts portrays an important facet of the story of true faith.

So, just a silly song? On the surface maybe, but in reality, a refreshing reminder of the essential elements of Christian faith. The twelve days of Christmas may no longer be a widely recognized holiday tradition, but the days were an important bridge that connected persecuted believers of the past with the whole story of God’s plan. In the complicated world of today, a trip back to the not-so-distant past when Christians celebrated the twelve days of Christmas would only enhance the meaning of Christmas for everyone".

For more information read:

https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/christmas-and-advent/the-twelve-days-of-christmas.html

Meanwhile enjoy this video of a Classical Trio:
https://youtu.be/CTXx_r6G1wE

Guest Article from Susan Creamer Joy

In The Silence, by Susan Creamer Joy.

Today's guest article is from Susan Creamer Joy. Susan is one of my favorite authors in the ViewsHound community. Susan writes, draws, paints and cobbles together art from found objects making a variety of creations from jewelry to religious shrines. She frequently sports burns on her fingers from her soldering iron, paint on her palms and ink under her fingernails, but her hair is usually combed. When she is not losing time in the creative vortex of her studio, she is likely to be putting her knowledge of metaphysics and esoteric principles including Tarot, numerology, astrology and graphology to good use in consultations. Her children are grown, her husband still works and her four dogs believe she needs serious help. The title of her article is "A Matter Of Love And Death". Thank you Susan.

By the time they reached my bedroom door, I was already sitting up – my stomach ratcheted in the tense grip of an unnamed anxiety; my pillow, unburdened of my drowsy head.

To this day I cannot explain how I heard them coming up those stairs in their bare feet or how I knew that my father struggled to hold his composure as my mother unnaturally clutched at the folds of her dressing gown and followed him through the dark just a little too closely.

As the wooden groan of those old stairs tore into my bones that morning like a hacksaw, all I could see between the predawn shadows was the letter I’d written just hours earlier to my boyfriend, Chris, propped against the lamp on my desk across the room awaiting an envelope.

I had not slept well. It was late November and there had been so many changes since the middle of August when he left for the Air Force in Texas to begin basic training and I began my third new school in as many years.

The conspiracy between fate and the last surge of the Vietnam draft had broken apart the every-waking-minutes of our two-year union with unceremonious indifference. All that night my sleep had been infested by difficult dreams and by the illogical fear that truth and reality were merging into a darkness only a martyr could grasp; and at sixteen, martyrdom seemed reasonable only for the nuns among the poor in Bangladesh

I tried to remind myself that he would be home on leave for Thanksgiving in another few days. It was the only tether to calm I could find, but reviewing the facts offered little relief from my baseless fears.

Chris had been girding his pacifist sensibilities preparing to fight in an unpopular war that had not yet slaughtered its last innocent. I was hovering just over the line of inclusion at an exclusive girl’s school – missing him – and finding myself at odds with these young women and their attachment to propriety and with the prep-school veneer that blinded them to the fact that they were no better than anyone else.

Neither one of us was coping well with the worlds into which we were respectively summoned, and although we both knew that the best hope for any future together depended upon our individual successes apart, it was far from comforting most days.

But in spite of our discomfort, we each did our best; and, of course, there were the letters: Thin, plain-paper sheets with row after row after row of inky blue words penned with the intensity and awkward locutions of a love learned too soon. It had come down to just that little, but without them, I would have had nothing.

Chris was learning to fly. I was learning to drive, and both of us were aching to transport our souls to an earlier time through the hallowed intercourse of memories and dreams. Of course, as with all progress, there was the positive element: We were both clean and drug-free for the first time in years.

Now, without pretense, both healthy cognition and sincere motivation surfaced regularly in my psychology and prompted me to care about myself and to arbitrate against all temptation for a better standing in the world, in school and in my own eyes. I even did my homework.

No longer was I escaping today but, instead, living for my day of escape. Lying still in the dark of my room, I listened to the slow, padded footfall of my parents approaching and looked to the floor and to my history book half hidden beneath the nightstand where I’d tossed it the night before. Even in this early morning dark I could make out the swirls and stars in colored marker and the bubble-formed letters that spelled C H R I S in soft, juvenile curves on the torn book cover I’d fashioned out of a brown paper grocery bag.

I vaguely remembered throwing it there somewhat hastily. I had been doing my homework when a sense of urgency struck and I realized I had not written him as I promised I would and glancing at the clock, I noted it was nine-twenty-three. Why that mattered I had no way of knowing in that strange moment, but within hours, it would be one I would never forget; and although I was becoming drowsy and still needed to finish my work, I felt beyond reason that my letter to him could not wait.

So, I wrote. I would always write. I would always be there. He would always be there.“Suzi."It was my name spoken in the smooth and familiar voice of my mother, although weighted and slow, her head bowed to her chest almost as though she were speaking only to herself.

"Suzi.” She said it again, this time with sharp gravity, like a chisel against stone.

As if on cue, I leaned forward, flanked now by my parents who were sitting on either side of my bed.

I had been waiting for them. I don’t know how. I didn’t know why. The lights in my room remained off, but it seemed that the darkness clung more to them than to me, as though they were holding it there – away from me to give me enough light to see through the next moment. They were crying. My father was crying. My father. “Suzi. We have something very, very bad to tell you." Chris has been in a car accident." And he was killed."

If the world moved forward from that moment, I could not know it. f there were air around me worth breathing, I could not take it in. And if there were another sound beyond the leaden bellow of my own raw grief, I could not hear it.

"Who am I going to talk to? Who am I going to love?” I wailed. Who will love me? In that sodden moment violated by the intrusion of a predawn light that had no business rising, everything I ever believed about happiness, hoped for in life, trusted in or held as my own was annihilated.

After that – there was no after that. After that came months of hollow redundancies that would inform my way of being in the world for years to come. A serial commitment to waking up each morning, remembering he was gone and dedicating the remaining hours to forgetting. To that end I would try anything, drink anything, ingest anything, inject anything. It was a slow and arbitrary suicide by indifference.

Many years later, at 25 years-old and in the midst of a pharmaceutical free-fall leaning dangerously close to terminal, I discovered that I was expecting a child, and after a decade of forgetting, I remembered. I named him Griffin after the legendary winged lion, a symbol of the divine because what he inspired and the miracle that he was, were nothing less. I remembered and I loved again, and I went on to marry and to the gift of two beautiful daughters.

Today my son is struggling not to drown in the same well of drug abuse and apathy that almost swallowed me – his great, divine wings clipped by his own hand; and while it is up to him to restore his place in the sky, I will do my best to help provide an open runway.

In the meantime, I will continue soaring for both of us; bequeathed as I have been, with a determination to fly from a boy whose ragged fate precluded that dream.

Death took one young man from me once upon a dark time. If it has any intention of coming for this one, it will have to go through me. And trust me, it will be in for one hell of a fight.

Note: If you enjoy this article, please let me know.