Yoga or Viagra?

Posted September 26, 2009 23:54:00

Tristan Choa

Philippine Daily Inquirer

IT goes by many descriptions: a lift off, getting a flag ceremony, awakening the one-eyed monster, and so on. To be sure, an erection by any other name.

Long the pre-occupation of men especially as they grow older, that centerfold of masculinity took centerstage in March 1998 when Viagra made its debut in the world. Aimed primarily at men over 50 who have erectile dysfunction (ED), Viagra became the wonder drug of the hour as sales went through the roof. Within three months of its introduction, more than two million prescriptions were being written out for the $10 blue pill in the United States. It was an indication that many men, not prone to openly discussing mature sexuality issues (or any emotional issue for that matter), had a problem and wanted an immediate solution.

Viagra also focused on the nature of the problem.

Erectile Dysfunction is the partial or total inability to produce an erection or to sustain one hard or long enough to complete intercourse. Men tend to stop at “I can’t get it up.”

Men need to know that the penis does two things: it releases urine and it releases sperm and seminal fluid. The latter case involves a three-step process: (1) man is sexually aroused; (2) the penis responds by becoming erect; and (3) sustained penile stimulation leads to ejaculation. It is sufficient blood flow to the arteries in the penis that allows the organ to get stiff. ED, at whatever age, is an indication that blood isn’t flowing into the right arteries (i.e. step 2 becomes problematic, thus making step 3 impossible). In many cases, something is wrong with the pipes (arteries), and in far fewer cases, with the pump (heart). Viagra facilitates the opening of constricted arteries to allow the penis to become erect.

This said, men also need to know that plumbing issues aside, ED can also be caused by a number of other factors (see “It’s not her, it’s you,” page 6). In general, ED is a tell-tale sign that a man’s overall health is not the best. ED is only one symptom of a likely larger health issue, and a re-examination of one’s lifestyle is in order. This means proper nutrition and exercise. It’s not as quick a fix as vitamin V, but its effects are far more encompassing.

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