Instead of Viagra . . .

Men wanting to avoid the risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED) should take care of their cardiovascular system, in the first instance. A new study has suggested another, more specific, approach towards prevention. Published in the American Journal of Medicine, it reports the analysis of data from 989 Finnish men aged 55 to 75.

The men were asked about their frequency of sexual intercourse and whether they suffered from ED. They were then classified according to the intercourse frequency – less than once a week, up to twice a week, and three or more times a week. ED was reported in 7.9% of those in the first group, 3.2% of those in the middle group, and 1.6% of those in the third (most frequent) group. As one of the investigators stated, “Regular intercourse has an important role in preserving erectile function among elderly men . . .”

For those men with ED who are unwilling to take prescription medication and who are wary of online “pharmacies” offering effective “cures”, a report from Texas A&M’s Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Station may offer a natural approach. A press release from the Station describes the potential benefits of watermelon in the body. Dr Bhimu Patil cites the phytonutrients that are found in watermelons – they include lycopene, beta carotene, and citrulline – which all have the ability to relax blood vessels, much like Viagra does. Citrulline is converted to arginine in the body, and this substance can boost nitric oxide, the ‘messenger’ for relaxing blood vessels.

Not surprisingly, this press release engendered a great deal of public interest, but medical scientists are quite skeptical. No clinical studies have been reported, and the mechanism of action of the quoted ingredients has been challenged. Dr Patil has apologized for the exaggerated press release and its timing (the release was issued just before the Fourth of July, a traditional day for eating melons). And there’s another missing part of the construct: no studies have shown that boosting arginine is able to promote erections.

Anyhow, there are other lifestyle changes that can help with ED. Lose weight, stop smoking, take a nutritious diet, drink less alcohol, and take plenty of exercise.