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Asian Journal of Andrology (2012) 14, 830–841; doi:10.1038/aja.2012.82; published online 24 September 2012
What do most erectile dysfunction guidelines have in common? No evidence-based discussion or recommendation of heart-healthy lifestyle changes and/or Panax ginseng
Mark A Moyad1 and Kwangsung Park2
1 Department of Urology, Ann Arbor, MI 49109-0330, USA
2 Department of Urology, Chonnam National University Medical School Sexual Medicine Research Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 501-757, Korea
Correspondence: Dr MA Moyad, (moyad@umich.edu)
Received 5 March 2012; Revised 21 April 2012; Accepted 16 May 2012
Advance online publication 24 September 2012
| Abstract |
Sexual health or erectile dysfunction (ED) state of the art guidelines provide a thorough overview of conventional prescription or other notable extrinsic treatment options. Yet, over the past 10–15 years, a plethora of international researchers have established that individual and comprehensive lifestyle changes can prevent and potentially improve ED. We review the lifestyle evidence that should equate to grade A or level 1 evidence recommendations for ED. We also review the evidence for Panax ginseng, an over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplement with a 35-year history of laboratory investigations, multiple positive randomized trials over approximately 15 years and several independent meta-analyses and systematic reviews. Perhaps it is time to at least discuss and even emphasize lifestyle and other non-conventional interventions in ED guidelines so that patients can explore a diversity of potentially synergistic choices with their physicians and can improve their quality and quantity of life. Ignoring the consistent, positive data on lifestyle modifications in ED guidelines, for example, is tantamount to ignoring diet and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of or ameliorate cardiovascular diseases.
Keywords: diet; erectile dysfunction; lifestyle; Panax ginseng; sexual health |
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