After dropping about 40 lbs of spare tire, both stamina & libido improved noticably...
My theory is such...
A lot of blood flow to support the extra lbs of fat is now available for much better use... in a much better place!
-- Modified on 12/18/2008 10:59:47 PM
LG
At 53, I am somewhat overweight, on no medications, non-smoker but suffer with ED. No underlying organic problem as per MD. Viagra works somewhat- in high doses 100-200 mg! - but makes it dificult to actually ejaculate.
Based on readings on this board and elsewhere, i have decided to get back into better shape, i.e. start cardio and resistance training routines and watch my diet closely, with realistic targets in place.
My question is this: while these measures are clearly beneficial changes from an overall lifestyle perspective, is there actually evidnce that ED improves along with it?
Dear Mr. G,
There have been studies on this issue and as you may surmise, some show benefits, others don't. The reason is simply because there are so many factors that play into ED. I have no exact idea of your present physical condition, but I will say this - you will have higher endurance and stamina as an effect of a regular cardio exercise routine and dietary changes. ED is definitely influenced by physical condition - many men lose their erection simply because as things get going, they get out of breath. Now, will this eliminate your need for Viagra, or even reduce it? Difficult to say. You'll just have to assess matters after getting into shape. You'll definitely be able to go longer, which will make it all more fun.
As to the ejaculation issue, you could also try the other two meds to see if these have a different effect. Cialis is now prescribed in a daily, lower dose. Talk to your doctor about a change and get some free samples
.
Good luck with the self-improvement program,
the Love Goddess
Dear LG
Thanks for your, as always, thoughtful response.
I understand that endurance and stamina might improve due to improved physical fitness. However, I regulary run 4-5 miles (40-50 mins) without too much bother so thats not what's lacking. Rather "in delicto flagrante" if there is nothing with which to test that stamina/endurance we have a bit of non-starter. And so my question was really very specific.
Regarding the studies you refer to, might you be able to point me to them. I fail to find the data with my own searches.
With appreciation,
Mr G.
-- Modified on 12/17/2008 9:34:55 AM
of aging males in Massachusetts. That's the most famous of them all. I could only attach one link but you may copy and paste for a serviceable abstract.
http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0022534706021525
the Love Goddess
-- Modified on 12/17/2008 12:36:42 PM
Honestly I find it a little surprising that at your age and being over weight that you do not suffer from either high blood pressure or high blood sugar.
The reason I mention this is because both conditions can cause ED and the controling of both can help lessen the effects of ED. 200mg is a lot of Viagra! I take 50mg and have no problems finishing but, like you, I have found that if I take 100mg I can't ejaculate.
Getting healthy certainly can't hurt. I lost 100 pounds two years ago and, even though I gained about 25 of it back I'm still in a lot better shape than I was for most of my 40's. I have found that, though I still need the Viagra, the weight loss has definitely helped my ED situation as a healthier diet helps increase blood flow.
Thanks for your story. Its actually good to hear others' experiences in this isolating and embarassing world of ED.
For me, sugar is OK, BP is borderline and weight is 20-25 lbs above ideal.
Regarding the dose of Viagra, I think I may not need all that I take, but have allowed a psychological fear of failure take over and so I pop a second one and then this result in non-ejaculation, further compounding the psychological issue!
One strategy I am contemplating to reverse the psychological issue, is to take less viagra and expect less of myself in a session, .e.g settle for hand release and not try to "perform" in the hopes of regaining some confidence.....we'll see how that works out.
And yes, looking better and feeling better about how I look, together with any direct effects of weight loss and conditioning on vascular phyisiology down there might all add up to improved erections!
Ain't it fun finding out!
Mr G.
Mr. G – I hate to be a pessimist, but I suspect the cardio plus weights won't make a difference by themselves. I am 51yo, and I engage in just the sort of exercise program you're planning. Makes me feel great and horney, but I still take a little Cialis to help on the erection front.
OTOH, perhaps there really is a psychological factor. In that case, feeling a little more studly will help. If I were in your shoes I'd work hard to find a provider who didn't care – who really didn't care – and I'd relax and have a good time.
BTW, if you're really only 20-25 lbs above your ideal weight you are already far skinnier than most American men, who run more in the 40-80 lb-over category.
>>BTW, if you're really only 20-25 lbs above your ideal weight you are already far skinnier than most American men, who run more in the 40-80 lb-over category.>>
Huh? bbbmmm, what are your sources? That's ridiculous. I'm sure that this is not true for American men in general.
-- Modified on 12/24/2008 7:57:48 PM
See Related Link. For those who don't want to bother to read the whole thing I'll quote the critical paragraph.
"According to the NEJM report, studies suggest that two-thirds of American adults are overweight (having a body mass index — BMI — of 25 or more) or obese (having a BMI of 30 or more)**. One study cited by the authors indicates that the prevalence of obesity in U.S. adults has increased about 50 percent per decade since 1980. Additional research has shown that people who are severely obese — with a BMI greater than 45 — live up to 20 years less than people who are not overweight. Some researchers have estimated that obesity causes about 300,000 deaths in the U.S. annually. In addition, obesity is fueling an epidemic of type 2 diabetes, which also reduces lifespan."
BMI = weight_in_kilograms / (height_in_meters * height_in_meters)
For example, I am 1.63 meters tall and weigh 65 kilograms, which gives me a BMI of 24.5.
If you want to use pounds and feet (or inches) there is a conversion factor. Fortunately, the NIH has provided an on-line calculator: http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/ .
Note that the formula for BMI contains the square of your height and not the cube. Waist size increases more slowly than height. Tall people are more slender (on average) than short people.
-- Modified on 12/29/2008 12:04:56 AM
After dropping about 40 lbs of spare tire, both stamina & libido improved noticably...
My theory is such...
A lot of blood flow to support the extra lbs of fat is now available for much better use... in a much better place!
-- Modified on 12/18/2008 10:59:47 PM
I've tried all 3 pills with similar slightly helpful results, but recently have hooked up with someone that is just crazy world class good, and each time impossibly gets better and completely different than the last. I find I'm lasting way longer and having more fun than I have in years, and am making the wild conclusion that the mental part of things has a huge amount to do with how well one performs. I am on the wrong side of sixty, FWIW. Losing just a few pounds and running a little has helped stop the out of breath issue as well.
-- Modified on 12/19/2008 8:48:54 AM
Mr. G.,
I have recently started an exercise routine myself. Diabetes has completely taken away any ability on my part to get and maintain an erection. Tried 50mg of Viagra with no apparent effect other than those pretty blue colors that I saw. Trying to get my blood sugar under control and hoping that it allows my body to heal and recover some semblance of normal erectile function. I've recently lucked upon a young female friend who thoroughly enjoys me and the experiences i've been able to provide, read oral, lots and lots of oral. Would love to be able to provide the full experience for both of us, soon, before she decides that dating a 40-something diabetic isn't fun any more. Doing 1-1/2 hours of cardio and looking to add resistance soon. If nothing else, I don't gasp for air as I use to.
I can only give my personal experience.
I suffered from ED for a long time. The morning wood went away about 10 years ago. Had trouble maintaining an erection by myself, or with another. Got on ED meds about 7 years ago. That largely did the trick, and while the ego took a small hit, I was largely satisified and able to perform.
Then a funny thing happened. Quit smoking 5 years ago. Got in and out of shape several times, but about a year ago, I was in decent shape, had not been smoking for 4 years, and was off the caffeine as well. All of a sudden the morning erections returned. Big time! As did a sensativity I never knew I lost, and desire. Tons of desire. I was able to maintain an erection with almost any activity, and no viagra needed. Multiple pops came easy.
I have recently put back on a few pounds, and for some insane reason started smoking again a few months ago. ED has returned. Sensativity has been lost.
Take it for what it's worth, but for me, my near term plans include stopping smoking again, getting back on the treadmill, and dropping about 15 lbs. This ED crap is for the birds. And I think an improvement in physical fitness (weight loss, blood pressure, etc) definately, at least from personal experience, had profound effects on me.