Men Who Smoke Prone to Impotence

Since gays as a group appear to have an unusually high number of smokers, I figured that I'd highlight this article (http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=86110). Personally, I am not a smoker and never have smoked in part because for over 30 years my mother ran a hospital lab that worked at diagnosing cancer in patients. She made a point of presenting gross photos of smokers' lungs and other nasty information to us children in order to convince us that smoking was NOT a good idea. Perhaps this article will convince gays that if they will not stop smoking to protect their health, then maybe they will to avoid impotence. Here are some highlights:

SUNDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- If heart disease, stroke and certain cancers haven't been reason enough for men to quit smoking, consider this: The habit also increases the risk of erectile dysfunction. In fact, emerging research shows that men with a pack-a-day habit are almost 40 percent more likely to struggle with erectile dysfunction than men who don't smoke. "Smoking delivers nicotine and other vasoconstrictors that close down the blood vessels" of the penis, explained Dr. Jack Mydlo, chairman of urology at Temple University School of Medicine and Hospital in Philadelphia.

A recent study of more than 8,000 Australian men between the ages of 16 and 59 found that those who smoked less than a pack a day had a 24 percent increased risk of erectile problems. And, as the number of cigarettes smoked went up, so, too, did the chances of erectile dysfunction. Those men who averaged more than 20 cigarettes a day increased their risk of erectile dysfunction by 39 percent, reported the study, published in the journal Tobacco Control. Another study, this one published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that male smokers in their 40s were more likely to experience erectile difficulties than older nonsmoking males. The risk of erectile dysfunction was nearly doubled for smoking men in their 40s compared to nonsmokers in their 50s.

Mydlo added one more word of caution: "Don't use ED medications -- Viagra, Cialis -- if you don't need them. Erections that last longer than four hours -- priapism -- can cause permanent scar tissue and permanent impotence. It's not a good idea to use these drugs casually."

Studies show that regular Sexual Activity May Have Many Health Benefits

Here's an interesting tid bit from Prevention.com (http://www.prevention.com/article/0,5778,s1-1-122-182-7432-1-P,00.html) that I am sure many guys will find interesting:

Q: My husband heard that sex can prevent prostate cancer. Is that really true?

A: (October, 2006)--I can hear it now: "But honey, it's good for my prostate..." The fact is that frequent sex may indeed provide prostate cancer protection. According to an 8-year study of 29,342 men ages 46 to 81, those who ejaculated at least 21 times a month reduced their risk of the disease by a third, compared with those averaging 4 to 7 times a month. Researchers speculate that the active men may be clearing potentially carcinogenic cells from the body.If having sex five times a week sounds a bit much, well, you don't have to shoulder the full responsibility. As it turns out, men gained protection whether their efforts were with a partner or solo.

Just remember, time with your partner between the sheets may help you ward off illness, as well. "Sex increases your circulation, and that boosts your immunity and your cardiovascular fitness," says Laura Berman, PhD, a sex researcher and host of Sexual Healing on Showtime. It can also encourage the release of feel-good endorphins, which may help fend off depression and improve the quality of your sleep. Ah, the promise of a few more Zzzs--wouldn't that get any woman in the mood?

At least 21 times a week? No comment as to where I fall on the spectrum