A to Z of Medical Conditions

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How can I support my partner who has ED? Experts reveal everything you need to know about ED medication

The term used for these symptoms is Erectile Dysfunction (ED), or impotence. ED has occurred when a man is unable to become erect, either fully or partly and maintain this for long enough to complete a sexual act such as intercourse. Sometimes it happens only once, or it can be sporadic.

ED can be distressing to men and can have a negative impact on self-esteem and relationships however ED is usually nothing to worry about and there are several ways to effectively manage and treat ED which are cost effective and safe.  Some treatments are more suitable for some men than others, but there are several licensed treatment options available in the UK which are usually effective and the problem often goes away.

Here, the experts at Chemist Click discuss ED, what it is, the treatment options for your partner, and how to talk to them about it.

What Causes ED?

Causes can be psychological or physical. Psychological factors such as stress and anxiety are common contributors to ED in addition to poor lifestyle choices such as drinking, smoking and lack of sleep but these can be resolved with changes in attitude and approach and talking therapies. Men who are commonly affected by ED should seek medical advice as this could be a sign of an underlying health condition.

Although ED is not something that happens to all men as they get older, many of the physical underlying causes of ED become more common with increasing age. Underlying health conditions such as; heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, neurological conditions and obesity can lead to ED. 

Treatments for ED

One form of ED treatment is oral medicines, the most common, are phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE 5) inhibitors which work by relaxing the blood vessels that feed into the penis, and blocking out any anti-relaxant substances found in the penis temporarily, thus maintaining an erection for longer.

The most common treatments for ED are:

Sildenafil (Viagra)

Tadalafil (Cialis)

Vardenafil (Levitra)

These medications all work similarly to each other however there are subtle differences in how long they take to work and remain effective for. More than 66% of men report having improved erections after taking one of these tablets.

About the Tablets

Sildenafil is the generic version of Viagra and comes in three strengths. The recommended dose is one 50mg tablet 30-60 minutes before sexual activity with the effects lasting for up to four hours. Sildenafil is available over the counter at some UK pharmacies however it can be more cost effective to order through a registered online pharmacy. Most common side effects are headache and nausea, indigestion, blurred vision, hot flushes and dizziness. It is important to know that many men have no side effects or only mild ones.  You should not take sildenafil if you also take nitrates as medication and should seek medical advice if you are unsure.

Tadalafil is the generic form of the treatment Cialis and they work in the same way. Tadalafil comes in tablet form in 2.5mg and 5mg (which can be taken daily for a continuous effect) or 10mg and 20mg which can be taken 30 minutes before sexual activity and can last for up to 36 hours and although it is slightly costlier than Viagra it is more useful if you have a more active sex life. It can be taken 30 minutes before sexual activity and the effects will last much longer than Viagra. Tadalafil will be less effective when alcohol is in the body and should not be mixed with any other ED medication. Tadalafil can cause side effects, however, many people are not affected by them. Common side effects include head, back and muscle aches, hot flushes and indigestion. 

Levitra contains vardenafil, and is known to be as effective as Viagra, taking 30-60 minutes to work but known to have less side effects and last longer. The general dosage is one tablet 25-60 minutes before sexual activity but these tablets are the more expensive of the three. As with all ED treatments, there are some side effects such as headaches, dizziness and hot flushing however most of the effects are mild.

Sildenafil and Tadalafil tablets are the most cost effective treatments available but it is important both to note that these tablets do not increase sex drive and only work with sexual stimulation.

How can I support my partner who has ED?

  1. Be patient

ED is frustrating for many reasons, and of course not just for your partner but also for you. However, getting upset, angry or frustrated will not help things in any way and will only push your partner further away from you and it could also cause friction or resentment within the relationship. Try to be patient, if ED happens during sex, try to remember how this must make him feel and offer advice or perhaps opt for non-penetrative sex, there are many other ways to reach climax without having vaginal sex.

  • Keep communication open

Communication is key with ED and the best way to get through it is to talk as much as possible and keep things as open as possible between you both. If you are open and honest with each other chances are you will be able to pin point the root of the problem more easily, and find the right treatment options. Try to keep one night a week free where you try to have penetrative sex, and if it doesn’t work then take the time afterwards to lie with each other and talk to remain close, rather than just rolling over and being frustrated.

  • Discuss treatment options together

Discussing the various treatment options is a good way to try and decipher what will work best for the both of you. As discussed above, there are a few different medications your partner can try and researching them both together will allow you to better understand ED and your partner will feel more supported.

  • Explore other ways to be intimate

Of course there are many other ways to seek pleasure with one another that does not involve penetrative sex or the need for an erect penis. Explore what you both like and what turns you on and try and introduce non penetrative ways to reach climax, such as foreplay or oral sex. Investing in sex toys is also a good idea, there are many to choose from and a few of them your partner will be able to use on you which will boost his self-esteem and allow him to help you finish without the need for his penis.

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Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

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Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) is an etiologically heterogeneous syndrome predominantly characterized by acute inflammation of the optic nerve (optic neuritis, ON) and the spinal cord (myelitis).[ Episodes of ON and myelitis can be simultaneous or successive. A relapsing disease course is common, especially in untreated patients. In more than 80% of cases, NMO is caused by immunoglobulin G autoantibodies to aquaporin 4 (anti-AQP4), the most abundant water channel protein in the central nervous system. A subset of anti-AQP4-negative cases is associated with antibodies to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (anti-MOG). Rarely, NMO may occur in the context of other autoimmune diseases (e.g. connective tissue disorders, paraneoplastic syndromes) or infectious diseases. In some cases, the etiology remains unknown (idiopathic NMO).

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and NMO can be similar in clinical and radiological presentation, and MS may very rarely present with an NMO-like phenotype (e.g. in patients with long-standing MS resulting in confluent spinal cord lesions mimicking the long spinal cord lesions typically seen in MS). In consequence, NMO was wrongly considered a clinical variant of MS in the past. However, NMO is not caused by MS in the vast majority of cases but differs from MS substantially in terms of pathogenesis, clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid findings, disease course and prognosis.

Posted on A to Z of Medical Conditions

Are Over-The-Counter Sinus Medicines More Effective Than Treatments?

Whether you are experiencing your first episode of sinus pain or are a frequent sufferer, you may wonder if over-the-counter options are an effective way to treat this condition. While over-the-counter options can provide some relief, to truly put a stop to sinus pain and chronic sinusitis, you need to speak with a doctor. Experienced ear, nose & throat specialists, such as those at the Hudson Valley Sinus Center, can effectively diagnose and treat your condition.

Lifestyle Changes Can Ease Symptoms

You don’t always need to head to the drugstore to find relief for your sinus pain and pressure. While lifestyle recommendations will not offer a cure, they can relieve discomfort. In some cases, the sinus issue may resolve without further treatment.

Warm, moist air can provide relief from sinus pain. There are a few ways you can do this. You can take a hot shower, sit in a bathroom with the door shut and the shower running until it gets steamy, or drape a towel over your head and bend over a sink of warm water. The warm, moist air may be enough to allow some drainage of your sinuses, which can provide pain relief.

Staying well hydrated helps to thin the mucus that is blocking your nasal passages and can encourage drainage. It can be a challenge to force yourself to drink water when you don’t feel well, but it can make a huge difference.

Applying a warm rag to your face, covering your nose and cheeks, can provide some temporary relief from the pain and pressure of sinusitis. Lying down with your head elevated while doing so can encourage drainage.

The Problem With Over-the-Counter Treatments

There are a variety of over-the-counter medications that may provide some relief for your pain. Some, like saline nose sprays, have no real downside, but others may slow the healing process. It is important to use good judgment when using any over-the-counter remedy. If you are not feeling better within a few days, or you begin to feel worse, you should visit a doctor.

Saline nose spray does not contain any actual medication. It is a saline solution that you can use to thin nasal secretions, making it easier for them to drain. A neti pot can provide similar relief. You can use it to rinse the nasal cavity, providing temporary relief. It is important to always use distilled water when using a neti pot to prevent the introduction of bacteria into your nasal cavity.

Over-the-counter medications used to treat sinusitis fall may include decongestants, antihistamines, and pain relievers. Decongestants narrow blood vessels. This helps reduce inflammation in the nasal cavities, which can make it easier for your sinuses to drain.

Decongestants are available as nasal sprays or drops and as oral medications. Decongestant nasal sprays and drops can cause rebound congestion if used for more than a few days. It is important to follow the label directions when using these medications. Rebound congestion can lead to swelling in the nasal cavity that creates more discomfort than what you initially experienced. Oral decongestants provide longer-lasting relief than nasal sprays, but there are more side effects associated with oral medications.

Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen help ease pain caused by the buildup of pressure in the sinus cavities. They don’t improve drainage, but they can ease discomfort enough to help you rest.

If your sinusitis is triggered by allergies, you may benefit from taking an antihistamine. These medications dry out the mucous membrane, but they can also lead to thickening of the mucous, which makes drainage more difficult. Antihistamines are most effective when used before sinusitis develops.

What Type of Treatment Can a Doctor Provide?

As you can see, over-the-counter medications only target the symptoms of sinusitis, they don’t provide treatment. The body may fight off the sinusitis on its own, and over-the-counter medications and lifestyle remedies may enable you to be more comfortable while doing so. If you have recurrent issues with your sinuses, you may want to speak with a doctor about treatment options. There are many very effective sinus treatments available.

If your sinus issues are caused by allergies, visiting an ear, nose & throat specialist, such as the Hudson Valley Sinus Center, for allergy testing followed by prescription medication or immunotherapy may be enough to prevent a recurrence. For other causes of sinusitis, you may benefit from balloon sinus dilation, endoscopic surgery, ClariFix, or other surgical procedure. You will want to discuss the various options with your treatment provider to determine the best choice for your particular case.

The first line of treatment will likely be some combination of prescription medications, such as antibiotics and nasal steroids. If this does not resolve the issue, or if you continue to experience sinus issues, you may be a candidate for surgical intervention. Chronic sinusitis is generally defined as someone who experiences inflammation in the sinus cavity for at least three months.

ClariFix uses cold therapy to stop particular nerves from sending messages that create swelling, postnasal drip, and other sinus issues. It is a minimally-invasive procedure and can treat problems that develop when the nasal cavities are chronically inflamed.

Balloon sinus dilation is an excellent choice for many people who suffer from chronic sinusitis. It is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery and can be performed without the use of general anesthesia. This allows for a quick return to everyday function.

Endoscopic sinus surgery uses an endoscope, which is a tiny camera and light, to visualize the sinus area. Blockages can then be quickly and easily removed, whether they are the result of polyps, natural blockages or scar tissue.

You don’t have to live with chronic sinusitis. There are many very effective treatment options available. Consulting with an experienced ear, nose & throat specialist to get an accurate diagnosis and discuss treatment options can greatly enhance your quality of life.

Posted on A to Z of Medical Conditions

What Are The Signs & Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease?

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Does your vertigo last anywhere from 20 minutes to 24 hours? Do you feel you have suffered from hearing loss, tinnitus, or a fullness in your ear?

These are common symptoms of Meniere’s Disease.

Meniere’s Disease is considered an autoimmune condition. To get to the root of the problem the immune system has to be looked at! You must determine what is causing the immune system to attack self tissue instead of foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. I

n this video, Dr. Scott discusses Meniere’s disease as well as how it causes dizziness and vertigo. Listen in to find out more!