Stomach Ulcer.......causes, symptoms, treatment......

Stomach Ulcer

Written by Colman Mossile | Published on December 04, 2014

Medically Reviewed by George Krucik, MD

 

                             

What is a Stomach Ulcer?

Stomach ulcers are painful sores that can be found in the stomach lining or small intestine. Stomach ulcers are also known as peptic ulcers. They occur when the thick layer of mucus that protects your stomach from digestive juices is reduced.
According to the American Gastroenterological Association, an estimated four million people have stomach ulcers and one in 10 people will develop the condition over their lifetime (AGA).
Stomach ulcers are easily cured, however they can become severe without treatment.

What Causes Stomach Ulcers?

Stomach ulcers are not necessarily caused by one single factor. The decrease in the stomach’s mucus lining that leads to an ulcer is commonly caused by:

• an infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
• long-term use in excess of the recommended dosage of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome—a rare disease that makes the body produce excess stomach acid

Certain factors and behaviors put people at higher risk for developing stomach ulcers:

               

• smoking
• frequent use of steroids (such as those for treating asthma)
• hypercalcemia (overproduction of calcium)
• family history of stomach ulcers
• being over 50 years old
• excessive consumption of alcohol

Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers

There are a number of symptoms associated with stomach ulcers. The severity of the symptoms depends on the severity of the ulcer. The most common symptom is a burning sensation or pain in the area between your chest and belly button. Normally, the pain will be more intense when your stomach is empty and it can last for a few minutes or several hours.
       

Other common symptoms include:

• dull, burning pain in the stomach
• weight loss
• not wanting to eat because of pain
• nausea or vomiting
• bloating
• burping
• heartburn (burning sensation in the chest)
• pain improves when you eat, drink , or take antacids

Talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms of a stomach ulcer. Even though discomfort may be mild, ulcers can get worse if they aren’t treated.

How Are Stomach Ulcers Diagnosed?

Diagnosis and treatment will depend on your symptoms and the severity of your ulcer.
To diagnose a stomach ulcer, your doctor will review your medical history along with your symptoms and any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. To rule out H. pylori infection, a blood, stool, or breath test may be ordered. In a breath test, you will be instructed to drink a clear liquid and breathe into a bag, which is then sealed. If H. pylori is present, the breath sample will contain higher-than-normal levels of carbon dioxide.
Other tests and procedures used to diagnose stomach ulcers include:

Barium X-Ray

You will be instructed to drink a thick white liquid (barium) that makes the stomach and small intestine show up on X-rays. A radiologist will then read the X-rays to see if you have an ulcer, scar tissue, or a blockage that is preventing food from passing thru the digestive system normally.

Endoscopy

A thin, lighted tube is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach to look for the presence of an ulcer. Your doctor will give you a mild sedative or painkiller to eliminate any discomfort resulting from the procedure.

Endoscopic Biopsy

During the endoscopy, a piece of stomach tissue is removed, so that it can later be analyzed. This type of test is typically used on older people, or those that have experienced weight loss or bleeding.

Treating Stomach Ulcers 

                

Nonsurgical Treatment

Treatment will vary depending on the cause of your ulcer. If your stomach ulcer is the result of H. pylori, you will need antibiotics. For mild to moderate stomach ulcers, your physician will usually prescribe the following medications:

• H2 blockers: to prevent your stomach from making too much acid
• proton pump inhibitors: blocks the cells that produce acid
• over-the-counter antacids: to help neutralize stomach acid
• cytoprotective agents: to protect the lining of the stomach and small intestine, such as Pepto-Bismol

Symptoms of an ulcer may subside quickly with treatment. Even if your symptoms disappear, you should continue to take any medicine prescribed by your doctor. This is especially important for H. pylori infections to ensure that all bacteria are destroyed. Doctors will also suggest that you avoid smoking, alcohol, and any medications or foods that can trigger symptoms.
Certain side effects associated with stomach ulcer treatment include:

• nausea
• dizziness
• headaches
• diarrhea

These side effects are temporary. Talk to your doctor about changing your medication if you experience extreme discomfort as a result of these side effects.

Surgical Treatment

In very rare cases, a complicated stomach ulcer will require surgery. These include ulcers that:

• keep returning
• don’t heal
• bleed
• tear the stomach or small intestine
• keep food from flowing out of the stomach into the small intestine

Surgery may include:

• removal of the entire ulcer
• taking tissue from another part of the intestines and sewing it over the ulcer site
• tying off a bleeding artery
• cutting off nerve supply to stomach to reduce the production of stomach acid

Complications Associated with Stomach Ulcers

Seek treatment as soon as you believe that you might have a stomach ulcer. The longer an ulcer is untreated, the more likely you are to develop complications. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical treatment:

• sudden, sharp pain that does not stop
• black or bloody stools
• bloody vomit
• vomit that looks like coffee grounds

                                    
These could be signs that ulcer has eroded through the stomach, or broken a blood vessel. Scar tissue development is another possible complication. The tissue can prevent food from moving from the stomach into the small intestine. All of these scenarios require surgery (NIDDK, 2014).

Prevention of Stomach Ulcers

To prevent the spread of bacteria and reduce risk of bacterial infection, wash your hands with soap and water on a regular basis and make sure that all food is properly cleaned and cooked thoroughly.
To prevent ulcers caused by NSAIDs, stop using these medications (if possible) or limit their use. In you need to take NSAIDs, be sure to follow the recommended dosage and avoid alcohol while taking these medications.
Certain lifestyle changes can also help prevent ulcers from forming. Limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco products, and properly managing stress can all contribute to a healthy stomach lining.

5 Reasons Women Are Dissatisfied With Their Sex Lives

Why women find themselves dissatisfied in bed.

What Can Be Done:
Think outside the box. Instead of relegating sex strictly to the bedroom, change it up a bit. Your house is filled with rooms and furniture, use them for sex. You will be amazed at the thrill that simply moving your fun to another room can inspire. Try a new sexual position. There is always excitement in trying new and different things. Awaken your sexual diva by taking charge of your sexual experiences to keep boredom away. 9 Sex Positions That Enhance Emotional Intimacy
4. I Don't Feel Sexy Anymore
Many women are not satisfied with the look and feel of their bodies. In America, there is a bit of an obsession with body image. There are unrealistic expectations of being a certain size and looking a certain way. Some women don't feel sexy or attractive because of their perceptions about their bodies. These beliefs then cross over into their sexual world and hinder them from experiencing satisfaction. There was a study recently published in The Journal of Sex Research that found that the emphasis in American culture on being young and thin is more influential than menopause when it comes to sexual satisfaction.

 

What Can Be Done:
Follow the tried and true rule: "Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative." Find those things you like about your body and yourself and focus on those areas. When you look in the mirror, stop looking at the flaws and begin looking at the things you admire about yourself. Tell yourself how beautiful you are. Even if you don't believe it at first, in time you will not only believe it, but you will feel it. Once you begin to feel it, you will want to share it with your beloved.
5. Sexual Frustration
Many women are sexually frustrated because they are not getting what they want and need sexually. Most women want more foreplay, more intimacy and for their partners to last longer. When a woman feels like a "piece of meat" or a "mounting block" she is less likely to be turned on to experience sexual pleasure, which in turn results in a lack of satisfaction.
What Can Be Done:
Ask for what you want. Conversations about sex should be had long before the act. When you are aware of what you want and need, it is imperative to let your partner know. Contrary to popular belief, your partner doesn't automatically know what turns you on sexually or what you need to be satisfied.
Women who are sexually satisfied enjoy their partner, make time for regular sex, are confident and sexually aware, and know how to ask for what they want. Having a satisfying and fulfilling sex life brings you closer to your partner and enhances your over all well-being. Having a satisfying sex life also has great health benefits. It boosts your immune system; helps minimize pain and headaches, burns calories, helps you stay younger looking, reduces stress and a whole lot more. 16 Unexpected Health And Beauty Benefits Of Sex
My challenge to you is to improve the quality of your sex life starting today.

To really make this advice work, you need to follow these action steps to complete today's challenge.

Right now, I want you to:
Write down the things that are keeping you from having a satisfying sex life, and what you are willing to do today to change things. Next I would like for you to share these things with your partner.
Within 7 days I want you to:
Begin making the changes that will improve the quality of your sex life. Write down what would be an idea sexual experience for you, and make it your purpose to have at least one satisfying sexual experience this week.
By the end of the challenge I want you to:
Feel rejuvenated about your sex life and continue to be intentional about making it satisfying. Prioritize your sex life by keeping the distractions at bay. Be intentional about having satisfying sexual experiences. Have a minimum of four sexually satisfying experiences this month, even if you have to add them to your calendar. Lastly, continue to desire a satisfying sex life beyond the end of this challenge.

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION,causes, symptoms,treatment etc.

 ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

 

Definition

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Erectile dysfunction (impotence) occurs when a man can no longer get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Having erection trouble from time to time isn't necessarily a cause for concern. But if erectile dysfunction is an ongoing problem, it may cause stress, cause relationship problems or affect your self-confidence.
Even though it may seem awkward to talk with your doctor about erectile dysfunction, go in for an evaluation. Problems getting or keeping an erection can be a sign of a health condition that needs treatment, such as heart disease or poorly controlled diabetes. Treating an underlying problem may be enough to reverse your erectile dysfunction.
If treating an underlying condition doesn't help your erectile dysfunction, medications or other direct treatments may work.

Symptoms

A family doctor is a good place to start when you have erectile problems. See your doctor if:

• Erectile or other sexual problems are an issue for you or your partner
• You have diabetes, heart disease or another known health problem that may be linked to erectile dysfunction
• You have other symptoms along with erectile dysfunction that may not seem related

Causes

Male sexual arousal is a complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can result from a problem with any of these. Likewise, stress and mental health problems can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological issues causes erectile dysfunction. For instance, a minor physical problem that slows your sexual response may cause anxiety about maintaining an erection. The resulting anxiety can lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction.
                                             

Physical causes of erectile dysfunction

In most cases, erectile dysfunction is caused by something physical. Common causes include:

• Heart disease
• Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Metabolic syndrome, a condition involving increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol
• Parkinson's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Low testosterone
• Peyronie's disease, development of scar tissue inside the penis
• Certain prescription medications
• Tobacco use
• Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
• Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
• Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord

 

Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction

The brain plays a key role in triggering the series of physical events that cause an erection, starting with feelings of sexual excitement. A number of things can interfere with sexual feelings and cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. These include:

• Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
• Stress
• Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other concerns

Risk factors

As you get older, erections may take longer to develop and may not be as firm. You may need more direct touch to your penis to get and keep an erection. This isn't a direct consequence of getting older. Usually it's a result of underlying health problems or taking medications, which is more common as men age.
A variety of risk factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction. They include:

• Medical conditions, particularly diabetes or heart problems.
• Using tobacco, which restricts blood flow to veins and arteries. Over time tobacco use can cause chronic health problems that lead to erectile dysfunction.
• Being overweight, especially if you're very overweight (obese).
• Certain medical treatments, such as prostate surgery or radiation treatment for cancer.
• Injuries, particularly if they damage the nerves that control erections.
• Medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines and medications to treat high blood pressure, pain or prostate cancer.
• Psychological conditions, such as stress, anxiety or depression.
• Drug and alcohol use, especially if you're a long-term drug user or heavy drinker.
• Prolonged bicycling, which may compress nerves and affect blood flow to the penis, can lead to temporary erectile dysfunction.

Complications

Complications resulting from erectile dysfunction can include:

• An unsatisfactory sex life
• Stress or anxiety
• Embarrassment or low self-esteem
• Marital or relationship problems
• The inability to get your partner pregnant

                                             

Preparing for your appointment

You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. Depending on your particular health concerns, you may go directly to a specialist — such as a doctor who specializes in male genital problems (urologist) or a doctor who specializes in the hormonal systems (endocrinologist).
Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to be well prepared. Here's some information to help you get ready, and what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

Take these steps to prepare for your appointment:

• Ask what you need to do ahead of time. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance. For example, your doctor may ask you not to eat before having a blood test.
• Write down any symptoms you've had, including any that may seem unrelated to erectile dysfunction.
• Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
• Make a list of all medications, vitamins, herbal remedies and supplements you take.
• Take your wife or partner along, if possible. Your partner can help you remember something that you missed or forgot during doctor's appointments.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

                                         

Your time with your doctor is limited. Prepare a list of questions to get the most out of your appointment. For erectile dysfunction, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What is most likely causing my erection problems?
• Other than the most likely cause, what are other possible causes?
• What kinds of tests do I need?
• Is my erectile dysfunction most likely temporary or chronic?
• What's the best treatment?
• What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
• I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
• Should I see a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover seeing a specialist?
• Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend visiting?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask additional questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:

• What other health problems or chronic conditions do you have?
• Have you had any other sexual problems?
• Have you had any changes in sexual desire?
• Do you get erections during masturbation, with a partner or while you sleep?
• Are there any problems in your relationship with your sexual partner?
• Does your partner have any sexual problems?
• Are you anxious, depressed or under stress?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with a mental health condition? If so, do you currently take any medications or get psychological counseling (psychotherapy) for it?
• When did you first begin noticing sexual problems?
• Do your erectile problems occur only sometimes, often or all of the time?
• What medications do you take, including any herbal remedies or supplements?
• Do you drink? If so, how much?
• Do you use any illegal drugs?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

Tests and diagnosis

For many men, a physical exam and answering questions (medical history) are all that's needed before a doctor is ready to recommend a treatment. If your doctor suspects that underlying problems may be involved, or you have chronic health problems, you may need further tests or you may need to see a specialist.
Tests for underlying problems may include:

• Physical exam. This may include careful examination of your penis and testicles and checking your nerves for feeling.
• Blood tests. A sample of your blood may be sent to a lab to check for signs of heart disease, diabetes, low testosterone levels and other health problems.
• Urine tests (urinalysis). Like blood tests, urine tests are used to look for signs of diabetes and other underlying health conditions.
• Ultrasound. This test can check blood flow to your penis. It involves using a wand-like device (transducer) held over the blood vessels that supply the penis. It creates a video image to let your doctor see if you have blood flow problems. This test is sometimes done in combination with an injection of medications into the penis to determine if blood flow increases normally.
• Overnight erection test. Most men have erections during sleep without remembering them. This simple test involves wrapping special tape around your penis before you go to bed. If the tape is separated in the morning, your penis was erect at some time during the night. This indicates the cause of your erectile dysfunction is most likely psychological and not physical.
• Psychological exam. Your doctor may ask you questions to screen for depression and other possible psychological causes of erectile dysfunction.

Treatments and drugs

The first thing your doctor will do is to make sure you're getting the right treatment for any health problems that could be causing or worsening your erectile dysfunction.
A variety of options exist for treating erectile dysfunction. The cause and severity of your condition, and underlying health problems, are important factors in your doctor's recommending the best treatment or treatments for you. Your doctor can explain the risks and benefits of each treatment and will consider your preferences. Your partner's preferences also may play a role in treatment choices.

Oral medications

Oral medications are a successful erectile dysfunction treatment for many men. They include:

• Sildenafil (Viagra)
• Tadalafil (Cialis)
• Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)

All three medications work in much the same way. These drugs enhance the effects of nitric oxide, a natural chemical your body produces that relaxes muscles in the penis. This increases blood flow and allows you to get an erection in response to sexual stimulation. These medications vary in dosage, how long they work and their side effects. Your doctor will take into account your particular situation to determine which medication may work best.
Possible side effects include flushing, nasal congestion, headache, visual changes and stomach upset.
These medications may not fix your erectile dysfunction immediately. You may need to work with your doctor to find the right medication and dose for you.
Before taking any prescription erectile dysfunction medication (including over-the-counter supplements or herbal remedies), get your doctor's OK. Although these medications can help many people, not all men should take them to treat erectile dysfunction. These medications may not work or may be dangerous for you if you:

• Take nitrate drugs — commonly prescribed for chest pain (angina) — such as nitroglycerin (Nitro-Bid, Nitro-Dur, Nitrostat, others), isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, Monoket) and isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate, Isordil)
• Take a blood-thinning (anticoagulant) medication, alpha blockers for enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or high blood pressure medications
• Have heart disease or heart failure
• Have had a stroke
• Have very low blood pressure (hypotension) or uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Have uncontrolled diabetes

Other medications

Other medications for erectile dysfunction include:

• Alprostadil self-injection. With this method, you use a fine needle to inject alprostadil (Caverject Impulse, Edex) into the base or side of your penis. In some cases, medications generally used for other conditions are used for penile injections on their own or in combination. Examples include papaverine, alprostadil and phentolamine. Each injection generally produces an erection that lasts about an hour. Because the needle used is very fine, pain from the injection site is usually minor. Side effects can include bleeding from the injection, prolonged erection and formation of fibrous tissue at the injection site.
• Alprostadil penis suppository. Alprostadil intraurethral (Muse) therapy involves placing a tiny alprostadil suppository inside your penis in the penile urethra. You use a special applicator to insert the suppository into your penile urethra. The erection usually starts within 10 minutes and lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. Side effects can include pain, minor bleeding in the urethra, and formation of fibrous tissue inside your penis.
• Testosterone replacement. Some men have erectile dysfunction caused by low levels of the hormone testosterone, and may need testosterone replacement therapy.

Penis pumps, surgery and implants

Medications may not work or may not be a good choice for you. If this is the case, your doctor may recommend a different treatment. Other treatments include:

• Penis pumps. A penis pump (vacuum erection device) is a hollow tube with a hand-powered or battery-powered pump. The tube is placed over your penis, and then the pump is used to suck out the air inside the tube. This creates a vacuum that pulls blood into your penis. Once you get an erection, you slip a tension ring around the base of your penis to hold in the blood and keep it firm. You then remove the vacuum device. The erection typically lasts long enough for a couple to have sex. You remove the tension ring after intercourse. Bruising of the penis is a possible side effect, and ejaculation may not be as forceful. If a penis pump is a good treatment choice for you, your doctor may recommend or prescribe a specific model. That way you can be sure it suits your needs and that it's made by a reputable manufacturer. Penis pumps available in magazines and sex ads may not be safe or effective.
• Penile implants. This treatment involves surgically placing devices into the two sides of the penis. These implants consist of either inflatable or semirigid rods. The inflatable devices allow you to control when and how long you have an erection. The semirigid rods keep the penis firm but bendable. This treatment is usually not recommended until other methods have been tried first. As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications such as infection.
• Blood vessel surgery. In rare cases, leaking or obstructed blood vessels can cause erectile dysfunction and surgery is necessary to repair them.

Psychological counseling

If your erectile dysfunction is caused by stress, anxiety or depression, your doctor may suggest that you, or you and your partner, visit a psychologist or counselor. Even if it is caused by something physical, erectile dysfunction can create stress and relationship tension.

Lifestyle and home remedies

For many men, erectile dysfunction is caused or worsened by lifestyle choices. Here are some things you can do that may help:

• If you smoke, quit. If you have trouble quitting, get help. Try nicotine replacement (such as gum or lozenges), available over-the-counter, or ask your doctor about prescription medication that can help you quit.
• Lose weight. Being overweight can cause — or worsen — erectile dysfunction.
• Get regular exercise. This can help with underlying problems that play a part in erectile dysfunction in a number of ways, including reducing stress, helping you lose weight and increasing blood flow.
• Get treatment for alcohol or drug problems. Drinking too much or taking certain illegal drugs can worsen erectile dysfunction directly or by causing long-term health problems.
• Work through relationship issues. Improve communication with your partner and consider couples or marriage counseling if you're having trouble working through problems on your own.

Alternative medicine

Several alternative treatments are used to treat erectile dysfunction, but more studies are needed to see whether they are safe or effective. Alternative treatments used for erectile dysfunction include:

• Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng)
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone that's a building block for testosterone
• L-arginine
• Acupuncture

While some of these supplements appear to be relatively safe, others are more risky and can interact with medications or cause other problems. Before using any supplement, OK it with your doctor to make sure it's safe for you — especially if you have chronic health problems.

Herbal viagra

Some alternative products that claim to work for erectile dysfunction can be dangerous. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about several types of "herbal viagra" because they contain potentially harmful drugs not listed on the label. Some of these drugs can interact with prescription drugs and cause dangerously low blood pressure. These products are especially dangerous for men who take nitrates.

Coping and support

Whether the cause is physical, psychological or a combination of both, erectile dysfunction can become a source of mental and emotional stress for you and your partner. Here are some things you can do:

• Don't assume you have a long-term problem. Don't view occasional erection problems as a reflection on your health or masculinity, and don't automatically expect to have erection trouble again during your next sexual encounter. This can cause anxiety, which may make erectile dysfunction worse.
• Involve your sexual partner. Your partner may see your inability to have an erection as a sign of diminished sexual interest. Your reassurance that this is not the case can help. Communicate openly and honestly about your condition. Treatment is often more successful when a man involves his partner.
• Don't ignore stress, anxiety or mental health problems. Talk to your doctor, or see a mental health provider to address these issues.

Prevention

The best way to prevent erectile dysfunction is to make healthy lifestyle choices and to manage any existing health problems you have. Here are some things you can do:

• Work with your doctor to manage diabetes, heart disease or other chronic health problems.
• See your doctor for regular checkups and medical screening tests.
• Stop smoking, limit or avoid alcohol, and don't use street drugs.
• Exercise regularly.
• Take steps to reduce stress.
• Get help for anxiety or depression.

10 Surprising Health Benefits of Sex

10 Surprising Health Benefits of Sex

The perks of sex extend well beyond the bedroom.

Share this:

By Kara Mayer Robinson
WebMD Feature

Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD

Sex not only feels good. It can also be good for you. Here’s what a healthy sex life can do for you.

Sex-Drive Killers Slideshow

 

1. Helps Keep Your Immune System Humming

“Sexually active people take fewer sick days,” says Yvonne K. Fulbright, PhD a sexual health expert.

People who have sex have higher levels of what defends your body against germs, viruses, and other intruders. Researchers at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania found that college students who had sex once or twice a week had higher levels of the a certain antibody compared to students who had sex less often.

You should still do all the other things that make your immune system happy, such as:

• Eat right.
• Stay active.
• Get enough sleep.
• Keep up with your vaccinations.
• Use a condom if you don’t know both of your STD statuses.

•  

2. Boosts Your Libido

Longing for a more lively sex life? “Having sex will make sex better and will improve your libido,” says Lauren Streicher, MD. She is an assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

For women, having sex ups vaginal lubrication, blood flow, and elasticity, she says, all of which make sex feel better and help you crave more of it.

3. Improves Women's Bladder Control

A strong pelvic floor is important for avoiding incontinence, something that will affect about 30% of women at some point in their lives.

Good sex is like a workout for your pelvic floor muscles. When you have an orgasm, it causes contractions in those muscles, which strengthens them.

 

4. Lowers Your Blood Pressure

Research suggests a link between sex and lower blood pressure, says Joseph J. Pinzone, MD. He is CEO and medical director of Amai Wellness.

“There have been many studies,” he says. “One landmark study found that sexual intercourse specifically (not masturbation) lowered systolic blood pressure.” That's the first number on your blood pressure test.

5. Counts as Exercise

“Sex is a really great form of exercise,” Pinzone says. It won’t replace the treadmill, but it counts for something.

Sex uses about five calories per minute, four more calories than watching TV. It gives you a one-two punch: It bumps up your heart rate and uses various muscles.

So get busy! You may even want to clear your schedule to make time for it on a regular basis.  “Like with exercise, consistency helps maximize the benefits,” Pinzone says.

 

6. Lowers Heart Attack Risk

A good sex life is good for your heart. Besides being a great way to raise your heart rate, sex helps keep your estrogen and testosterone levels in balance.

“When either one of those is low you begin to get lots of problems, like osteoporosis and even heart disease,” Pinzone says.

Having sex more often may help. During one study, men who had sex at least twice a week were half as likely to die of heart disease as men who had sex rarely.

7. Lessens Pain

Before you reach for an aspirin, try for an orgasm.

“Orgasm can block pain,” says Barry R. Komisaruk, PhD, a distinguished service professor at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. It releases a hormone that helps raise your pain threshold.

Stimulation without orgasm can also do the trick. “We’ve found that vaginal stimulation can block chronic back and leg pain, and many women have told us that genital self-stimulation can reduce menstrual cramps, arthritic pain, and in some cases even headache,” Komisaruk says.

 

8. May Make Prostate Cancer Less Likely

Going for the gusto may help ward off prostate cancer.

Men who ejaculated frequently (at least 21 times a month) were less likely to get prostate cancer during one study, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

You don’t need a partner to reap this benefit: Sexual intercourse, nocturnal emission, and masturbation were all part of the equation.

It's not clear that sex was the only reason that mattered in that study. Lots of factors affect cancer risk. But more sex won’t hurt

9. Improves Sleep

You may nod off more quickly after sex, and for good reason.

“After orgasm, the hormone prolactin is released, which is responsible for the feelings of relaxation and sleepiness" after sex, says Sheenie Ambardar, MD. She is a psychiatrist in West Hollywood, Calif.

 

10. Eases Stress

Being close to your partner can soothe stress and anxiety.

Ambardar says touching and hugging can release your body's natural “feel-good hormone.” Sexual arousal releases a brain chemical that revs up your brain’s pleasure and reward system.

Sex and intimacy can boost your self-esteem and happiness, too, Ambardar says. It’s not only a prescription for a healthy life, but a happy one.

Skin care: 5 tips for healthy skin

Skin care: 5 tips for healthy skin

Good skin care — including sun protection and gentle cleansing — can keep your skin healthy and glowing for years to come. By Mayo Clinic Staff

Don't have time for intensive skin care? Pamper yourself with the basics. Good skin care and healthy lifestyle choices can help delay the natural aging process and prevent various skin problems. Get started with these five no-nonsense tips.

1. Protect yourself from the sun

One of the most important ways to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. A lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems — as well as increase the risk of skin cancer.
For the most complete sun protection:

• Use sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. When you're outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours — or more often if you're swimming or perspiring.
• Seek shade. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
• Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. Also consider laundry additives, which give clothing an additional layer of ultraviolet protection for a certain number of washings, or special sun-protective clothing — which is specifically designed to block ultraviolet rays.

2. Don't smoke

Smoking makes your skin look older and contributes to wrinkles. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to skin health. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — the fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity. In addition, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — can contribute to wrinkles.
If you smoke, the best way to protect your skin is to quit. Ask your doctor for tips or treatments to help you stop smoking.

3. Treat your skin gently

Daily cleansing and shaving can take a toll on your skin. To keep it gentle:

• Limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time, and use warm — rather than hot — water.
• Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from your skin. Instead, choose mild cleansers.
• Shave carefully. To protect and lubricate your skin, apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving. For the closest shave, use a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it.
• Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on your skin.
• Moisturize dry skin. If your skin is dry, use a moisturizer that fits your skin type. For daily use, consider a moisturizer that contains SPF.

4. Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. The association between diet and acne isn't clear — but some research suggests that a diet rich in vitamin C and low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates might promote younger looking skin.

5. Manage stress

Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To encourage healthy skin — and a healthy state of mind — take steps to manage your stress. Set reasonable limits, scale back your to-do list and make time to do the things you enjoy. The results might be more dramatic than you expect.