Health Books :: allergies, arthritis, attention deficit, cancer, weight loss and more

Health Books about impotence


What is impotence?

Penile erection is managed by two different mechanisms. The first one is the reflex erection, which is achieved by directly touching the penile shaft and the second is the psychogenic erection, which is achieved by erotic stimuli. The first one uses the peripheral nerves and the lower parts of the spinal cord, whereas the second one uses the limbic system of the brain. In both conditions an intact neurologic system is required for a successful and complete erection. Stimulation of penile shaft by the nervous system gives rise to the secretion of nitric oxide (NO), which causes the relaxation of smooth muscles of corpora cavernosa (the main erectile tissue of penis), subsequently giving rise to penile erection. Additionally, adequate levels of testosterone (produced by the testes) and an intact pituitary gland are required for the development of a healthy male erectile system. As can be understood from the mechanisms of a normal erection, impotence may develop due to hormonal deficiency, disorders of the neurologic system, lack of adequate penile blood supply or psychological problems.
(Making Love Again: Hope for Couples Facing Loss of Sexual Intimacy)

Making Love Again: Hope for Couples Facing Loss of Sexual Intimacy

Virginia Laken, Keith Laken

Dialogue Press, 2002-01

Price: $24.95

Keywords: Administration Policy, Health Care Delivery, Health, Mind Body, Impotence, Medicine, Men's Health, Personal Health, Sex

Reviews:

I've Found Real Hope After 14 Years
14 years after my husband's first diagnosis of prostate cancer I learned several facts in this book, but, most important, for the first time it has made me begin to believe that things CAN be different for us if we both choose to work at it.

Diagnosis. Treatment he chose and I said I'd support was radiation and we *thought* we'd been told about all the possible longterm effects. NOT SO! Six years later I saw a vital, athletic, physical man feeling totally becoming afraid of, tense about, uninterested in our previously-fabulous sex life. Finally, this week when I read this book, we learned that some impotence develops much later from radiation than from surgery, but it *will* develop!

Then depression. Deep. Sullen. Withdrawal from interests and from me. Our physician prescribed medication and counseling. The counselor saw him *once* and said, "Go home and don't be so passive!" Flat, flat affect. No joy. But he kept *trying*, bless him!

Then four years ago recurrence! It took my husband
over 6 months to choose a treatment and he only did so then because our doctor and I insisted on it! Surgery. At our city's outstanding cancer center. SUCCESS. His PSA is undetectable.
He does have some mild incontinece.

The surgery team introduced us to Muse. It worked 90% for us and the team was very excited for us. We used it once. Once in 3 1/2 years! From then on my husband has just refused to act on sex, talk about sex.

I've tried everything. I've begged my husband to return to the team and ask them for direction. He couldn't bring himself to do that. We grew farther and farther apart. My heart was breaking. I felt unattractive and sad and rejected.

Last week I read this book. I finished it in two sittings. And I was deeply touched and am now full of hope and new courage. When I handed it to my husband I only said that it was the most important thing that has happened to us in 14 years. I said it has touched me deeply and asked him to read it this week so we can discuss it next weekend. He promised he will read it tonight.....but, interestingly, he has gone to bed early not feeling well. Whether it's another "avoiding" or a real headache I won't know but a few days. But I really believe that when he does read it he will see he's not alone. He'll see we are not alone.

Right now I'm going to order several copies. I'll give one to each of our adult children so they'll know where we've been in our marriage. One will go to our surgery team to share with patients. Another will go to our family doctor so she can read it and have more personal knowledge of what prostate couples go through.

This is one of the five most important books in my life.

Sensitive, insightful, helpful for those facing impotency
For Virginia the decision seemed easy, Keith's fear of becoming impotent from the prostatectomy was irrational in relation to the possibility of dying. How could he even think that being able to have sex was as important as living? For Keith the decision was not as easy. With his male ego wrapped up in the decision and the importance of being able to have sex with his wife it just was not as simple. After deciding in favor of the operation there was a lot of adjustments to be made and Virginia found that things were a lot more complex than she had imagined.

In "Making Love Again", Virginia and Keith Laken invite the reader into their personal lives and the difficulties they faced as a result of his prostatectomy. Their thoughts, fears, hopes, and disappointments are laid bare to the reader as they openly discuss deeply personal questions and feelings. If you ever wanted to know what it is like to deal with impotence in a marital relationship this book deals with the emotional struggles that are not normally discussed openly. The power of a loving commitment, strength for the challenge, and hope shine through as well as a true commitment to help others through the copious listing of sources of help in the appendix.

Readers should be cautioned that because this book necessarily discusses sexual intimacy between two people some may find it too graphic at points. On the other hand, it shows the extent to which the authors are letting the reader into their personal lives. "Making Love Again" is a very highly recommended book for those going through concerns about a prostatectomy or any sudden impotency of a permanent or temporary nature.

Glad to have someone to share with
My husband and I have been secretly dealing with some issues that have been genuinely dicussed in this book. It was great to get "real" and say it like it is and also to know that I share with her experience. We both read it the first day it arrived and we really got a lot of comfort from knowing this is how others think and react. Like the author, we have a special relationship based on trust, freindship and committment. Not sex! That true love has enable us to remain strong, united and loving.
Thank you for sharing, you have given us some ideas and certainly peace that we are not the only one!
will help you find a way when the sex-shock hits.
Many,many thanks to the lakens for sharing in detail their journey through one of the hardest things that can hit a couple. just as i was beginning to feel desperate in dealing with the changes due to my husband's prostotectomy 8 months ago, i luckily stumbled across their book. prostate surgery or other types of protate cancer treatment is going to affect a couples sexlife to some degree no matter what..this book will help you realize that things can and will be good again. it made me laugh out loud, but also brought tears to my eyes. i think many couples will relate to the lakens.. also,very helpful is robert youngs phoenix5 website (see previous comments to find).
Crucial issues relevant to all sexually involved couples
Making Love Again: Hope For Couples Facing Loss Of Sexual Intimacy by communications consultant Virginia Laken and Corporate executive Keith Laken is a serious, and highly personal account of a couple's struggle with impotence. Addressing the true meaning for, and need of, human sexuality between loving partners as a place to cultivate mutual physical pleasure and emotional closeness, Making Love Again raises crucial issues relevant to all sexually involved couples. Making Love Again is highly recommended and informative reading, especially for men and women confronted by and trying to deal with sexual dysfunction issues within the context of their marital relationships.


Please Explore Our
Online Bookstore

© 2006 by Dave Taylor: Content from Amazon and Wikipedia

an Intuitive Systems site