What are aphrodisiacs?
Aphrodisiacs are pro-sexual drugs or substances that will heighten libido (sexual desire), orgasm (ecstasy and pleasure) and performance in males and females, not partner-specific. As society gets more liberal and permissive, these medications and all other so-called sex enhancers become more in demand.
Are these substances new?
No, the cultural quest for aphrodisiacs has been the obsession of man, from ancient to modern times. Natural substances such as belladona, datura and henbane were key ingredients in the sexual orgies of ancient fertility cults. Today, we have medications that have gone through stringent laboratory testing and are refined and definitely safer.
Are ED pills aphrodisiacs?
No, not in the strict medical sense, Viagra does not directly increase the libido (sexual desire) or orgasm (sexual pleasure), although it improves sexual performance of the male with Erectile Dysfunction (ED) —inability to maintain erection. Viagra acts by dilating and filling the veins in the penis with blood, causing engorgement and erection. Indirectly, it enhances sexual performance by maintaining erection and better penetration. If there is no sexual desire between the partners, Viagra does not help. Aphrodisiacs, on the other hand, are substances that make a person want to have sex, almost an uncontrollable sexual desire with practically any person.
What other items have “aphrodisiac effect”?
Vitamin E, ginseng, oysters, mandrake plants in medieval Europe, L-Dopa and Pergolide Mesylate (two drugs used for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease), Quaalude, Apomorphine, Nomifensine and Bupropion (anti-depression drugs), Bethanechol, Afrodex (combination of Yohimbine, testosterone and strychnine), Clomipiramine, Fluoxetine, Chinese Chan Su, “Love Stone,” “Hard Rock,” “Stud 100” are some of the food, drugs, or substances that have been claimed to have some aphrodisiac effect. Many of them have undetermined side effects and complications. Why take the chance when proven safe erectile dysfunction drugs are available today?
What are causes of impotence?
There are a variety of causes of impotence. It could be psychogenic (stress or psychological problem), neurogenic (nerve injury), vascular (poor circulation), medication-related (as those patients taking high blood pressure pills), or anatomical (severe deformity of the organ), and, of course, aging (which normally reduces libido and the ability to maintain erection because of very low testosterone level, etc.). The commonest are due to stress, medications for high blood pressure, and aging. Fortunately, today, these conditions could be helped by Viagra, Cialis or Levitra, the 3 most popular ED medications.
Are ED drugs safe?
As I said in my article on Viagra (Generic name: Sildenafil) on June 18, 1998, this drug had been prescribed to millions around the world for male Erectile Dysfunction and has been found to be as safe as any drug, provided it was taken under the supervision of a physician, and taken strictly as directed. Today, after two decades of experience with these ED medications, their safety and effectiveness have been nothing but impressive. We have also sounded the warning, and repeating it again today, that patients on any form of nitrates (drugs used by heart patients to open the arteries) should not take Viagra, as this could lead to shock and death. Nitrates come in various forms, sublingual (taken under the tongue), skin patches, tablets or injection. Some of brand names are Imdur, Isosorbide, Nitroglycerine, Peritrate, and many others. Consult your physician before taking any medications.
What are the side effects of ED drugs?
The most common reported side effects of ED meds are sensation of warmth, headache and fullness, slight blurring of vision, which are all temporary and wear off after four hours or so, varying in each person. The side effects are due to vasodilation (opening of arteries) all over the body, giving more blood to all parts of the body, especially to the penis. They were originally designed for dilating the coronary arteries of the heart to prevent heart attack, but serendipity revealed their wonderful side effect of penile engorgement and erection (and less coronary dilation) in laboratory mice.
Is there any aphrodisiac that is effective and safe?
Medical research and studies on aphrodisiacs have been ongoing for centuries, and have expanded in the modern times. The Food and Drug Administration in the United States has not approved any drug as an aphrodisiac per se. Drugs for the treatment of some illnesses, with “aphrodisiac-effect,” as mentioned earlier, have not been officially approved and recommended for use as aphrodisiacs. Most of the reports on their effectiveness are anecdotal. The main problem, even in the case of Yohimbine, is the absence of a definite and convincing medical proof of the consistency in its efficacy and safety. Some people have died from using the so-called “aphrodisiac” drugs.
What can enhance the mood for romance?
Feelings, situation and atmosphere are important, especially among females, in setting the mood for a romantic sexual rendezvous. There must be mutual liking and desire, and both partners must be in a happy frame of mind. All problems must be temporarily set aside. There must be good hygiene (both partners must have clean and good smelling body, no bad breath). If ED med is needed, it must be taken about an hour to an hour and a half prior to sexual activity. And remember, protection, when needed, is very important for the peace of mind for both parties. The fear of sexually transmitted diseases is always a downer.
The ambiance must provide security, privacy and serenity, preferably with romantic music in the background. The bedroom encounter must be at least 3 to 4 hours after a meal, and, perhaps, following a glass of wine or an after-dinner drink for a more relax mind. Joyful flirtation and kind compliments, and touching from both sides would definitely help set the mood. During the act, uninhibited and spontaneous verbal expression of ecstasy on both partners will tremendously help enhance the pleasure. Females love to be wooed and foreplay is most essential. And don’t underestimate the value of passionate kissing, as part of the foreplay and during the act itself. Both must try to be as natural and as spontaneous as can be. Some form of communication and body contact must be maintained after the act, so the partner does not feel abandoned “after use.” This, today, might be the safest “aphrodisiac” of all.
***
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: [email protected]
