Raynaud's phenomenon can be treated with Viagra

Experts researching the use of Viagra have discovered that the original blue pill is no longer just an impotence treatment. Apart from being known as an effective erectile dysfunction treatment, this impotence pill can also help treat some other health conditions. A study shows that Viagra can be used to treat a condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon or Raynaud's.

What is Raynaud's phenomenon?

Raynaud's phenomenon is characterized by spasms of the blood vessels in the hands and the feet caused in response to stress or exposure to cold. It affects about 3-20% of the total adult population worldwide. Raynaud's is most commonly found in women. It involves an interruption of blood supply to the extremities (sometimes to ears and nose also). Arteries supplying blood contract due to spasms and cause pain, numbness, or tingling in extremities due to an intermittent lack of blood supply. In extreme cases, Raynaud's can lead to ulceration or tissue death in the extremities and in other parts that are affected by it.

How can Viagra help treat Raynaud's phenomenon?

In a study carried out by scientists in Germany, 18 patients with severe Raynaud's phenomenon were monitored. These patients had failed to respond to at least two other drugs used to treat this condition. Scientists randomly gave 50 mg of Viagra twice daily to these patients for four weeks. They were then put on one week of "pill-free" period with no treatment. The study reported that blue pills significantly reduce the frequency of Raynaud's attacks and its duration. A substantial healing of sores caused by ulceration was seen in six patients, with complete disappearance in two patients.

Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, is the active ingredient in Viagra. It aids the relaxation of the smooth muscles around the penis, so as to increase blood flow. This drug basically acts as a vasodilator. Results obtained from the trial demonstrated that capillary blood flow increased and the mean capillary blood flow velocity almost quadrupled in patients after treatment with this impotence pill. Viagra for Raynaud's is at its initial phase, so you should first consult a doctor before considering this impotence pill for your condition.

Viagra for erectile dysfunction

In order to understand the working mechanism of Viagra in treating erectile dysfunction, you must first understand how a normal erection occurs. When a man fantasizes or receives physical stimulation of the penis, his brain gets aroused and sends a signal to the smooth muscles around the penis. Nerve cells in the corpora cavernosa (the two chambers in the penis) then start producing nitric oxide, which increases the production of cGMP. It causes dilation of the blood vessels in the corpora cavernosa to increase the flow of blood to the penis. As blood enters the two penile chambers, they expand and produce an erection. The blood valves present in the cavernosa chambers prevent blood from flowing out again. This helps in sustaining an erection until ejaculation during sexual intercourse.

But the problem arises when an enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 breaks down cGMP and obstructs the normal erection process. Viagra, being a PDE-5 inhibitor medication, works by blocking the action of this enzyme to maintain the level of cGMP intact. This medication belongs to a class of impotence pills that can be taken only on prescription. So it is advisable to first get your condition diagnosed by a doctor to get a prescription for an appropriate dose of this medication. The available doses of this impotence pill are Viagra 25mg, Viagra 50mg, Viagra 100mg.

Cialis - History and dosage information

Erectile dysfunction treatment has come a long way following the “hard-hitting” success of Viagra sildenafil following its launch in 1998. The blue pill enjoyed a monopoly in the market for about 5 years until Cialis (tadalafil ) hit the market in 2003. The long search for an impotence pill that can give more time for sex finally came to an end with the discovery of a chemical compound called IC351 aka tadalafil. Unlike the chance discovery of sildenafil  citrate, this compound had been well under clinical research from 1993, thanks to the joint initiative of Eli Lilly and ICOS. As a matter of fact, tadalafil was discovered before sildenafil as having inhibitory effects on the phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) enzyme. It was only because of the delay in clinical trials that prevented Cialis from appearing on the commercial drug market ahead of Viagra.

Initiation of clinical trials

In 1994, ICOS got the patent rights to go ahead with further research on IC351. Phase-I clinical trial started the next year, followed by the study of tadalafil on men with erectile dysfunction in 1997. The next year witnessed a merger between Eli Lilly and ICOS, which was a great news for the researchers who put in so much hard work to find a compound similar to UK-92480 (sildenafil citrate). The merger helped a lot in commercializing the drug and taking it from labs to pharmacies.

Birth of the brand 'Cialis'

Tadalafil entered its phase-III clinical trial in 1999 and in 2001, the newly formed company submitted a new drug application with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The branding of Cialis, which is not as influential as that of Viagra but still has a weightage, was finalized around this time.

FDA Approval

Approval of Cialis was pending for a reasonably long time as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was not too convinced about the safety and efficacy of this medicine. Reports of the phase III clinical trial showed that this medicine can remain effective for up to 36 hours. These reports were officially published at the 97th meeting of the American Urological Association.

Cialis became commercially available on the European market in February 2003 after it was approved by the European Committee Propriety Medicinal Products in November 2002. Finally in November 2003, the FDA sanctioned Cialis as a reliable and effective erectile dysfunction pill.

Cialis dosage

Dosage is one of the most unique things about Cialis. Once you take a 10mg or a 20mg pill, you can have sex anytime within the next 36 hours. It means that the erection-inducing effect of tadalafil can last almost 9 times longer than that of sildenafil and nearly 7 times longer than that of vardenafil. This is one of the main reasons Cialis has been giving Viagra and other impotence pills a tough run for their money.

You need to take a Cialis pill with a glass of water 30-60 minutes before sex, preferably with a light meal. Try not to consume too much of alcohol before taking Cialis, as alcohol can reduce the effects of the medicine and can also make you physically disoriented to enjoy sexual activities. Avoid a fatty meal before taking any PDE-5 inhibitor medicine. Take only 1 pill within any given 24-hour time frame and in case you overdose accidentally and experience any discomfort, call your doctor right away.

Online availability

The immense popularity of Cialis has encouraged different clinics to sell Cialis online. Buying an erectile dysfunction medicine online is safe and confidential given that you choose a registered online clinic that offers free medical consultation and allows you to buy Cialis online only on prescription issued by a EU doctor.

Popular Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED), or male impotence, can neither be hushed up altogether nor be lived with. So erectile dysfunction treatment is necessary and if you go by popularity, you will get a very short list of treatment options comprising PDE-5 inhibitor medicines such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra; penis pumps, penile prosthesis and penile surgery. Taking impotence pills and getting ready for sex quickly is what most men prefer over other treatment options. This is because pills are easy to take and quick to work. Besides, they can allow men to have spontaneous sex at their own convenience.

Why are impotence pills so popular?

The basic reason behind the growing popularity of impotence pills is that they are quick-action and non-invasive. Unlike surgeries and penis pumps, these pills do not pose any significant health risks and on top of that, they do not take away the spontaneity factor out of sex. When a doctor prescribes Viagra, Cialis or Levitra, be rest assured that he/she has carefully weighed all the benefits against the possible risk factors before recommending this medicine to you.

Which is the most popular impotence pill and why?

Viagra sildenafil is till date the most sought after medicine for erectile dysfunction treatment. It helps improve blood flow to the penis when you are sexually stimulated. Its active ingredient sildenafil belongs to a group of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor that increases blood flow to the penis by building up an enzyme called cGMP in the corpus cavernosa chambers. The reason Viagra has an edge over all other similar drugs is that it was the first-of-its-kind medicine for erectile dysfunction treatment. The popularity Viagra gained in the late 1990s has only increased as millions of men have testified to getting and maintaining harder erections after taking it.

What are the common Viagra doses?

Viagra 50mg is the starting dose for most men with impotence. If you suffer from erection problems and take the 50mg dose of sildenafil 30-60 minutes before sex, you are likely to get the kind of erectile hardness you are looking for. But if you have acute kidney or liver complications, or if you are over 65 years of age, your doctor may prescribe Viagra 25mg to start with. And Viagra 100mg is the strongest dose among any PDE-5 medicines, Cialis and Levitra included. Studies show that the erection-inducing effect of Viagra 100mg is significantly stronger than any other impotence pills.

You must keep in mind that a particular dose of any impotence pill may not be a one-time solution to your erection issues. Put differently, your doctor may start you with Viagra 50mg and depending on the results you get, may switch you to a lower (Viagra 25mg) or a higher (Viagra 100mg) dose. So just in case you do not get the desired result or experience any side effect after taking a particular dose, talk to your doctor about a possible change in dosage.

The popularity of impotence pills has also ensured that you can now look for treatment online to avoid the embarrassment of consulting a doctor face-to-face. The best part about online erectile dysfunction treatment is that it is completely discreet. But you need to make sure you visit a registered online clinic that offers free medical consultation. All registered clinics offer Viagra on prescription only; so never go for this medicine without prescription. A good way to check the authenticity of the clinic from which you are about to buy Viagra is to check for physical address and contact details of the clinic. Enjoy your sex life responsibly and safely!

Premature ejaculation - Is it psychological or physical?

Anything related to sex is a combination of psychological and physical factors. You just cannot ignore the sensation that runs down your spine when you are with your special man/woman. At the same time, you also get wet or get an erection when you are with him/her. The first type of reaction has a lot to do with emotional factors related to sex whereas the second type of reaction is caused mainly by physical factors. Now when it comes to executing your emotions into actions, you may suffer from physical problems such as erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE). Premature ejaculation in particular is a very common sexual problem many men experience.

What actually causes PE?

Risk factors for PE may be psychological or physical, or both. The most common psychological factors include stress, anxiety, depression, financial worries, performance anxiety and unpleasant past-life experiences. As for the physical factors, PE may be caused by lower levels of a neurotransmitter called serotonin. This substance controls the entire ejaculatory process starting from sexual arousal to expulsion of semen. Scientists believe that lack of serotonin in certain areas of the brain can lead to loss of ejaculatory control. Premature ejaculation cure with Priligy dapoxetine targets at inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, so as to help you gain better control over your ejaculatory reflex.

Is it in the mind?

It is difficult to provide any generalised answer to this question as the causes of premature ejaculation may vary from one man to another. To find out whether or not it's in your mind, you can reply to the following questionnaire and get your answers checked by a doctor.

1. Frequency: Do you always ejaculate early in bed?
2. Duration: How long do you usually take to ejaculate?
3. Recency: Is it a recent problem or it also occurred when you masturbated in your high school days?
4. Erectile performance: Do you ejaculate only when you are fully hard?
5. Other medicines: Do you take any other medicine for any health condition?

This questionnaire may help a doctor decide whether or not your ejaculatory problems are rooted in your mind. Many men suffer from so serious performance anxiety that they always end up shooting early in bed. Duration and recency can also be major giveaways to your doctor regarding the cause of PE. And if erectile dysfunction is the major factor behind your premature ejaculation, the problem may well be solved with impotence treatment alone.

Other possible factors

Certain other factors can also cause premature ejaculation and quite interestingly, these factors are neither psychological nor physical. Relationship issues with your partner, extreme fatigue and an inhospitable environment for sex may cause you to ejaculate prematurely. It's a good idea to communicate a lot with your partner to resolve any dispute that might be bothering both of you. Always have sex with a fresh mind and body and if possible, have bath before starting with sexual activities.

Treatments

Apart from dapoxetine, this condition can also be treated with a few exercise techniques and topical creams. But Priligy is by far the most effective medicine for premature ejaculation cure. Always take your doctor's advice before starting with any treatment. And remember, premature treatment is not what you want to overcome premature ejaculation. Give yourself some time to be absolutely sure that you have this problem and then go for treatment.

Propecia giving life to the dormant hair follicles

Is male pattern hair loss a natural susceptibility? Is it merely a cosmetic disorder? Why do men lose hair at the top? Why does it make horseshoe pattern? A lot of questions are being asked about the causes and appearance of male pattern hair loss. If you are experiencing thinning of hair in a pattern, you may be looking for the answers to all those questions being asked about male pattern baldness. It is somewhat a well known fact that there is difference between the causes of male hair loss and female hair loss. In males, the most common form of hair loss is scientifically known as androgenic alopecia.

Male pattern baldness - A confidence buster

Male pattern hair loss can lower your confidence. Confidence is something which is a matter of being comfortable with your own appearance. Some men get along well with their hair loss and accept the fact, while others get worried and suffer from confidence problems. About 75% of men who suffer from hair loss lack in confidence. If your self-esteem and confidence are the two most suffered traits because of hair loss, why don't you think about rectifying the root of the problem?

The bald truth

Hair loss can be caused by many factors ranging from psychological to physiological. Once you get your condition diagnosed by a doctor, you will come to know if it is because of hereditary factors or follicle damage.

Hair follicles are tiny sacs in the scalp area from which strands of hair grow. The basic cause of male pattern baldness is a chemical compound called dihydrotestosterone. It is formed by conversion of testosterone by an enzyme. With excess  production of dihydrotestosterone, hair follicles shrink and fail to regrow new hair.

Propecia - An effective dihydrotestosterone controller

Most men don't realise that hair loss can be treated and baldness can be reversed with proper medications. Propecia (finasteride) is an effective prescription medication used for hair loss treatment in men. According to a study, 9 out of 10 men saw positive results with Propecia. Finasteride prevents the production of dihydrotestosterone in the scalp area. Being an alpha-reductase inhibitor, finasteride inhibits the action of the enzyme, 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. As the levels of dihydrotestosterone are reduced, a significant amount of reduction in the shrinkage of hair follicles is seen. Propecia not only stops hair fall, but also helps in the growth of new hair.

Understandably, hair loss differs from person to person, so results from Propecia cannot be the same for everybody. Typically, Propecia starts taking effect within six months of taking it. So to reap better benefits from Propecia, you need to stick to it and use it for at least 12 months.

Never use Propecia unless you are asked to do so by a doctor. This medicine is reported to have caused certain sexual side effects in some men. These side effects include lack of sexual desire, erection problems, and low semen volume. But the good news is that only a tiny percentage of men had suffered from any major problem.

Lose weight to choose life

Obesity is referred to as a “disease” in a report of a WHO consultation on obesity. In Britain, the rate at which obesity is gulping the society is horrendous. Statistics suggest that overweight Britons are among the fattest in Europe. According to government reports, nearly a quarter of the adults are classified as clinically obese. Obese people are unable to participate in normal activities such as sports, not just because of the obvious physical reasons of being large in size, but also because of increased risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke.

Weight loss - Set your goals and stick to it

Setting a goal is important for anything you want to achieve in life. Same goes for obesity treatment. No good results will come in the way of an obese or overweight individual who is looking forward to lose weight, but doesn't have any set goal to achieve it. It's all in your willingness to make necessary lifestyle changes to achieve weight loss. When you set your goals, you tend to make plans to work at it. Needless to say, it's only your own effort and commitment to follow your set rules or guidelines that would help you get to your goals. Make it a routine to take a walk down the alley. Try to avoid travelling short distances by car. Follow a healthy diet regime. Cut down on fat consumption, and increase fibre content in your diet. Snacking on fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can significantly provide you the fibre content you need and boost your immune system. Keep a record of your calorie intake and the calories burnt on daily basis to keep a tab on your progress.

Obesity is not necessarily an irreversible condition as its progress can be controlled by some lifestyle changes. A lifestyle based on healthy and balanced diet and regular activity can be a real rescuer.

Body mass index - Know your weight profile

One of the reliable ways to determine your body fat is determining the circumference your waist and body mass index (BMI). BMI is one of the most trusted methods to determine if a person is overweight or obese. Now, the common question that an obese person may ask is, how can I calculate my BMI? You can find out your BMI with a user-friendly BMI calculator online, which just asks you to provide your height and weight. Given below is a chart which can help you determine your health risk relative to normal weight.

BMI

• 18.5 or less: Underweight
• 18.5 – 24.5: Normal
• 25.0 – 29.9: Overweight
• 30.0 – Above: Obese

Weight management with slimming pills

For many obese people, exercise and diet alone can be of minimal help. Effective obesity treatment can be achieved with the help of slimming pills. Xenical is one such slimming pill which works as a fat blocker. It can prevent up to 30% of dietary fat from being absorbed in the body. Orlistat is the active ingredient that inhibits the action of an enzyme, lipase, which breaks fats into smaller molecules in the stomach. Diet pills work in conjunction with a balanced and healthy diet and regular exercise. Rather than being an individual problem, obesity has become almost like a collective problem, which can be tackled with effective treatment and management.

Herpes - Hard-to-swallow facts

In the UK, 70% of the total population have oral herpes and 10% have genital herpes. About three quarters of them don't know that they have herpes. In most cases, herpes remains asymptomatic for days, months, or even years after infection. According to a study, about 1 in 4 has no symptoms of herpes, 2 in 4 may have mild symptoms but are unlikely to be diagnosed, and1 in 4 is likely to be diagnosed with noticeable symptoms.

Herpes

Herpes is a viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV-1 is the type of herpes simplex virus that causes oral herpes and its symptoms are cold sores and fever blisters around the mouth. Genital herpes is a disease that is caused by HSV-2, which affects the area around the genitals and anus. It appears as itching, burning, painful blisters, and redness around the skin. Genital herpes is basically transmitted by skin-to-skin contact.

Herpes and immune system

Herpes can affect the immune system by weakening it and making you more vulnerable to other diseases and infections. The immune system doesn't remain as active to fight off other diseases, as it gets busy fighting off herpes simplex virus. When the virus attacks the immune system, you get an outbreak of symptoms, but when your immune system fights back, you get less severe or no outbreaks. So, in order to prevent outbreak of symptoms, you need to have a strong immune system.

How can I prevent an outbreak of symptoms?

Once infected, no medication can cure herpes, but its symptoms can be controlled and treated using medications. Adopting simple lifestyle and dietary changes can also help decrease the frequency, length, and severity of outbreaks. Herpes simplex virus is an opportunistic virus and attacks when the immune system is weak. But if you have a healthy immune system, the chances of future outbreaks are significantly reduced. Following are some of the areas that people need to pay attention in order to strengthen the immune system and stay healthy:

Stress – It is one the most common triggers of outbreaks in people with herpes. Stress affects the immunity system and makes you susceptible to infections and other diseases. In fact, stress can account for about 70% of all illnesses and diseases. So, you need to work on management of your stress in order to control future outbreaks.

Diet – People with herpes need to pay attention to their diets as some foods contain high amounts of arginine that can aggravate the outbreak of symptoms. Also, if your body is not getting enough nutrients, it can take a toll on your immune system. Some of the factors that can also impair your immune system are obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, high cholesterol, and sugar consumption.

Exercise – Studies have shown that with just 30 minutes of regular aerobic exercise, immunity gets a boost.

Herpes treatment

Antiviral prescription medications are approved for genital herpes treatment. Valtrex and Famvir are two antiviral medications that can give relief from the painful symptoms of herpes and at the same time, can also prevent the spread of the virus. Valtrex can be taken for 1 to 2 days for cold sores treatment. Famvir tablets can also be used for cold sores and zoster treatment.

What you should know about influenza virus

Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract. Influenza A, B, and Care the three types of viruses that cause this epidemic disease. Type A influenza is considered to be the most dangerous as it can cause large epidemic. The virus infects lungs and upper respiratory system, causing fever, body aches, and pain. The onset of flu also causes loss in appetite, nausea, and dry cough. These symptoms may last for a week, and you may need to stay in bed until they are gone.

Influenza is a very common illness that affects many people every year, usually during winter months. As  an infected person coughs or sneezes, the flu virus gets transmitted through small droplets of saliva. When a healthy person gets infected by  flu virus, he or she starts to show symptoms within one to four days. Flu can also spread through touching common surfaces such as door handles and other items that have been handled by an infected person.

Influenza virus

Type A influenza virus mostly affects animals and birds. They can also cause damage to human population. Type B and C influenza viruses are not dangerous and show only mild symptoms in human beings. Influenza type A and B viruses include strains, and these strains are different from the original virus, but retain some of its characteristics. Flu caused by one strain does not give full immunity to other strains, as the virus is constantly changing through a process called antigenic drift. This is the reason a different vaccine is needed every year to help prevent flu.

Influenza symptoms

Apart from fever, body aches, and pain, the other symptoms of flu are headaches, tiredness, sore throat, runny nose, weakness, and diarrhoea. Although flu lasts for a week or less, the main course of symptoms may get over in three days. But after that cough or sever weakness may continue for a few more days. Infected people can spread the flu virus even a day before the symptoms start, and they remain infectious for five to six days. People with weak immune systems such as aged people and children, may carry infection for slightly longer periods of time. Current subtypes of influenza Type A viruses are H1N1 and H3N2. Swine flu is an infection caused by H1N1 virus. In 2009, it was first detected in pigs. Recently, H1N1 vaccine has been developed to protect from swine flu infection.

Tamiflu - Influenza Treatment

It is important to treat flu, as it can lead to pneumonia or other complications especially in old age people, infants and people with long-term health issues. Tamiflu is one of the most effective medications for treating influenza. It slows down the spread of flu virus. Oseltamivir, the active ingredient in Tamiflu, works by detaching the flu virus from its host cell. It attacks the virus at its roots and prevents it from multiplying in the body. It also helps antibodies in the body to kill flu viruses in the body.

One of the most important things about oseltamivir is that it doesn't have any serious reactions with other medications. Under  medical supervision, Tamiflu can be taken along with other medications for treating other health conditions. It should be taken within 48 hours of the symptoms appearing. You should take dosage of Tamiflu as per the doctor's recommendation. If you miss one dose, you should not take double dose of Tamiflu. Taking Tamiflu exactly as directed can be an effective influenza treatment.

Combat your smoke cravings

We all know that smoking is bad for health; we all are aware of the short-term and the long-term health problems caused by smoking; yet we continue to smoke. In the UK, about 106,000 people die every year due to smoking-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cigarette smoke contains about 60 substances that can cause cancer. If you are a smoker, your life-expectancy is about 10 years lesser than that of a non-smoker. The main cause of death in half of all smokers is smoking-related diseases. People who suffer from smoking problems have several years of distressing symptoms and illness.

Brain receptors

Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances. It changes the chemical structure and function of brain. Nicotine affects certain receptors in the brain to produce physical and mood-altering effects. It also causes release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, which gives a feeling of pleasure. As a result, brain gets addicted for the same stimulus to get  the same pleasure. Since brain receptors are unable to block these pleasure signals, it becomes difficult to control the nicotine craving.

How can you control smoke urges?

If you are a regular smoker, when nicotine level in your blood falls, you usually experience withdrawal symptoms such as smoke cravings, headaches, anxiety, irritability, or restlessness. These smoke cravings sometimes are very hard to overcome with your willpower alone.

Nicotine replacement therapy: It helps you quit smoking without experiencing the withdrawal symptoms. It comes in the forms of gum, patch, nasal spray, and inhaler. Nicotine is released in the bloodstream in small amounts. In this way, without smoking cigarettes you can get nicotine in your body to relieve your withdrawal symptoms. Slowly, the amount of nicotine is reduced to curb the addiction. Some of the common side effects associated with nicotine replacement therapy are headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Nicotine patches can cause skin irritation and rashes. Also, nicotine nasal spray can cause sore throat, sneezing, and runny nose.

Champix - An easy way to quit smoking

Champix is the FDA-approved medication designed to help smokers quit smoking. Varenicline tartrate, the active ingredient in Champix, work by attaching itself to nicotine receptors in brain. It stops these receptors from responding to nicotine. As a result, there is no release of dopamine and no feeling of pleasure. This makes smoking displeasing and you do not get any enjoyable effect out of smoking. This way, Champix can help you reduce your nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

A few mild-to-moderate side effects are associated with Champix. These side effects are treatable and reversible, which means that once your body adjusts to the medication or  you discontinue taking it, you experience no side effects. Safety and efficacy of Champix outweighs the mild side effects associated with it. Champix does not contain nicotine, which makes it one of the most preferred medications for smoking cessation. It is never too late to stop smoking to live a healthy life.

Promiscuity and STDs - Running rampant among teens

In late 2008, Bradley University published a  survey which showed that the UK is the “one-night stand” capital of western industrialised nations. A study published in The European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care suggests that one in two people in the UK has unprotected sex with his/her partners without knowing their sexual history. Safe sex is something which is seen as non-spontaneous and non-exciting among teens. Risk of pregnancy is the major concern for women engaging in unsafe sex and they believe that one-time is no risk at all. Unfortunately, this assumption is wrong, as there are many risks associated with unprotected sex.

Promiscuous nature - What does it cost you?

In a survey, it was found that 50% of the total male and female population in the age group of 15 to 19 admitted to have been engaged in oral sex. Just think about it, these kids have not even celebrated their 20th birthday yet. Some of the factors that influence teens to have unsafe sex are passion of the moment, pressure from their peers, and media which often portrays casual sex as the norm. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are the most common and dreadful aftermath of unprotected sex that has seen a significant upsurge in the last decade. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact.

Sexually transmitted diseases - Facts and figures

According to the Health Protection Agency, sexually transmitted diseases have spread alarmingly among the younger people in the UK. Of the new cases registered at sexual health clinics, two-third of them were female aged 15-24. According to the statistics, men and women are getting involved with more and more sexual partners. The acts of dogging (having sex in the public) and orgies have become widespread phenomena. In many of these situations, people don't care to practice safe sex. Some of the most common STDs are chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes, and trichomoniasis. Genital herpes is the most common sexually transmitted disease within this category.

Genital herpes - An overview

Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and spreads from one person to another with physical contact with the infected person. The other type of herpes simplex virus, HSV-1, causes cold sores or fever blisters. The common symptoms of herpes include outbreaks of painful, red, watery blisters and ulcers around the genitalia. Pain during urination, vaginal discharge, and fever are some of the other symptoms associated with genital herpes. Because of the dormant nature of the herpes simplex virus, no medicine can cure herpes, but the symptoms can be controlled during an outbreak and treated by antivirals through suppressive therapy.

Treatment

Valtrex is an antiviral medication which an infected person can take during an active herpes outbreak to get relief from the uncomfortable symptoms. Genital herpes treatment with Valtrex can be continued for long term to push the herpes virus into remission. Antivirals such as Valtrex and Famvir can also be used for herpes zoster treatment. These medicines can also be an effective option for cold sores treatment. Suppressive treatment is also considered for controlling the symptoms and providing relief to patients during outbreaks of herpes. Famvir is a powerful antiviral medication which, when taken at the first sign of an outbreak, can prevent the full-blown herpes attack within 24 hours.

Spot the early symptoms of herpes

Early detection is a very important part of the management of any sexually transmitted disease (STD). While majority of experts firmly believe that early and accurate diagnosis can prevent mass-scale STD transmission, the reality tells a different story. Genital herpes, an STD that has made its way into the top 10 list of most feared sexually transmitted infections, can be diagnosed in time to minimise the risk of transmission and also to reduce the pain it causes to the sufferer.

It is really possible to diagnose genital herpes?

The Centers for Disease Control in the US has declared it in no uncertain terms that genital herpes can be diagnosed early for quicker and more effective treatment. It is still not possible to completely cure a herpes patient, but with timely detection of the herpes simplex virus in the body, it is possible to start antiviral treatment early. Medicines such as Valtrex and Famvir should  be used as soon as possible after herpes is detected. The same goes for herpes zoster (shingles) and cold sores treatment.

To begin herpes treatment with antiviral medication, clinical diagnosis is important. As about 20% of the total herpes patients do not even know that they carry the virus, it is no good to wait until visual symptoms appear. Another problem with visual symptoms is that majority of people confuse them with the signs of other health conditions and remain completely ignorant of the onset of a herpes outbreak.

Types of tests

A blood test is one of the most sought after tests to predict the presence of the herpes simplex virus. It can detect herpes simplex virus antibodies even when no visible symptoms are present. But the problem with a blood test is that it can churn out a false-negative result if you are infected within the past few days. It usually takes a few weeks for the herpes simplex virus to be present in the blood.

PCR and Tzanck tests are also reliable ways to diagnose genital herpes. A Tzanck test can be conducted when sores and blisters are visible. The medical examiner would take a sample  from your lesions and place it on a microscopic slide. Then the sample will be stained with a certain type of dye to differentiate the infected cells from the uninfected ones.

Considering the inconsistent results obtained from the Tzanck test, many doctors rely on the PCR and culture tests. The PCR test, which tries to detect the DNA of the herpes simplex virus, is scientifically very accurate but can be expensive for many patients.

An upcoming test to diagnose genital herpes involves urine and saliva testing. The feasibility and effectiveness of this test is still under clinical investigation and once it is approved by medical authorities, you can hope for a far better and more accurate herpes diagnosis in future, compared to the current scenario.

Once genital herpes is diagnosed, your doctor may recommend either Valtrex or Famvir to minimise the risk of transmission and also to shorten the severity of an outbreak. You can buy either of these medicines online from the convenience of your place.

How long women can stay on contraceptive pills?

With effective and safe birth control alternatives, today well-planned parenthood has become a lot easier. Out of all available options, birth control pills remain the most preferred option worldwide. Accidents do happen and you find yourself in the need for an emergency contraception. This is where morning-after pill comes to rescue.

The simple science behind working of these pills involves two hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone which hinders with the normal ovulation process. This prevents fertilisation and release of the egg from the ovaries.

It is the flexibility of usage of these pills that makes it so popular among women. Its usage can be continued or discontinued based on individual demand. Moreover, no medical opinion is required to do so. Apart from its popularity, there are lots of doubts and apprehension lingering in the mind of most women. Some of the most common concerns are regarding continuance and discontinuance of the birth control pills. Let’s bust some of the myths and discuss facts.

1. Once in a while you should take a break from the contraceptive pills. There is no need for a woman to take a break from taking these pills unless and until she wants to be pregnant. However taking a break can increase her chance to get conceived. Apart from conception, these pills have other health benefits also. Endometriosis can also be treated with birth control pills. Oral contraceptives have been found to reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease.
2. Fertility is affected by long term pill use. There is no connection between fertility and the usage of oral pills. Most women may face a delay in conceiving after discontinuing the pills and thereby confusing pill usage as the cause of it.
3. Pill makes you gain weight. It is one of the common myths. The progestin hormone present in pill increases appetite, which can result in weight gain. Women feel bloated due to oestrogen, which goes away with time.
4. Pill causes cancer. On the contrary, some doctors advise that all women should take pill for at least 5 years for ovarian cancer protection. The chances of developing ovarian cysts greatly reduce as these pills prevent ovulation.
5. It is risky to take the pill after 40. These pills can be taken until menopause. Unless and until you are suffering from high blood pressure or diabetes taking birth control pill is not related to your age.
6. Pill protects against STDs. Birth control pills offer no protection against STDs. It is always best to use condom to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Dental dams can be used for oral sex.
7. All pills are the same. In the market different brands of contraceptive pills are available. They are categorised under two types, one is Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills, which is combination of oestrogen and progestin. The other is Progestin-Only Pills (POP) or mini-pills that contain progestin but not oestrogen.

Emergency contraceptive pills

These pills can be taken only when you feel your contraception has failed or you had unprotected sex. Emergency contraceptive pills available on the market today work for up to 3-5 days after sex. Levonelle 1500 is one such pill which is effective for about 72 hours. ellaOne is another emergency contraceptive pill that is 98% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Combating thinning of hair with effective treatments

Male pattern baldness is the most common form of hair loss in men. 25% of men are affected by this condition in their 20s and the rest in their 40s. Going bald is something that people consider as a nightmare. Receding hairline is the most common term used with male pattern baldness. In this pattern, there is thinning of hair at the temple and crown. As a result a bald patch appears at the front of the head.

This pattern of hair loss is seen due to scalp sensitivity to male sex hormone (testosterone). Let’s look at the role of this hormone in the loss of hair. For this, we first need to understand the process of hair growth. Hair follicles are small sacks under scalp from which the hair grows for three years. It is the natural process by which the old hair sheds off and new ones grow. This process continues throughout the life.

What are the causes of male pattern hair loss?

The problem starts when these follicles become sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) a male sex hormone. This then causes the follicles to shrink in size. Over time, these follicles shrink to such an extent that they cannot grow hair. However they are still capable of growing hair.

Sons have long blamed their fathers for their baldness, but scientists have discovered that mother’s genes are responsible for it. A son inherits X chromosome from his mother. It is believed that a specific type of gene variation attached with X chromosome causes hair loss. But not all occurrences of baldness can be blamed on mothers, as scientists are not able to conclude evidently.

What are the treatment options for male hair loss?

Topical hair loss treatments: It is the most common type of hair loss treatment. The products range from shampoos, conditioners, gels, and oils for scalp.

Surgery: It is one of the expensive treatments for male hair loss. The success rate in this procedure varies from person to person. Recovery time is longer for this type of treatment.

Oral hair loss treatments: Prescription medications are widely accepted treatment for this type of hair loss. One of the most effective oral hair loss treatments is finasteride. It’s a prescription only drug which comes in the pill form. It is marketed under the brand name Propecia. It is one of the most effective treatments to date for male pattern baldness. The action of hormone, dihydrotestosterone is stopped by Propecia, resulting in growth of hair through follicles. You can order Propecia online to get a long-term solution to your hair loss problem. Online clinics let you go through a consultation which includes just filling in a medical questionnaire to get to know your medical history. You can buy Propecia online to save you a lot of time and money. It is dispatched at your doorstep within 24-hours.

If the condition worsens then it is always best to consult with a dermatologist to get your condition diagnosed.

Absolute answers to overcome impotence

Impotence is a condition signified with the inability of men to hold their erection during sexual intercourse. It affects millions of men all over the world at a much younger age than before. Poor lifestyle choices and unhealthy habits have been linked to impotence. A lot of factors that cause temporary erection problems are fatigue, anxiety, alcohol, smoking and drug abuse.

Erection process

It is a complex event that involves interaction of brain, nervous system, and blood circulation system. Erection begins with mental or sensory stimulation. A reflex is sent to the brain which in turn sends a signal to spinal cord area. Spinal cord nerves send a reflex to the nerves around penis. It is necessary for smooth muscles in penis to relax to let the blood flow in. As smooth muscles relax, the blood flows in the two chambers of penis, causing penis to erect. When there is a problem in any step during the process  needed to get an erection, erectile dysfunction is experienced.

Causes and risk factors

In about 70% cases, erectile dysfunction is caused by physical factors and in rest 30% by psychological factors. Among younger men, anxiety is one of the main reasons to cause erectile problems, long working hours, pressure to please their sexual partners and  tiredness. Physical causes are more common among older men. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, pelvic trauma, heavy smoking, damage to blood vessels or nerves. Some of the top causes are:

Cardiovascular diseases: Hardening of arteries causes various cardiovascular problems. The blood flow necessary to get an erection is blocked by arteries causing impotence. This artery blockage is known as atherosclerosis. Due to this reason, impotence is a strong predictor of heart disease. In other words, people suffering from impotence are twice as likely to succumb to heart ailments as who do not have the problem. It is always advisable for someone with erectile dysfunction to get a cardiovascular examination done.

Diabetes: This is another condition that can lead to impotence. The blood vessels and nerves of penis can be damaged in a diabetic person. There is also a chance of hardening of arteries due to diabetes. Controlling the blood sugar levels and strict dietary regimes can help in reducing the chances of impotence.

Ageing: It is a common physical cause related to impotence. Ageing, in itself, comes with a lot of physical disorders and health conditions that tend to degrade the proper working of body. There is also an imbalance in the level of nitrous oxide with age, which is a chemical substance responsible for penile erection.

Overcoming erectile dysfunction

What is the best way to get an impotence treatment? Based on your needs and desire following are some remedies that can be resorted to:

Vacuum pump: It is commonly known as penis pump. As the name suggests, it creates vacuum around penis to draw the blood into the penis, which leads to an erection.

Penile prosthesis or extender: Penis stretcher or penis traction device are other names to it. It is safe and medically proven to be effective if used as recommended.

Medications: ED pills are the most popular and effective treatment for impotence. These drugs work by enhancing the flow of blood to the penis. Viagra is one such medication. Viagra has become worldwide name in the field of impotence. These impotence pills are prescription only medications and should taken under proper medical supervision.

Different forms of contraceptives

Birth control, also known as contraception, refers to prevention of unwanted pregnancy. It is an integral part of family planning for married couples and a proactive safety measure for unmarried women. Contraception usually becomes an important consideration for a woman following her involvement in an unprotected sexual intercourse because of a contraceptive failure, as in the case of a torn condom, or other reasons.

The existing birth control methods vary from hormonal contraception to the use of physical barriers such as condom or intrauterine device (IUD). Among these methods, hormonal birth control tablets have earned the trust of millions of women worldwide for their safety and reliability. More than 25 hormonal contraceptive pills are now available in the UK market, helping many women make the right choice at the right time.

Regular and emergency contraceptive pills

Hormonal birth control medicines are available in two forms: regular contraceptive pills and emergency contraceptive pills (also known as morning after pills). Regular pills are usually a combined formulation containing synthetic versions of oestrogen and progesterone, two sex hormones that your body produces naturally. However, certain contraceptive pills contain only a single hormone and yet are indicated to be taken on a regular basis for prevention of pregnancy. Cerazette (desogestrel) is a popular medicine belonging to this category.

Emergency contraception, as the term suggests, is indicated to be used only when the need for contraception is urgent. It may so happen that you forget to take your regular contraceptive dose for a couple of days, or you have sex in the weekend when your neighbourhood pharmacies are closed. Under such circumstances, emergency contraceptives (EC) pills are probably your last resort to avoid getting pregnant. These pills are also called 'mini pills' because of their small hormonal content. The most popular pills in this category include ellaOne 30mg and Levonelle 1500.

How to make the right contraceptive choice

Every woman is different, so what may suit one woman may not suit another. Consider the following pros and cons of both types of contraception before making a choice.

Advantages

Regular birth control pills such as Microgynon, Cilest, Yasmin and Cerazette are almost 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. Most of the regular contraceptives are meant to be used for long term and can be helpful for women who have just had a miscarriage or an abortion. Certain regular pills can also give you relief from mood disorders which many women complain about while using contraceptive methods.

Some women suffer from adverse drug reactions to oestrogen. Progesterone-only emergency pills can be very helpful for them. Another benefit of emergency contraceptives is that they work instantly to prevent ovulation. But it is advisable that you consult a doctor to find out which method of contraception caters best to your contraceptive need.

Disadvantages

Despite outstanding efficacy and safety, dual-hormone pills can cause certain adverse side effects, including breast tenderness, nausea, headache, and weight gain. A mini pill, on the other hand, can create irregular bleeding pattern soon after you start taking it. Most hormonal contraception methods are not recommended for women who are already pregnant or nursing.

Whichever form of contraception you choose, make sure it's a prescription drug. It can save you from lots of unnecessary hassles and anxieties.

Can morbid obesity be cured?

Morbid obesity is a weight-related health condition in which an individual has a body mass index (BMI) score of 40 or above. A healthy, normal-weight individual usually has a BMI score between 18.5 and 22.9. So you can understand it very well how dangerous morbid obesity can be. Apart from experiencing breathing and circulatory problems, a morbidly obese individual may also develop numerous other health conditions that may make him/her almost immobilised. The worst part about this type of obesity is that it can cause extremely poor body image. And when you consider how derisively rude our society is to obese people, it will be easier for you to understand why many morbidly obese people are compelled to stay at home, away from public eyes.

Obesity treatment over the years has developed from natural dietary supplements and exercises to surgeries and chemically formulated slimming pills. While natural diet pills are still in business, people suffering from morbid obesity often go for surgeries to reduce their body fat. But weight loss surgeries are invasive and can be expensive too. Instead, orlistat weight loss pills (Brand name Xenical) can be a good option to reduce body fat and become slimmer. Let's find out how.

Xenical is a prescription slimming pill belonging to the category of fat burners. It can help an individual dispense with about one-third of dietary fat, which in turn, causes fat reduction in the body and promotes a healthy weight loss. For people who have a BMI score of 40 or more, majority of fat content remains stored in the body and because such people do not move around a lot, the stored fat is hardly used by their body for the purpose of producing energy. Xenical, through its fat burning mechanism, can encourage the body to use up its existing fat storage for producing the energy it requires.

But is it possible to reduce body mass index by more than 100% by preventing just 30% of dietary fat from being digested? All an individual needs to do is set an achievable weight loss goal that would help him/her in the long term. If your BMI is above 40, you cannot expect it to come down to 20; but what you can expect is a BMI of around 32-35, which still keeps you obese, but can improve your physical appearance. To achieve that, you need to take care of your diet plans and activity levels. You cannot afford to overeat comfort foods such as chocolates and ice cream. Many morbidly obese people get trapped in a vicious loop of isolation and overeating. They feel awkward to go out in public and they also find it difficult to do any physical activities at home. So  they turn to comfort foods which further worsen their situation.

Morbidly obese people often suffer from cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Unlike many other weight loss pills, Orlistat capsules are not contraindicated for these health problems. But you should talk to a doctor to find out if you are eligible to take this medicine. You can also talk to a Bariatric surgeon to find out if op is a solution to your type of obesity.

In case you want to try Xenical but feel hesitant to go and visit a doctor, you can buy Xenical online sitting at home. You need to find a registered online clinic which offers free medical consultation and also respects your privacy.

What is emergency contraception?

Many times couples face the problem of contraceptive failure. A majority of the cases of contraceptive failure develop because of torn condoms. Couples, during such times, get tensed and upset about the fact that the woman might become pregnant but they overlook the fact that in spite of contraceptive failure, they can prevent pregnancy. Yes, pregnancy can be prevented even after unprotected sexual intercourse. Let us know how this can be done.

Emergency contraception

Known as emergency contraception pills and birth control methods can be used after unprotected vaginal intercourse to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. Emergency contraceptive pills are handy, convenient and safe if used as prescribed. Let us have a look at the two most important brands of emergency contraceptives.

ellaOne

This emergency contraceptive pill contains 30 mg of ulipristal acetate and works by  delaying ovulation. It can be taken up to 120 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse. Efficacy studies show that more than 98% of women who took it after unprotected sexual intercourse did not get pregnant. But, for this drug to be the most effective, you need to take it as soon as possible. Its effectiveness falls as each day passes by. This pill has been specially developed for women who want to avoid pregnancy in the “risky” period. Although, ellaOne is a little more expensive than other medications, it is one of the best emergency contraceptions available on the market. It comes in various doses and generally a dose of ellaOne 30mg is prescribed. This pill helps in avoiding unwanted pregnancy but you should be careful while using it. Always consult a doctor before using it.

Levonelle

Also known as the morning after pill, Levonelle contains a synthetic derivative of progesterone, known as levonorgestrel. You can take it up to 3 days after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. It has been around in the market much longer than other pills and has gained trust and reputation. Another name for this drug is Levonelle 1500. It is 85% successful in reducing the chances of getting pregnant after unprotected sexual intercourse. Although you can take it up to 3 days after unprotected sexual intercourse, it is better to take it within 24 hours. It is suitable only for women who are above 16 years of age.

Both ellaOne and Levonelle are approved by the FDA and used by millions of women all over the world to treat unwanted pregnancies. For people who do not find traditional contraceptives convenient, these pills are a blessing.

These pills work by thickening the cervical mucus and making it difficult for sperm to reach the ovaries. You should always consult a doctor before taking any type of contraceptive medication. Never buy cheap over-the-counter medications that make tall claims. It is better to ask an experienced doctor rather than make a big mistake, which may cost you dearly. Contraceptive failure can be dealt with ease if you use emergency contraception.

3 tips for curing your impotence problems

Impotence (erectile dysfunction) is the last thing on a man's mind, particularly when he is actively into sex. Yet your body may not always comply with your sexual desires and you may find yourself in trouble with erection difficulties. Should you ever experience erectile dysfunction, the first thing you will seek is a treatment that gives you immediate relief. As you don't want to waste those precious moments of physical intimacy with your partner, this article will not take much of your time in giving you precise tips that may help you overcome impotence problems and enjoy a healthy and happy sex life.

Tip 1: Modify your lifestyle

Lifestyle modification is a good way to improve your erections and get back to a normal sex life. If you lead an indisciplined life with inconsistent eating habits, excessive smoking and drinking and very little physical activities, you may be a prime candidate for erectile dysfunction. Most impotence treatment clinics would give you the following two tips to begin with.

First, take a look at what you eat and when you eat. Take foods that are rich in vitamin and fiber content. Certain fresh fruits abound in natural anti-oxidants which help remove harmful toxic materials from your system. Cut down on your daily intake of fatty meals. Excessive fat not only makes you look bulky from outside, but can also narrow your blood vessels and disrupt smooth flow of blood in your penis, leading to erectile problems. Viagra blue pills containing sildenafil citrate as the active ingredient can be a great choice to increase blood flow in the penis. But you should use impotence medicines only when prescribed by a doctor. When prescribed, you can buy Viagra online from the convenience of your home.

Second, take a look at how many packets of cigarette you smoke every day. Smoking can invite lots of physical problems which may double the risk for impotence. For example, type 2 diabetes is a major risk factor for it. Smokers tend to suffer more from type 2 diabetes compared to non-smokers. Smoking may also cause arterial plaques and inhibit blood flow in the penis. By reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke every day, you may improve your sex life immensely.

Tip 2: Take a look at your relationship

Hardly any man complains about erection problems while masturbating. It is only during sexual intercourse that your penis may refuse to get erect. So the cause behind your erectile issues may well be hidden in the quality of your relationship with your partner. Some partners go cold after a while and get involved in extramarital relationships. Some may suffer from other problems such as stress, anxiety and depression and find it difficult to concentrate on a healthy sex life. Do a self-counseling to find out whether or not you are on intimate terms with your partner. If necessary, take help from a professional counselor.

To find out whether or not you are experiencing erectile dysfunction only because of psychological factors, you can check morning erections. If you get morning erections, chances are high that you don't have any penile problems to worry about. Erectile dysfunction treatment with prescription medicines like Viagra treat only the physical part of the problem.

Tip 3: Exercise

Certain exercises are known to be helpful for men suffering from erectile dysfunction. Before visiting your doctor to discuss about Viagra, you can try at home a simple exercise called Kegels. Many experts recommend this exercise for strengthening the PC muscles. Lower abdominal exercises may also help you have increased blood flow to your penis.

Celebrity hairstyles - Men

Most of us aspire to dress up like celebrities and have attractive hairstyles like them. Celebrity hairstyles are great when we look at them in the magazines but only a few of them will look good in the office or in the park, and even fewer will look great on you. This is why it is important to know which ones look good on you and which ones you should leave for the magazines.

Do not copy a celebrity hairstyle just because it seems attractive in the first look. Of course, attraction is a source of inspiration but try to understand and know, in detail, what will suit your personality. It is a celebrity's job to look good and they are paid even to look ridiculous at times, whereas you might lose face in front of your colleagues or friends if you look funny. Let us have a look at some tips that will help you look like a celebrity or even better than him/her.

Try to visualize yourself in that hairstyle

You need to visualize yourself in that particular hairstyle and think how it would look on you. Does it look good on your body type or does it suit your personality? For example, Johnny Depp's hairstyle looks great on him but does it look good on you? In such a case, you can start by getting your hair done like David Beckham. His hair is short with enough lift and height. It can make you look smart and happening. Again, you need to trim it regularly.

What is your hair type?

Some people keep short hair while some keep long hair. At times, men even suffer from male pattern baldness that makes it difficult to have even normal hair on their head. So, what will you do if you have scarce hair but you want to sport a hairstyle like Leonardo DiCaprio?

Well, there is a possible solution. Male pattern hair loss is common amongst men but its treatment is not. You can use medications such as Propecia which enables you to regrow hair and stop current hair loss. Let us have a look at how this medication can help you have great hair and make you look like a celebrity.

Propecia

Finasteride, commercially marketed as Propecia, is a drug, which combats hair loss in men. This drug has been approved by the FDA. It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). With reduced levels of DHT, hair loss slows down, and at times, is even reversed. If you are taking this drug, you may experience side effects such as decrease in sex drive, loss of libido, reduced sensitivity on sexual organs and decrease in volume of semen. People, who are suffering from prostate cancer, or have any kind of drug allergies, should avoid taking it. Always consult a doctor before using it. You too can  look like a celebrity and sport a sexy hairstyle and all it takes is a little effort.

How do you measure obesity?

Have you ever wondered how obesity is measured? You have probably heard that accumulation of excess body fat causes an overweight or obese condition. But to what extent can body fat be a quantifiable parameter for clinically defining obesity?

For doctors worldwide, the primary tool to measure an overweight or obese condition is body mass index (BMI). The  score depends on your height and body weight. So the next time you hear someone talking about a BMI calculator, you should know that the topic of discussion is  regarding being overweight or obese.

The standard formula to calculate BMI is 703 times your body weight (in pounds) divided by your height in inches squared. Let's say your body weight is 190 pounds and height is 5' 9 ”. So your  score will be 28. It is calculated as under:

• Weight (lbs)*703 / height2 (in inches)
• 190*703 / (70.8)2 = 26..64 (27 round off)

For a person to be considered within the normal-weight range, his/her score must be under 25. A  score between 25 and 29.9 is considered to be overweight while 30 or beyond is obese. Recently, some more categories have been made to define different types of obesity. For example, class I obesity refers to a  score between 30 and 34.9. If your BMI is between 35 and 39.9, you will be classified as a class II obese person. Morbid obesity refers to a weight-related condition in which an individual's  score is above 40.

If you carefully examine the formula that calculates your body mass index, you will be able to understand that the risk of an individual becoming overweight depends on his/her body weight. This is because your height is not supposed to change within a short period of time. The only variable that can change is your weight. So BMI is considered to be a reliable statistical measurement for clinical obesity treatment.

Now that you understand how obesity is related to BMI, let's look at the options you have to treat obesity. A very good choice at hand, probably one of the most widely used is taking Xenical orlistat slimming pills. They have been doing fairly well for individuals with a  score of 27 or more. This fat blocking pill can help you reduce body fat by preventing 30% of the total dietary fat from being digested. Dietary fat is the carbohydrate and fat you take-in through food. Xenical pills are not diet pills as  they do not act as appetite suppressants or dietary substitutes.

You need to talk to a doctor if you want to buy Xenical. It is available only on prescription; so beware of counterfeit pills available on unauthorised websites. Check out if the online clinic offers medical consultation before dishing out Xenical to its customers.

Monitor your body mass on a regular basis as soon as you notice excess fat deposition in your body. Before or after weight loss treatment, you can keep monitoring body mass index every 15 days to keep track of your progress. It is reported that an individual with class I obesity can lose up to 10-12 pounds of body fat with Xenical in 3-4 months. But to make it happen, you need to exercise regularly and eat moderately.

Androgenic alopecia fact sheet

Male pattern hair loss, medically known as androgenic alopecia, is the most common type of baldness millions of men experience. It does not happen overnight; it may take you 2-5 years to notice that half of your scalp hair is gone. While there is no complete cure, you can prevent your head from balding with proper and timely treatment. Talking of treatment and there is Propecia finasteride – one of the most sought after FDA-approved medicines to prevent androgenic alopecia and in some cases, to stimulate new hair growth. You can buy Propecia online from the comfort of your home and stop losing your locks to this genetic and hormonally induced condition.

Your baldness in depth

Every day you lose up to 100 hair daily out of 100,000 to 150,100 hair strands. This hair fall is normal as every two to six years, the hair finishes its growth and resting cycle and reaches its shedding phase. The reason men suffering from male pattern baldness lose more hair than normal is that their follicles become sensitive to a hormone commonly known as DHT. This hormone is medically known as dihydrotestosterone. When your hair follicles become sensitive because of age, hormonal changes or any other factors, you experience hair loss.

How to keep the follicles alive

If you know how to keep your hair follicles alive, you are well on the road to stop male pattern hair loss from occurring. One prescription medication, Propecia, which contains a chemical ingredient known as finasteride can help to avoid further shrinking of hair follicles because of DHT and can also help in reviving hair follicles that have already shrunk. Finasteride basically inhibits the level of DHT and help in stopping hair loss and in hair re-growth.

Spot the pattern

Unless and until you don't know if your hair loss is because of male pattern baldness or some other reason, there are less chances of you seeking a treatment. Therefore, the first step is to understand the pattern of your hair loss. If you see bald spots in the middle part of your head and then from the crown and the sides, eventually which might lead to or has already led to an 'M' or horseshoe shaped bald area – you are suffering male pattern baldness. It is advisable to start treatment well before the 'M' shape is formed.

Genetic factors

Sometimes, DHT is not solely to be blamed for your hair loss. It can also be genetic in nature. Most scientists agree that hair loss in inherited from mother's side of the family, though it has not been established.

Propecia at rescue

The good thing about Propecia is that it can not only help you to stop further hair loss but also reverse it. More than 90% men have experienced benefits and claimed that their hair loss is stopped within just a couple of months. 60% men have claimed to see new hair growth where they had totally lost hope. This drug is not only very effective but also safe with only 2% men saying they experienced side effects. These side effects too are not very serious and reversible in nature.

Symptoms of genital herpes

Genital herpes is  a sexually transmitted disease, which is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2. Many people infected with this virus do not see any noticeable symptoms. Usually, blisters around the rectum and genitals are the first and most common signs of this genital infection. These blisters become dry and break out after a while and are replaced by ulcers, which can last for about a month during the first outbreak, which is generally the most painful time to get through. Outbreaks, which occur after the first one, are relatively less severe and manageable. Although, this infection can be treated, it cannot be cured.

Symptoms of genital herpes

Generally, you can see the first symptoms in the form of development of blisters within 4 to 7 days after sexual intercourse or skin to skin contact with an infected person. Small blisters or ulcers, which are 1 to 3 millimeters in length and look like cabbage, develop on the infected area, which is generally the genital area. Infections caused by herpes are generally painless but they are very tender. The common symptoms of genital herpes are as follows:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Mild or severe headaches
• Painful urination
• Swollen lymph nodes in the groin

Symptoms in women

In women, ulcers are located around the vagina, and sometimes in it. This may cause great discomfort. Blisters may be found on the anus as well. Many women experience minor problems in the vagina from time to time. Vaginal discharge is generally the first sign of a genital infection amongst females. Other symptoms of female genital herpes, such as frequent urination and a burning feeling at the time of urination, may be observed as well.

Symptoms in men

In men, sores are located on or around the penis. Painful urination is a common symptom of genital herpes. Male genital herpes is less common than female genital herpes. This is because the makeup of female genitalia encourages bacterial formation by giving it a warm and wet environment.

Treatment for genital herpes

If you are suffering from genital herpes, you can treat it by using effective medication. Famvir and Valtrex are the two most effective medications that are widely used by people to treat genital herpes symptoms. These medications, apart from being effective in cold sores treatments, can help you manage and shorten the duration of herpes outbreaks.

Valtrex tablets

Valacyclovir is commercially sold as Valtrex, which is active against the herpes virus. Valtrex tablets work  by blocking the replication of the herpes virus in the body. Valtrex is not the active drug by itself. It is only a prodrug, and is converted to acyclovir when it enters the body.

Famvir tablets

Famvir is an antiviral medication, which slows down the growth and reduces the severity of the herpes virus. While this medication is amongst the most effective ones to treat herpes, you should note that herpes cannot be fully cured, it can only be treated. Famvir tablets help in treatment of genital herpes, if taken as prescribed.

Is impotence making your sex life difficult?

Erection problems can affect the sex life of a man in a big way. And the most feared of them is erectile dysfunction (ED), commonly known as male impotence. The very term impotence carries an uneasy feeling about it – it immediately sets you apart from men who are 'potent'. If diagnosed with ED, your sex life can fall apart unless you do something about it. It is estimated that many men in the US, after coming to the brink of disaster in their personal relationships, did bring about a change in their lives with a right ED treatment. Talking of a right erectile dysfunction treatment and there's nothing better than the Viagra blue pill, at least if you go by the phenomenal success rate associated with this Pfizer product.

Erectile dysfunction is not just YOUR problem

Despite the fact that your female partner can never experience erectile dysfunction, she can suffer from it just as much as you do. Sexual health is probably the only one health topic which involves both partners. Think about female sexual dysfunction (FSD) – the commonest sexual health problem many women experience. Can you have a fulfilling sex life when your partner is suffering from FSD? The same logic can be applied to ED also – your partner may feel denied of the pleasure and satisfaction she expects from you.

Facing the problem together

The best way to tackle impotence is to face the problem together. It means that instead of hiding from her the erection issues that are bothering you, talk to her and give her the honest impression that you are looking for a quick solution to get back to a normal sex life. It will immediately tell your partner how much you value your relationship and rest assured, you will get her complete support as you get ready for the next important step towards finding a workable solution.

Talking to a doctor

The next important step is talking to a doctor. If you want to take Viagra or another ED pill to put impotence behind, you need a prescription first. More importantly, you need to find out which pill is right for you. Your body is different from others and what might have worked for other men with ED may not work for you. So only a doctor can guide you through the right impotence treatment. You need to help the doctor by giving him an accurate picture of the erection difficulties you are facing. Also tell him if you are currently taking other medications for high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, kidney or liver problems or diabetes. What you tell your doctor will determine which dose of Viagra or another medicine he will recommend for you.

The treatment

Once you are all set to put erectile dysfunction behind and begin a new life, it's time to start the treatment you have been prescribed by your doctor. If it's Viagra, you have to take a pill 30-60 minutes before sex and you are likely to experience the effect of the medicine shortly. The effects of sildenafil lasts up to 4 hours, giving you ample time to have sex. For other impotence pills such as Cialis and Levitra, the duration of drug effects differs.

When you are taking any of the 3 common ED pills, make it a point to drink and eat sensibly for greater sexual enjoyment.

Health problems caused by obesity

Obesity is one of the growing health concerns in the UK. According to statistics, the number of overweight or obese people in the country has been increasing steadily for the past few decades and chances are fairly high that it will continue to rise in the next few years as well. While excess fat in the body looks unattractive and can have psychological impact on the individual concerned, it can also invite health conditions such as diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, heart problems, and certain types of cancer. You can dodge these risk factors by starting to eat healthy and exercise daily from today. Taking diet pills like Xenical Orlistat can also be a good choice if your doctor thinks so. But before you consider any obesity treatment, acquaint yourself with the most common risk factors for obesity.

1. Diabetes mellitus – Statistics show that obese men are twice as likely to suffer from diabetes mellitus compared to normal-weight men. Obese women face the same risk four times more than normal-weight women. In diabetes mellitus, the cells in your body cannot use insulin to convert sugar into energy. So effectively, sugar remains in the bloodstream, causing weight gain. Some experts have pointed out that a protein called resistin (secreted by the adipose tissues) may also be involved with diabetes and obesity.
2. Osteoarthritis – Excess body fat can put extra pressure on your bones and joints, which in turn, can cause osteoarthritis. If you have already undergone joint replacement therapy, complications might just stay that bit longer to create more trouble for you. Obesity and overweight conditions mainly affect weight-bearing joints in your knees. According to clinical trials, the incidence of osteoarthritis in obese or overweight people is 4-5 times more compared to normal-weight people.
3. Heart problems – You may not be able to prevent heart problems if you are genetically predisposed to them, but you surely can avoid getting a stroke if you take care of your body weight. Cardiovascular problems are among the biggest and most fatal risk factors for obesity. Any obesity treatment regime takes into consideration the patient's medical history with regard to heart conditions. The main link between the 2 conditions is what you eat on a regular basis. Stopping by your favourite fast-food joint en route to home every alternate day does not augur well as far as fat intake is concerned. If you eat more fat than your body can burn, the excess amount is likely to get stored in the adipose tissues. Xenical is particularly effective in dealing with excess body fat. But you have to eat moderate amount of fatty foods to let orlistat work best for you.
4. Cancer – Last but not the least, obesity can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, including breast, kidney, esophagus, and colon. Some studies have also found out that obese people are more at risk of suffering from cancers of gallbladder, pancreas and ovaries, compared to their normal-weight counterparts.

If you decide to cut down on your body weight, it's better to talk to a doctor and discuss a long-term weight loss plan. Avoid taking slimming pills at random, because doing so may not give you the results you are looking for.

Genital Herpes - Risk Factors and Treatment

There are at least twenty five different types of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) found so far and chlamydia is reported to be the most common among them. Genital herpes comes 10th in the list of common STDs, preceded by HIV and followed by hepatitis. Despite the lower rank, this viral STD is among the most feared genital infections because it has no complete cure. Caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), herpes infection can be of 2 primary types – cold sores and genital herpes. Cold sores is generally caused by HSV-1 while genital herpes is transmitted mainly by HSV-2.

Herpes has always drawn a lot of medical attention, perhaps more than chlamydia or some of the other STDs, because of the interesting nature of the virus that causes it. The herpes simplex virus can be transmitted from one individual to another through sex or any kind of physical contact. The infection is very contagious and even safe sex does not fully guarantee prevention. Basically there are two major challenges when it comes to dealing with genital herpes. First, you can be unaware of the fact that you carry the virus in your body. Second, you can unknowingly transmit the virus to your partner at the time of sexual intimacy. The second concern is very real and can be difficult to prevent. You need not suffer from an active herpes outbreak to transmit the virus. Even when you do not have any visible symptoms of herpes, it is possible for the virus latent in the cell bodies to transmit to your partner.

The good news is that strong antiviral medications such as Valtrex and Famvir can give you relief from the immediate as well as long-term complications of genital herpes. Valtrex is the only proven drug to reduce the risk of herpes transmission between sexually active partners. Famvir, on the other hand, can help you fight recurrent herpes outbreaks quickly and without much pain.

The basic purpose of antiviral genital herpes treatment is to help patients live with the virus, for there is no way to cure herpes completely. Both Valtrex and Famvir can do it and do it well enough to earn the trust of many doctors worldwide. If your immune system is healthy and if you do not suffer from kidney problems, the once-daily Valtrex dose can make sure you don't suffer from recurrent herpes outbreaks. Similarly taking just 4 Famvir tablets (first 2 within 6 hours from an outbreak and the next 2 after 12 hours) can shorten the duration of genital herpes symptoms and give you fast relief. But to find out which medicine you should take, you have to talk to a doctor. Both drugs are available only on prescription.

More than 30,000 people had their first herpes attacks in 2009, according to statistics given by different GUM clinics in the UK. The rate at which genital herpes is spreading in the country is quite alarming and to pull the graph down, everyone should be aware of its dangers and risk factors and act on according to expert advice.