Categories
Sexual Health

Viagra® (Sildenafil) For Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Effectiveness & Where To Buy Viagra In Singapore

Viagra®, also sometimes known as “the little blue pill”, is the most famous name in treating erectile dysfunction (ED). It was the first oral pill to treat ED and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998.

In this article, we share more on how Viagra® works to treat ED, potential side effects, Viagra® alternatives, and the safest way to obtain Viagra® in Singapore.

What Is Viagra®? 

Viagra® is a brand-name prescription drug that’s approved to treat ED. With ED, you are unable to get or keep an erection firm enough for sex.

Viagra® is often mentioned alongside a drug called Sildenafil / Generic Sildenafil. While these two medications might have different names, they contain the same ingredient and work exactly the same. In comparison with Viagra®, generic sildenafil is much more affordable and wouldn’t burn a hole in your wallet.

How Does Viagra® Help To Treat Erectile Dysfunction?

An erection occurs when nerves in your penis are stimulated. This results in muscles around the penis, known as the corpora cavernosa, to relax and allow blood to flow in, causing an erection. 

Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra®, is a PDE-5 inhibitor that works by relaxing the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow into your penis when you get aroused to create and sustain an erection. 

Viagra® helps you get hard. If you often find yourself climaxing too fast, you may have premature ejaculation (PE), which is treated with a different medication.

How Effective Is Viagra®?

In multiple clinical studies, between 43% and 83% of men who took Viagra® had improved erections (these success rates varied depending on the cause of their ED and the dosage of Viagra® being used).

How Long Does Viagra® Last?

According to Viagra®’s FDA label, the drug can help to produce an erection up to 4 hours after pill-talking but its effects usually start to taper off after 2-3 hours. 

As you get older, your metabolism slows down. Hence, some people notice Viagra® works for a longer period as they age. 

Can you climax more than once with Viagra?

Viagra® may not work again immediately after ejaculation. Your stamina, natural refractory period, and level of arousal are just some factors that can determine how many times you’ll be able to come before the medication wears off.

How To Take Viagra®?

Viagra® may be taken anywhere from 30 – 60 minutes before sexual activity. This is the average time needed for Viagra® to start working, but in some cases it can take up to 2 hours to work. 

Do not take Viagra® more than once a day or the dose prescribed for you.

How To Take Viagra® For Best Results?

Viagra® works best when taken in the right conditions. Below are some tips that you can use to take Viagra® more effectively and get the best possible results from each blue pill:

  1. Eat a light meal beforehand

Viagra® does not need to be taken with food to work. However, a light meal can help to prevent indigestion/stomach upset!

Avoid large meals and high-fat foods (eg. fried, greasy food) before taking Viagra®. The fat in the meal can potentially delay the absorption of Viagra® in your body, meaning it may take longer to take effect. 

Had a large meal? Wait a couple of hours to allow enough time for digestion before taking Viagra®.

  1. Try to relax

If you feel anxious, nervous, depressed, or stressed, your body may not respond well to sexual stimulation. If this is the case, try to relax, make yourself comfortable, and give yourself time for the medication to work! Viagra® usually starts to work within 30-60 minutes. You may take it up to 4 hours before sexual activity.

  1. Get in the mood

Viagra® will not work if you are not sexually aroused! Try giving each other a sensual massage or taking a warm bath together. Extend your foreplay, and you may even want to try role-playing to shake things up a little!

  1. Avoid alcoholic drinks after taking

Alcohol can decrease blood flow to your penis, making Viagra® less effective and shorter-lasting. 

Also, Viagra® can lower blood pressure. Combining it with alcohol can increase this effect. If your blood pressure drops, symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and headache could also hinder your hard-on and mood.

Potential Side Effects Of Viagra®

Viagra® is generally safe when taken under the advice and supervision of a medical professional. According to the NHS, most men have no side effects or only minor ones. 

Mild side effects

Common side effects include:

  • Headaches are mostly mild and go away quickly with rest. If the headache is bothersome, take paracetamol painkillers that can be purchased over-the-counter. 
  • Facial flushing where the skin on your face feels hot. Open a window, turn on a fan or lie down and rest to cool down if flushing occurs.
  • Indigestion or stomach pain. Take with a light meal if Viagra® causes stomach upset. However, do note that food can delay the absorption of the medication, meaning it may take longer for Viagra® to work. 
  • Stuffy nose.
  • Visual disturbances (eg. blurring of vision, blue tinge in vision).

Common side effects typically go away over time as you adjust to the medication. If you experience any of the above, keep taking the medicine, but tell your doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Viagra® are rare, but they can occur. Stop your medication and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Chest pain. 
  • Allergic reaction. Symptoms can include swelling of the face, eyes, lips or tongue, difficulty in breathing, or itchy skin rashes over your whole body. 
  • Priapism, a prolonged and sometimes painful erection that lasts more than 4 hours.
  • Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.
  • Sudden hearing decrease or loss. May also involve other symptoms, such as tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in ears) or dizziness.

Alternative ED Pills To Viagra®

While Viagra® is considered to be the most common medication for ED, there are quite a few on the market. They all work the same — improve blood flow to the penis so that you can have and keep an erection long enough to have sex, but can differ in the cost, how fast they start working and how long their effects last. 

ED PillsCharacteristics
Viagra® (Sildenafil)– Taken prior to sexual activity
– Onset: 30-60 minutes
– Duration: 4-5 hours
Generic Sildenafil– Taken prior to sexual activity
– Onset: 30-60 minutes
– Duration: 4-5 hours
Spedra® (Avanafil)– Taken prior to sexual activity
– Onset: 15-30 minutes
– Duration: 6-12 hours
Cialis® (Tadalafil) – 20mg– Taken prior to sexual activity
– Onset: 30-45 minutes
– Duration: 24-36 hours
Levitra® (Vardenafil)– Taken prior to sexual activity
– Onset: 30-60 minutes
– Duration: 4-5 hours
Cialis® (Tadalafil)5mg– Taken daily
– Onset: Continuous
– Duration: Continuous
ED drugs: How soon they start working and how long they last

How And Where To Get Viagra® In Singapore?

The only (safest and legal) way to get Viagra® (Sildenafil) or other ED pills in Singapore is with a valid prescription from a Singapore licensed doctor.

ED pills may result in harmful physical reactions if they are not taken in the right dose, if you have certain medical conditions, or if you’re on certain medication. As such, it is important for a doctor to access your health condition before he/she can deem your suitability for Viagra® and at what dose.

Avoid counterfeit viagra

Oral medications for ED are among the most counterfeited medications in the world. A Straits Times article in 2014 reported that 11 men in Singapore have died after taking illicit sex drugs.

Never buy medication for ED from unauthorised sellers or if the medication is of unknown origin. These illegal products have no guarantee on the contents, efficacy, safety and quality. So you actually have no idea whether the pill will work or worse, if the pill will harm you. 

Where to get a doctor’s prescription for Viagra®?

A Viagra® prescription can be obtained from a General Practitioner (GP) or urologist (private and public sector). However, talking about our issues in bed may be a little awkward, and having to make a trip down to the clinic deters most men from seeking the help they need. 

With Arx — a MOH-approved digital health & wellness clinic for men, you can get a personalized ED treatment prescribed by a SG licensed doctor online and delivered discreetly to your home at $0. Simply start by answering some questions on your lifestyle, symptoms and medical history. 

The Bottomline

If ED is affecting your relationship, sex life or self-esteem, it is best to seek help from a medical professional. They’ll help you find the solution that’s right for you, and potentially catch other health problems before they become severe.

At Arx, we believe in empowering men with access, choice and knowledge to navigate health issues that matter. We provide affordable access to ED treatments, delivered conveniently to your door in discreet packaging to ensure your health remains confidential.

References

Categories
Sexual Health

What Your Morning Boner Says About Your Health

Many men find that as the sun rises, so do their dicks. This phenomenon is normal and often known as “morning boner”, or more scientifically, “nocturnal penile tumescence”. But what if your penis is still dozing when you’re up? Should this be a cause for concern?

What is Morning Boner?

Morning boner, scientifically termed as “nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT)” or “involuntary sleep-related erections (SREs)”, refers to when a male wakes up to an erect penis. This occurs in men of all ages, although it is most common among younger men. In fact, infants and children experience it too. What’s even more surprising and interesting is that even male fetuses in the womb get erections!

A healthy man is estimated to experience between 3 to 5 erections during a full night’s sleep (8 hours), with each erection lasting for 25 to 35 minutes. These erections occur during a sleep stage known as Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, which is the period when dreams occur. The morning boner that you experience right after waking up is the last erection in the series of night-time erections.

What Causes Morning Boner?

While scientists have yet to come to an exact conclusion on what causes the morning boner, much evidence points to an interplay of three phenomenons – testosterone production, mental relaxation and physical stimulation.

1. Testosterone production

What is testosterone?

As most of you will already know, testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It plays a key role in the sexual development of men. Some of its functions are listed below:

  • Regulates sex drive or libido
  • Controls sperm production
  • Responsible for the growth and development of the testes, penis, and prostate gland
  • Responsible for the development and maintenance of secondary male sexual characteristics, causing an increase in height, and body and pubic hair as boys transition to men during puberty

Testosterone levels are highest during sleep

So, what happens to testosterone levels through the night? When you fall asleep, testosterone levels rise, peaking when you transition from non-REM sleep to REM sleep state. After this, your testosterone levels remain consistently high throughout the night, including right after you wake up in the morning. The rise in testosterone levels itself may be enough to achieve an erection. 

2. Mental relaxation

A brief overview of corticosteroid hormones

Everyone experiences an adrenaline rush at some point in their lives. But what exactly is adrenaline? Well, it belongs to a group of hormones known as corticosteroids. These hormones are known for their function in producing fight-or-flight responses during times of stress or when you find yourself coming face to face with a threatening situation – be it rushing your work at the eleventh hour to meet a deadline, watching a horror movie or when you’re on a roller coaster. 

Corticosteroid hormones levels fluctuate according to your sleep-wake cycle

When you’re awake, your body naturally produces corticosteroid hormones, including adrenaline. These hormones constrict your blood vessels to the penis. Consequently, less blood reaches your penis, keeping your penis in a flaccid state for most periods of the day.

However, during sleep, your brain relaxes. As a result, fewer corticosteroid hormones are produced, allowing more blood to flow to your penis. This, partnered with the rise in testosterone levels as aforementioned, helps make night-time erections possible.

3. Physical stimulation

Last but not least, your morning boner can be a result of physical stimulation throughout the night. While you’re asleep, you or your partner may unknowingly touch your genitals. Your body picks up this stimulation and develops an erection in response. Even the slightest graze from your pillow or bolster can induce this response. 

What Does NOT Cause your Morning Boner

Contrary to popular beliefs, racy dreams don’t cause your morning boner. Erections are a normal part of REM sleep in males, regardless of the contents of one’s dreams.  Neither are night-time erections related to whether you had sex before going to bed or how full your bladder is. 

Your Morning Boner Indicates Good Health

Frequently waking up to a morning glory is a green flag that you’re generally healthy. It indicates that your heart, circulatory system and nervous system are in good condition. Moreover, it also indicates that your body is physiologically capable of getting and maintaining an erection. In other words, frequently getting your morning boner puts you at lower risk of physiological erectile dysfunction (ED)

What Does It Mean If You Have No Morning Boner?

If your penis still snoozing even after you’ve awakened, it may or may not be a cause for concern.

1. Age and declining testosterone levels

Firstly, testosterone levels decrease as one becomes older, especially between the ages of 40 and 50. Thus, it’s normal for older men to have fewer morning erections compared to their youthful counterparts. 

With that being said, if you’re an older man who has noticed a lack of morning boners, don’t panic about ED just yet. A study has shown that a lack of night-time boners in older men does not correlate with the inability to achieve waking erections, which means that older men can still have healthy and firm erections during normal sex. 

2. Waking up at the “wrong time”

It’s okay to not wake up with a morning boner occasionally, even if you’re young and healthy. On most mornings, you wake up at the end of a REM cycle, which explains your morning erections. However, you may also wake up at different points in your sleep cycle, such as when you’re not in REM sleep. This is especially likely if you use an alarm to wake up in the morning. 

3. Underlying medical conditions or medicines

Besides the generally harmless reasons mentioned above, your missing morning boner may be a sign of something more serious if it occurs frequently. This can be a red flag that you have an underlying medical condition and/or physical ED. 

Physical ED can be due to many medical conditions. These conditions work against your penis by blocking blood and nerve supply to your penis in one way or another, which is required for an erection. Some of the common medical conditions include:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes 
  • Overweight or obese
  • Testosterone deficiency

Furthermore, certain medications also have a role to play in preventing your member from standing in the morning. In particular, painkillers and antidepressants are common culprits of a flaccid morning penis. 

4. Poor sleep quality

A study published by The Journal Of Sexual Medication also revealed that a man’s sleep quality can affect how often he experiences night-time erections and morning boners. Your sleep quality determines how many sleep cycles you undergo, which correlates to the number of night-time erections you will have. Essentially, having poor sleep quality means that you will undergo the REM stage of sleep fewer times, leading to fewer night-time erections and a lower probability of you waking up with an erection.

Test Yourself with Postage Stamps

Yeap, you read that right. If you aren’t getting morning boners and are unsure if you’re getting night-time erections, you can use postage stamps to help you. This is known as the nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) stamp test, or simply the postage stamp test, and it is to be carried out over 3 consecutive nights. 

This test is easy to perform and doesn’t require any pesky, expensive and complicated equipment. All you need are a few postage stamps (the denominations of your stamps don’t matter) with perforated edges. If you aren’t sure what that means, stamps with perforated edges are connected by a row of small holes that allow them to be easily torn apart from each other. 

How it works

  1. Get a strip of 4 to 6 stamps per night. 
  2. Wrap the strip of stamps around the shaft of your penis. Make sure the strip of stamps is long enough so that the first and last stamps overlap. Moisten the top stamp and seal it over the bottom one, or use adhesive tape. 
  3. During an erection, not only does the penis become longer, but it also becomes thicker. 
  4. Check the strip of stamps in the morning after you wake up. If the perforations between the stamps are torn, it signals that you had at least one night-time erection. 

Don’t have any perforated stamps lying around at home?

Don’t worry about that. You can always make your own perforated “stamps” with a strip of paper and scissors. Click here to watch a video on how to DIY your own perforated “stamps”.

Disclaimer

It is possible for a male to move around during sleep in a way that causes the perforations between the stamps to tear without having a night-time erection. This results in a false positive.

Also, while the postage stamp test may tell you whether you’re having night-time erections, it doesn’t reveal anything about their qualities and durations. Hence, if you suspect that you may have ED, we advise that you consult a doctor.

When to See a Doctor

1. Sudden loss of erectile function

Once again, not having a morning boner occasionally isn’t a cause for concern. However, if you notice a sudden decrease in the frequency of your morning boner, or if you can’t get or sustain an erection during sex, you should see a doctor about it.

2. Painful erections and/or erections that don’t go away

Usually, most morning boners will subside on their own within 30 minutes. However, if your morning boner is still standing for 1 hour or longer after awakening, or if it becomes painful, something may be wrong. Contact a doctor immediately. 

Outlook

“People don’t ever realise that they take things for granted until it’s gone.” Indeed, not being greeted by the familiar morning boner upon awakening might come as a shock. While losing your morning boner occasionally is totally normal, especially as you age, losing it too often isn’t a good sign for your general and sexual health. 

If you are concerned about ED, fill in a simple questionnaire to get over with the awkward questions. We’ll then connect you with one of our friendly doctors for an online video consultation, and if prescribed, we’ll deliver your medication right to your doorstep!

References

  • Holland, K. (2018, September 17). What Causes Morning Wood? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/morning-wood. 
  • Youn, G. (2017). Why Do Healthy Men Experience Morning Erections? The Open Psychology Journal, 10(1), 49–54. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874350101710010049 
  • Sherer, D. M., Eggers, P. C., & Woods, J. R. (1990). In-utero fetal penile erection. Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, 9(6), 371–371. https://doi.org/10.7863/jum.1990.9.6.371 
  • Schiavi, R. C., & Schreiner-Engel, P. (1988). Nocturnal Penile Tumescence in Healthy Aging Men. Journal of Gerontology, 43(5), 146–150. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronj/43.5.m146 
  • Zhang, Y., Chen, S., Ma, G., Lai, Y., Yang, X., Feng, J., Zang, Z., Qi, T., Wang, B., & Ye, L. (2018). 632 Consecutive nightly recordings are required for the accurate monitoring of nocturnal erections. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 15(7), S367. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.04.539 
Categories
Hair

The Basics Of Male Pattern Baldness: Symptoms, Causes and Prevention

Is your head feeling a little empty, literally? Whether you’ve just noticed your hair thinning, or you’ve been desperately attempting to salvage and cover up your bald spots for years, hair loss can be bothersome at best, and embarrassing at worst. 

What Male Pattern Baldness Looks Like

Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common form of hair loss in men. Hair loss occurs over a period of time. 

  • It usually starts with thinning of the hair on your scalp.
  • It then evolves into a bald spot on the crown of your head and a receding hairline that resembles an “M” shape. 
  • If left untreated, it may eventually progress into partial or complete baldness.

Norwood Scale

The severity of male pattern baldness is often assessed using the Norwood Scale as shown below. 

Image credit: Medical News Today

How Much is Too Much Hair Loss?

If you’ve noticed some strands of hair lying around your floor or clogging up your bathroom drain, don’t panic or jump to conclusions immediately! It’s completely normal for you to shed some hair every day. In fact, a normal person may shed 50 to 100 strands of hair per day, and this number varies from person to person. However, if you are losing more than 100 strands of hair per day or 700 strands per week, you may want to get it checked out. 

You’re Not Alone in the Crowd

Male pattern baldness is a common phenomenon among men. In fact, a study in Singapore found that more than half of Singaporean men between 17 and 86 years of age suffer from male pattern baldness. Moreover, hair loss becomes more common with age, and about 69% of men experience some form of male pattern baldness by the time they hit their 36th birthday. 

Causes of Male Pattern Baldness

“Am I too stressed lately? Is my junk diet at blame? Or maybe I’m not eating enough nutrients?” Are these thoughts constantly running through your head as you try to pinpoint the cause of your hair loss? Well, you may be surprised to hear that the main culprit that’s stealing your hair aren’t any of those. Instead, let’s point your fingers in the right direction – unfavourable genetics and imbalanced hormones. 

Genetics

Male pattern hair loss can be hereditary, and it can be inherited from either of your parents. Some men who are extremely lucky with their genes do not experience male pattern baldness. Besides deciding your likelihood of having male pattern baldness, your family history also decides how severe your hair loss is. 

Hormones

Don’t go around lamenting about your genetics just yet! A bigger culprit may be at play – dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a male sex hormone that is usually responsible for male sex characteristics, such as the development of the male genitals, deepening of your voice, and growth of body hair. Simply put, DHT contributes to every male’s development during puberty. 

However, too much of anything isn’t going to do you any good. Excessive DHT can shrink your hair follicles, making them less conducive for supporting healthy hair growth. Furthermore, DHT messes with your hair growth cycle. Not only does this cause your hair to fall out faster, but it also causes new growing hair to be thinner and more brittle. 

Battling Hair Loss

We’re about to break to you some bad news and good news. Hold your breath – the bad news is, there’s no magical permanent cure for hair loss yet. Yikes, that sounds terrible. The good news? It’s still possible to reduce future hair loss. The sooner you act, the more hair you can preserve. After all, prevention is always better than cure, and it is more difficult to revive a hair follicle that is already “dead”. Next, let’s discuss the two most common hair loss medical treatments – minoxidil and finasteride. 

Minoxidil

A popular choice among balding men is minoxidil, which usually comes in the form of a topical solution or lotion. Applying minoxidil to your scalp can help to slow down the progression of hair loss and restore some of your hair that you thought was gone forever. 

Finasteride

Another crowd-favourite treatment option is finasteride, which comes in the form of oral tablets. Finasteride reduces the level of DHT hormones, which is the main cause of male pattern baldness. This eventually helps to reduce hair loss and possibly regrow some of your hair. 

A combination of minoxidil and finasteride

A 2015 research revealed that using a combination of both minoxidil and finasteride is more effective than using either one alone. If you are unsure about your treatment options, don’t hesitate to connect with our doctors

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait 

We’re sorry to break this to you, but hair loss treatments aren’t magical and they don’t work overnight. Worse still, there might be an initial increase in hair loss, better known as “shedding”, when you first start on medical treatment. 

However, it’s important to remember that shedding is normal and will eventually go away by itself as your body adjusts to the treatment. It’s even a good sign that your treatment is working, as shedding indicates the start of a new hair growth cycle. During shedding, your older and more brittle hair will fall out, making way for new and stronger hair to grow. Normally, shedding lasts any time between 2 to 8 weeks, although this duration may vary across different individuals. If you’re lucky, you may not even experience it! 

It may take 4 months or longer to notice an improvement in hair density. Consistency is also key when it comes to hair loss treatment; your hair loss treatment is only effective if you maintain a regular treatment schedule. 

How We Can Help 

If you can’t decide on a treatment option, or if you find trudging to the clinic and waiting for your turn way too cumbersome and time-consuming, we’re here to help you. At Arx, you simply need to fill in a short questionnaire and connect with one of our friendly doctors online. You don’t even need to step out of your house – Arx promises to deliver your medications right to your doorstep in discreet packaging. 

References

  • Ho, C. H. (2021, May 5). Androgenetic Alopecia. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430924/.
  • Tang, P. H., Chia, H. P., Cheong, L. L., & Koh, D. (2000). A Community Study of Male Androgenetic Alopecia in Bishan, Singapore. Singapore Medical Journal 2000, 41(5), 202–205.
  • Jewell, T. (2019, January 10). DHT: How It Causes Hair Loss and How to Slow It. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/dht.
  • British Association of Dermatologists. (2019). Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia).
  • Chandrashekar, B. S., Nandhini, T., Vasanth, V., Sriram, R., & Navale, S. (2015). Topical minoxidil fortified with finasteride: An account of maintenance of hair density after replacing oral finasteride. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 6(1), 17–20. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.148925.
Categories
Hair

Tips for Healthier And Stronger Hair In Men

Getting strong and healthy hair isn’t tough at all; it can be achieved by tweaking your daily lifestyle. Discover new tips to help you fight against hair loss and maintain a voluminous and lustrous mane. 

You are What You Eat

Firstly, an improper diet can lead to a lack of nutrients, causing your hair to become brittle and fall out more easily. Here are some foods that will help you maintain a lush-looking head. 

1. Mediterranean diet

Research has shown that the Mediterranean diet decreases the risk of male pattern baldness, the most common form of hair loss among men. So, what’s in the Mediterranean diet? The most significant aspects of this diet are fresh vegetables and herbs. One easy-to-make dish that you can try is fresh salad. Simply toss into a bowl some fresh vegetables such as carrots and tomatoes, as well as fresh herbs such as rosemary, sage, parsley or basil. Munching on these fresh vegetables and herbs at least 3 times a week has proven to reduce the risk of male pattern baldness. 

2. High-protein foods

Proteins do wonders for both building muscle and maintaining strong and healthy hair. In fact, every strand of your hair is 95% keratin, which is the hair protein. High-protein foods are ubiquitous and are most likely already part of your daily diet. 

These include: 

  • Eggs
  • Lean meat
  • Seafood
  • Tofu
  • Greek yoghurt

3. Iron-rich foods 

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), iron deficiency is the most common form of deficiency in the world. Unfortunately, too little iron can lead to hair loss. Thankfully, hair loss that is due to iron deficiency is easily reversible. Replenish your body’s reservoir of iron with these iron-rich foods: 

  • Lean beef
  • Beans
  • Eggs
  • Green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach 

You should also strive to consume more vitamin C as it helps your body absorb iron more efficiently. Foods rich in vitamin C include:

  • Oranges
  • Strawberries
  • Melons
  • Tomatoes
  • Broccoli

4. Foods rich in omega-3 

You might have already heard of rumours about omega-3 and fish oil being great for your health. While many health benefits of omega-3 remain debatable till today, it has been scientifically established that omega-3 are beneficial for hair growth and hair loss prevention. 

Omega-3 works by supplying your hair follicles and skin with the nutrients and proteins that it needs. It also promotes blood circulation in your scalp, triggering hair growth. Furthermore, it helps prevent inflammation in your hair follicles, which is often a direct cause of hair loss.

Omega-3 fish oils can be easily bought off the shelves. Not so keen on those? The good news is that there are many other sources of omega-3 that you can incorporate into your daily diet. These include:

  • Fatty fish such as salmon and tuna
  • Egg yolks
  • Walnuts
  • Flax seeds

Scrutinise Your Hair Product Labels

The next time you use your hair care products, you might want to read the ingredient labels first. Some hair care products, ironically, aren’t that caring for your hair after all. If your hair care products contain any of the following ingredients, it’s time to ditch them and shop for a new one.

  • Sulfate
  • Parabens
  • Fragrance
  • PEG
  • Formaldehyde
  • Hexachlorophene
  • Phthalates 

Don’t Forget Your Hair Conditioner 

After shampooing your hair, remember to use a hair conditioner. Conditioners are essential for maintaining the moisture and natural oils of your hair, ultimately helping to keep the shine in your hair. 

Here’s how to use your shampoo and conditioner correctly.

ShampooConditioner
While shampooing, it is more important to massage your scalp instead of completely focusing on the lengths of your hairWhen using a hair conditioner, it’s best to avoid the scalp and apply the conditioner only to the lengths of your hair.

Keep Your Hair on Your Head, Not on Your Comb

If you’ve just stepped out of your shower, resist the temptation to brush your hair immediately. That’s because brushing your hair when it is still wet can lead to significant damage and breakage. If you really need to brush your hair when it is still wet, switch to a brush that has its bristles spaced further apart.  

Stop Smoking

Has anyone ever nagged you to quit smoking? Well, brace yourself, as we’re about to nag you further. Many studies have shown that smoking is associated with male pattern baldness since tobacco damages your hair follicles. 

Smoking is also terrible for your general blood circulation as it causes plaque to build up in your blood vessels. Not only does this increase your risk of stroke and heart attack, but it also hinders the blood supply to your scalp, causing your hair follicles to be deprived of nutrients that are usually transported by blood. Moreover, a study in 2013 also discovered that smoking causes your grey hair to sprout out before you even turn 30 years old. 

Essentially, smoking is terrible for your health, including your hair’s health. Don’t smoke your hair and health away! For more information and support on quitting smoking, check out the smoking cessation programmes by the Health Promotion Board (HPB). 

Embrace It

Balding doesn’t necessarily make you less attractive. Don’t believe us? Dwayne Johnson, better known as “The Rock”, has literally been rocking the bald look. There’s a long list of bald celebrities that still look great and charming, including Pitbull, Howie Mandel and Bruce Willis. 

If you need more solid evidence on the attractiveness of baldness, a study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania revealed that bald men were perceived to be more dominant, taller and stronger. Whatever it is, confidence is key to looking and feeling fabulous. Learn to love the way you look and don’t compare yourself with others!

How We Can Help

Arx offers hair loss treatments for men who are having signs of male pattern baldness. It’s simple, convenient and you don’t even need to leave your house. Ready to embark on your journey towards a fuller head of hair? Click here to find out more!

References

  •  Fortes, C., Mastroeni, S., Mannooranparampil, T., Abeni, D., & Panebianco, A. (2017). Mediterranean diet: fresh herbs and fresh vegetables decrease the risk of Androgenetic Alopecia in males. Archives of Dermatological Research, 310(1), 71–76. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-017-1799-z
  • World Health Organization. (2020, April 20). WHO guidance helps detect iron deficiency and protect brain development. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news/item/20-04-2020-who-guidance-helps-detect-iron-deficiency-and-protect-brain-development. 
  •  Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.153450
  • Su, L.H., & Chen, T. H. H. (2007). Association of Androgenetic Alopecia With Smoking and Its Prevalence Among Asian Men. Archives of Dermatology, 143(11), 1401–1406. https://doi.org/10.1001/archderm.143.11.1401 
  • Zayed, A. A., Shahait, A. D., Ayoub, M. N., & Yousef, A. M. (2013). Smokers′ hair: Does smoking cause premature hair graying? Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 4(2), 90–92. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.110586 
  • Mannes, A. E. (2012). Shorn Scalps and Perceptions of Male Dominance. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 4(2), 198–205. https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550612449490
Categories
Sexual Health

Premature Ejaculation (PE): Symptoms, Causes, Treatments & More

Remember the proverb, “slow and steady wins the race”? Whether or not you actually heed this advice in your daily life, I’m sure you’ll agree that this proverb holds potent truth in bed. Indeed, coming too fast in bed often ruins the mood and can be extremely distressing for both you and your partner.

With 1 in every 3 men aged between 18 and 59 years old experiencing premature ejaculation (PE) at some point, PE is more common than you think.  

What is premature ejaculation (PE)?

Premature ejaculation occurs when:

  1. A man orgasms and ejaculates sooner than he or his partner would like.
  2. A man orgasms with very little stimulation.

How soon is too soon?

There is no clearly defined time period of what constitutes PE. The time frame can vary across individuals, depending on what he or his partner constitutes as “too soon”. International guidelines often cite that a man has PE if he ejaculates within 1 minute of entering your partner. Once again, this isn’t a hard-line definition, and it really depends on you and your partners’ preferences and feelings. 

What if it happens only occasionally?

It’s okay to have some disappointing nights, you can’t always have it all. However, if the problem occurs almost every time for more than 6 months and causes you significant distress, then you may have PE. 

Types of premature ejaculation

Also, did you know that not every PE is the same? Here, we break down the 2 different types of PE for you.

  • Lifelong PE (primary PE): These men have been experiencing PE ever since their first sexual encounter. 
  • Acquired PE (secondary PE): These men have previously had normal ejaculations, but later developed PE.

Lifelong PE is often caused by psychological factors, whereas acquired PE can be caused by a mixture of both psychological and biological factors. Moving on, let’s explore the different reasons for PE. 

Causes of premature ejaculation

PE may be due to psychological factors or physical factors, or a mixture of both. It’s good to know the common causes of PE so that you can identify which ones have led to your PE. 

Psychological factors

Anxiety is one of the leading factors of PE. This usually comes in the form of performance anxiety, where a man is concerned about his sexual performance. However, anxiety and stress about other aspects of life, such as work or relationship problems, can also play a part in PE. Other psychological factors that cause PE include depression, guilt, low self-confidence and unrealistic expectations about sex. 

Think back about your teenage years. If you recall masturbating hurriedly for fear of getting caught by your parents or others, that might have caused a lasting effect and led to your PE today. Besides that, traumatic sexual experiences at a young age or strict upbringing that frowns upon sex as shameful can lead to PE. 

Biological factors

Ever heard of serotonin, the happy hormone? Not only does serotonin boost your mood, but it is also the controller of your sexual desires and erection. The higher the serotonin levels in your brain, the longer it takes for you to ejaculate, allowing more satisfactory and happier sex. However, when serotonin levels are low, the time to ejaculation is shortened, causing PE. Not so happy anymore.

Besides serotonin imbalance, other medical conditions can also lead to PE. These include erectile dysfunction (ED), diabetes, an overactive thyroid and some prostate-related conditions. Genetics or simply an overly sensitive penis may even be at blame. 

Medical treatment for premature ejaculation

Oral medication

A common way to treat PE is using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This is a class of drugs that increases the level of serotonin, hence prolonging the time it takes to ejaculate. They may also help increase your sense of control over ejaculation. If deemed medically appropriate, Arx can prescribe you an SSRI medication known as Priligy®, which contains dapoxetine. 

In men who have both PE and erectile dysfunction (ED), ED pills can help. These include sildenafil (Viagra®), also known as the blue pill, as well as avanafil (Spedra®) and tadalafil (Cialis®). These pills improve blood flow to the penis, which is necessary for an erection. 

Not sure if you have ED? Check out our previous blog article to learn more about ED.

Sprays and creams

Some men may find that local anaesthetic sprays and creams help reduce penile sensation, increasing the time to ejaculation. These sprays or creams should be applied onto the head of the penis up to 30 minutes before sex. You should wash the spray or cream off your penis 5 to 10 minutes before sex or put on a condom to prevent absorption of the spray or cream by your partner. Otherwise, it may cause vaginal numbness in your partner during vaginal sex. The condom also helps reduce your penile sensation, ultimately prolonging your time to ejaculation. 

Other tips and tricks to combat premature ejaculation

There are several natural ways to combat premature ejaculation. These include behavioural therapy, psychological therapy, lifestyle changes and even switching up your sex positions and techniques. We’ll save those for the next blog post, so do keep a close lookout for it!

Our final tip to all men with PE is to talk to your partner and seek treatment. Keep in mind that PE does not only affect you, but it can also lead to frustration and feelings of hurt from your partner. This may, of course, be a difficult topic to approach. However, your partner can be a great pillar of emotional support, and an open discussion with your partner will help to pave the way for mutual understanding. 

Lastly, remember that PE can be easily treated. That’s fortunate, but it means nothing if you shun away from seeking treatment. We know that visiting the clinic for treatment can be embarrassing and daunting, and that’s where we step in to help you. At Arx, simply fill up a questionnaire to answer the awkward questions and connect with one of our doctors for a video consultation, all from the comfort and privacy of your own home. 

References

  • What are the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for premature ejaculation (PE)? Latest Medical News, Clinical Trials, Guidelines – Today on Medscape. (2021, June 4). https://www.medscape.com/answers/435884-30677/what-are-the-dsm-5-diagnostic-criteria-for-premature-ejaculation-pe. 
  • Nazario, B. (2020, July 7). Premature Ejaculation: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, & Prevention. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/men/what-is-premature-ejaculation. 
  • NHS. (2019, July 24). Ejaculation problems. NHS Choices. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ejaculation-problems/. 
  • Premature Ejaculation. Premature Ejaculation: Causes & Treatment – Urology Care Foundation. (2020, July 16). https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/p/premature-ejaculation. 
  • Lowy, M. (2018). Premature Ejaculation Fact Sheet. Healthy Male (Andrology Australia). 
  • Urology Care Foundation. (2020). Premature Ejaculation Patient Guide