health and fitness Post

The Common Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction and Impotence

Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is characterized by a man’s inability to get and maintain an erection for intercourse. Research from the Cleveland Clinic (CC) estimates that erectile dysfunction is experienced by 40% of males over age 40, and 70% of males 70-years of age and older. The CC also notes that males with other existing health conditions (i.e., diabetes and heart disease) are often more prone to impotence. While the majority of men will experience erectile issues infrequently, impotence is not considered an issue that requires medical attention unless it becomes a regular occurrence. Ongoing erectile problems can indicate an underlying health issue (i.e., endocrine disease, such as diabetes and neurologic conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease). Also, impotence can lead to undue anxiety and significantly impact a patient’s self esteem and personal relationships. The most common and ongoing symptoms of erectile dysfunction include: 1. Difficulty getting and maintaining an erection 2. Other sexual issues — including delayed or premature ejaculation. 3. Decreased sexual libido — or loss of interest in intimacy. If you suffer from these symptoms frequently, talk to your family doctor. As mentioned, several underlying health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, depression, and diabetes, as well as the medications used to treat these conditions, can cause erectile issues to occur and may be the first indicator that your health is compromised.

Signs of an Enlarged Prostate or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BHP)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (or BPH) refers to an enlarged prostate gland. BPH stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia, or enlarged prostate gland, a common condition among aging males. In fact, BPH occurs in 50% of all men between 51- and 60-years of age, while approximately 90% of males 80-years and older have enlarged prostates. An enlarged prostate can be troublesome in nature because it squeezes and narrows the urethra and causes the bladder to become weak, sensitive, and unable to empty completely, leading to urinary retention and frequency. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, hence the name, although benign in nature (or non-cancerous) doesn’t increase the risk of cancer development, even though BPH and cancer can develop in patients simultaneously. Throughout a man’s life, the prostate gland will undergo 2 growth periods —the first occurs during puberty when the prostate typically doubles in size. The second growth period (when BPH can also develop) occurs at approximately 25-years of age and can continue to growing with age. Urinary retention (when the bladder doesn’t fully empty) should be considered extremely concerning because it can leave a patient at risk for several health issues, including: Urinary incontinence Acute urinary retention (or the inability to urinate) Blood in the urine UTIs (or urinary tract infections) Bladder stones Permanent bladder damage Damage to kidneys Therefore, the following symptoms of an enlarged prostate or BPH should be brought to the attention of a medical professional as soon as possible:

Overview: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that strikes roughly 1.3 million Americans. RA attacks the synovial tissues surrounding the joints, causing chronic pain and disability if left untreated. RA is considered an autoimmune disorder because it causes the body to attack itself, mistaking healthy synovial joint tissues as a threat, thereby destroying the joint themselves. While rheumatoid arthritis usually develops mainly in older adults, the disorder can occur at any age. According to research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by the existence of inflammation in five or more joints. What occurs during a Rheumatoid Arthritis attack? Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) attacks, or flare ups, typically come and go for a period of weeks to months. During an attack, the immune system attacks the joint tissues via antibodies, which are meant to protect the body from infection.  However, in RA patients, immune antibodies mistake healthy joint tissues gradually eroding the healthy integrity and function of the joints. RA flare ups range from mild inflammation of the joints to extreme pain and swelling that impacts movement and simple joint function, and can even affect the liver, lymphatic system, bones, heart, skin, and lungs of patients. Rheumatoid arthritis progression For many rheumatoid arthritis patients the disorder is progressive, meaning they will experience recurring flare ups that affect almost every part of the body.