Erectile Dysfunction Medications

Drug therapy for erectile dysfunction was revolutionized with the introduction of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Until this time it was either a matter of luck with intraurethral alprostadil or a painful and risky procedure of intracavernosal injection with drugs like alprostadil and papaverine. The current treatment approaches primarily revolve around the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors like sildenafil.

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors

Sildenafil, taladafil and vardenafil are the selective PDE-5 inhibitors currently available commercially. All are prescription medicines in the United States and are available as oral tablets. The cyclic-GMP PDE-5 enzyme is believed to be the primary type of phosphodiesterase enzyme present in the cavernosal tissue of the penis. Sexual stimulation leads to increased levels of GMP in the cavernosal tissue of the penis. Cyclic GMP is a muscle relaxing chemical which allows for increased blood flow to the penis and filling of the corpora cavernosa.

continue reading Erectile Dysfunction Treatment (Drugs and Remedies)

Testosterone is the most abundant male sex hormone (androgen) circulating in the body. It is mainly formed in the testes although androgens from the adrenal glands can also be converted into testosterone. This hormone is essential for the development of the male sex organs in the fetal stage and subsides a few months after birth. Throughout childhood boys have almost no testosterone secretion until the Leydig cells of the testes becomes active again and starts producing large amounts of the hormone. This accounts for the further development of primary sexual characteristics and the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics in males.

continue reading Low Male Hormones – Hypogonadism, Delayed Puberty (Men, Boys)

What is spermatogenesis?

Spermatogeneis is the process of sperm production and involves several steps that leads to the differentiation of cells into functioning sperm cells (spermatozoa). The process occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testes (testicles). Sperm should be differentiated from the semen which is ejaculated with sexual intercourse. Semen is composed of sperm with fluid from the vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and other accessory glands.

continue reading Sperm Production (Spermatogenesis), Parts, Quantity and Motility

What are the Androgens?

The male sex hormones are collectively known as androgens. The most abundant of these hormones is testosterone and it is therefore considered as the main male sex hormone. However there are several other male hormones that are secreted by the testes (testicles). All androgens are steroids hormones.

Male sex hormones are also present in females but in much smaller concentrations. These is due to androgens secreted by the adrenal glands in both genders and ovaries in females. Male sex hormones are responsible for the male sexual characteristics – a gruff voice, chest and facial hair and larger muscle mass.

continue reading Male Hormones (Androgens) Testosterone, DHT, Andro, DHEA