Highest-Paid TV Celebrities!

When it comes to what pays on U.S. television, talk doesn't come cheap -- nor apparently does a loud mouth.

Financial magazine Forbes on Thursday published a list of the highest-paid TV celebrities, with daytime talk show host Oprah Winfrey leading the way by earning an $260 million between June 2006 and June 2007. Nobody else came close.

Second in the list was Jerry Seinfeld earning $60 million.

Winfrey was joined at the top of the list by another talk show host, David Letterman, who landed at No. 4 by raking in $40 million in the same period from his "Late Night with David Letterman."

Simon Cowell, the arrogant and harshly critical judge on top-rated talent show "American Idol" earned $45 million to land at No. 3, and Donald Trump, whose boisterous exclamation "You're Fired" from reality show "The Apprentice" became part of the pop culture lexicon, was No. 5 with $32 million.

The list shows that in the media arena, it pays to own and produce either all or part of your shows, like Oprah.

That notion becomes abundantly clear in the No. 2 slot, where Jerry Seinfeld sits with $60 million earned mostly from reruns of his co-owned 1990's sitcom "Seinfeld."

Despite the fact that prime-time TV shows win awards and critical acclaim, Forbes Senior Editor Lea Goldman noted that daytime TV and news is where stars rake in the dough.

"Daytime personalities dominate our list of TV's top earners, with most competition among morning and afternoon talk show hosts," said Goldman.

Barbara Walters, another star who owns and co-produces her daytime show "The View," landed at No. 18 with $12 million.

The remaining top 20 is as follows;

6. Jay Leno, $32 million
7. Dr. Phil McGraw, $30 million
8. "Judge" Judy Sheindlin, $30 million
9. George Lopez, $26 million
10. Kiefer Sutherland, $22 million
11. Regis Philbin, $21 million
12. Tyra Banks, $18 million
13. Rachael Ray, $16 million,
14. Katie Couric, $15 million
15. Ellen DeGeneres, $15 million
16. Ryan Seacrest, $14 million
17. Matt Lauer, $13 million
18, Barbara Walters, $12 million
19. Diane Sawyer, $12 million
20. Meredith Vieira, $10 million

'Herbal viagra': Is it safe?

Because herbal products aren't subject to the same rigorous standards as are prescription or over-the-counter medications, it's not possible to endorse any of these so-called herbal viagra products as "safe."

Sildenafil (Viagra) is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis when a man is sexually aroused.

Many herbal products marketed as sexual stimulants claim to be "natural versions" of Viagra — but they are not the same as the prescription drug. Some contain substances (vasodilators) that improve blood flow by relaxing the walls of blood vessels. But no herbal products are as specific for blood vessels to the penis as Viagra and other similar prescription drugs are. As a result, these herbal remedies may cause generalized low blood pressure and restrict blood flow to vital organs.

One popular herbal medicine called yohimbe — which is marketed as a sexual stimulant — can be dangerous if used in excessive amounts. If you have erectile dysfunction, see your doctor to discuss proven treatment options.

Prescription medicine and erection problems

A number of medicines are associated with erection problems (erectile dysfunction). Let your doctor know if you are taking any of these medicines. If they are affecting your ability to have an erection, your doctor may be able to modify the amount you take or find an alternative.

Medicines with a high incidence of causing erection problems include:

- Clomipramine hydrochloride (Anafranil), which is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. - Flutamide (Eulexin), which is used to treat prostate cancer.
- Leuprolide acetate (Lupron), which is used to treat prostate cancer.
- Naltrexone hydrochloride (Trexan), which is used to treat alcohol dependence.

Other medicines can cause erection problems.

Examples of medicines that can cause erection problems

High blood pressure reduction
· amlodipine (such as Norvasc)
· atenolol (such as Tenormin)
· clonidine (such as Catapres)
· methyldopa (such as Aldomet)
· metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)
· nifedipine (such as Adalat, Adalat CC, Procardia)
· propranolol (such as Inderal)

Diuretics
· acetazolamide (such as Diamox)
· chlorothiazide (such as Diuril)
· chlorthalidone (such as Thalitone)
· hydralazine (such as Apresoline)
· hydrochlorothiazide (Carozide, Diaqua)
· hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (such as Lopressor HCT)
· spironolactone (such as Aldactone, Spironol)
· triamterene (such as Dyrenium)

Antidepressants
· amitriptyline (such as Elavil, Endep, Vanatrip)
· citalopram (such as Celexa)
· escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro)
· fluoxetine (such as Prozac, Sarafem)
· fluvoxamine (such as Luvox)
· imipramine (such as Tofranil)
· isocarboxazid (such as Marplan)
· nortriptyline hydrochloride (such as Aventyl HCl, Pamelor)
· paroxetine (such as Paxil)
· phenelzine (such as Nardil)
· sertraline (such as Zoloft)
· tranylcypromine (such as Parnate)

Antipsychotics
· chlorpromazine (such as Thorazine)
· fluphenazine (such as Permitil, Prolixin)
· haloperidol (such as Haldol)
· perphenazine (such as Trilafon)
· risperidone (such as Risperdal)
· thioridazine
· thiothixene (such as Navane)

Hormones
· estrogens
· luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogues (such as Zoladex, Lupron)

Cholesterol-lowering
· gemfibrozil (such as Lopid)
· niacin (such as Nicolar, Nicotinex)

Anticonvulsants
· carbamazepine (such as Carbatrol, Epitol, Tegretol)
· phenobarbital (such as Solfoton)
· phenytoin (such as Dilantin)

Cardiovascular
· digoxin (such as Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin)

Ulcers and heartburn treatment
· cimetidine (such as Tagamet)
· famotidine (such as Mylanta AR, Pepcid)
· metoclopramide hydrochloride (such as Reglan)
· nizatidine (such as Axid AR, Axid Pulvules)
· ranitidine (such as Zantac)

Other medicines that may have an effect on erections include medicines for:

- Hepatitis C or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), such as interferon alfa-2a or recombinant (Roferon-A).

- Parkinson's disease, such as levodopa (Sinemet).

- Nausea and vomiting, such as prochlorperazine (Compazine) and promethazine (Phenergan, Promethegan).

The Safest Sex

Ah, sexual fantasy. It has one big advantage over sexual reality: You have total control over everything that happens. You won't be humiliated or suffer at the hands of a brutish lover unless, of course, that's what you want.

Consider the possibilities. Your fantasy partner can be a celebrity, the guy who works down the hall, or your best friend's mate. You enjoy complete choice of venue: a tropical island, an elevator, a tree swing. And the activity in question can range from romantic, longing glances to sexual gymnastics that would strain a circus contortionist.

So perhaps the most surprising fact about our fantasies is this: The sexual scenario we most often imagine is the ordinary, non-kinky intercourse with a past or current lover. Despite the potential for limitless freedom, our fantasies generally stay firmly tethered to reality.
Don't worry if you assumed most fantasies were a bit more risque. Even in today's tell-all culture, sexual fantasies remain one of our last taboos, something that people simply don't discuss.

"We tell each other almost everything--our sexual habits, who we lust for, how much money we make," notes Columbia University psychiatrist Ethel Person, M.D., author of By Force of Fantasy. "But I do not know the sexual fantasies of my closest friends. We regard fantansies as too revealing. They're treasured possessions, yet we're ashamed of them."

Even psychologists long found sexual fantasy vaguely disreputable, ignoring the topic almost entirely for the first half of the century. But the last two decades have produced a flurry of new information and it turns out that a lot of what we thought we knew is wrong.

Imaginary Lovers

The misconceptions about sexual fantasies began with Freud himself. In 1908 he declared that "a happy person never fantasizes, only a dissatisfied one." Later thinkers embroidered this theme, developing what has become known as the deficiency theory.

"People still believe that fantasies are compensation for lack of sexual opportunity," says Leitenberg. "That if your sex life was adequate, you wouldn't have to fantasize."

But the data show that, if anything, frequent fantasizers are having more than their share of fun in bed. They have sex more often, engage in a wider variety of erotic activities, have more partners, and masturbate more often than infrequent fantasizers.

The association between fantasies and a healthy sex life is so strong, in fact, that it's now considered pathological not to have sexual fantasies.

And no wonder. Researchers studying sexual fantasies confirm that everyone has them, from adolescence onward. Well, almost everyone: About five percent of men and women say they have never had a sexual fantasy (or won't admit to it). Person believes that these fantasy-free folks are getting a vicarious fix elsewhere--from movies, for example. Or else they simply aren't paying attention to their own thoughts.

Most adults say they first remember fantasizing between the ages of 11 and 13. From there they quickly pick up speed. Sexual fantasies and thoughts are most common in hormone-addled teens and young adults. In one study, researchers asked people at random times during the day whether sex had crossed their minds during the past five minutes. Among 14- and 15-year-olds, 57 percent of boys and 42 percent of girls said yes. Affirmative responses were less common with increasing age: among 56-to 64-year-olds, 19 percent of men and 12 percent of women answered yes.

Once you get beyond age, though, it's hard to predict whether a given person has lots of fantasies. Attempts to identify a "fantasy-prone" type of individual have been woefully unsuccessful. Even religious and political views provide few clues. Conservatives have just as many fantasies as liberals--despite the fact that, according to one study, nearly half of conservative Christians feel sexual fantasies are "morally flawed or unacceptable."

The devout aren't the only ones who have mixed feelings. One in four people feel strong guilt about their fantasies, reports Leitenberg. Most of this hand-wringing "involves people who feel guilty about fantasizing while making love to their partners," he says. Even among sexually adventurous groups like college students, 22 percent of women and 8 percent of men said they usually try to repress the feelings associated with fantasy.

Guilt also strikes when fantasy and personal ideology collide. "There are people who feel that their sexual fantasies are not a part of them," Person says. "The CEO of a Fortune 500 company may have masochistic fantasies of being tied to a bed, and he might be perfectly comfortable because he sees that as respite from having to be in control; whereas some feminists are ashamed because they have masochistic fantasies and they feel that the fantasies are contrary to their political beliefs."

Such guilt exacts a heavy toll. Those who fret over their fantasies have sex less often and enjoy it less, even though the content of their fantasies is no different from those of the guilt-free.

But even unusual and "deviant" fantasies give little reason for concern in healthy individuals. It's true that we sometimes use fantasies as a springboard for later sexual hijinks. But the path from fantasy to deviance is anything but direct.

Rape fantasies, for instance, are far more common than rapes themselves. And as an extreme example, consider that only 22 percent of child molesters say they had sexual fantasies about kids before their first molestation. So unusual fantasies are a concern only when they become compulsive or exclusive, or for individuals "in whom the barrier between thought and behavior has been broken.

Exactly why your fantasies differ from those of your friends is not well understood. But theories abound. Certainly personal experience and the things we see, hear, and read about enter the mix.

External stimuli like sexy advertisements or scantily clad passersby, in fact, may be responsible for the off-noted observation that men fantasize more than women. In a sample of college students, researchers found that men fantasized or thought about sex 7.2 times a day, compared to 4.5 for women. For each sex, two of those fantasies were internally triggered. But men reported twice as many externally provoked thoughts.

Our favorite internally triggered fantasies probably attain preferred status through classical conditioning, the sane process that had Pavlov's dogs drooling at the sound of a bell. Fantasies that accompany orgasms are particularly reinforced, for instance, making them more arousing next time around. From there "we embellish them, change them," says Person. "They're like an evolving series." Scenarios that don't accompany arousal are discarded.

While the most common fantasies involve routine sex with a past, present, or imaginary partner, that's not to say that we don't occasionally give our fantasy muscles a more strenuous workout. In addition to those decidedly "vanilla" scenarios, Leitenberg and Henning describe three other primary flavors of fantasy:

- Novel or "forbidden" imagery. This includes unconventional settings, questionable partners like strangers or relatives, and ligament-straining positions worthy of the Kama Sutra. Or as Dr. Seuss once asked (albeit in a somewhat different context): "Would you, could you, in a boat? Could you, would you, with a goat?"
- Scenes of sexual irresistibility. Here the emphasis is on seductive power: overcoming the reluctance of an initially indifferent man or woman through sheer animal magnetism. Or the irresistibility may take numerical form in fantasies involving multiple partners.

- Dominance and submission fantasies. In these, sexual power is expressed either ritualistically--in sadomasochistic activities--or through physical force, as in rape fantasies. Such fantasies are surprisingly common. Person reports that 44 percent of men have had fantasies of dominating a partner. Other studies found that 51 percent of women fantasized about being forced to have sex, while a third imagined: "I'm a slave who must obey a man's every wish."

None of this means, of course, that real-world rape victims "really want it." "Women who find submission fantasies sexually arousing are very clear that they have no wish to be raped in reality," say Leitenberg and Henning. In their fantasies, women control every aspect of what occurs. And their scenarios are far less brutal than real-life attacks. Typically the fantasy involves an attractive man whose restraint is simply overwhelmed by the woman's attractiveness. These fantasies serve the same psychological purpose as scenes of irresistibility. "It's different means to the same end" says Leitenberg. "We want to be desired."
Incidentally, researchers find little difference in the fantasies of hetero- and homosexuals--except in the gender of participants.

It doesn't take a Ph.D. to figure out that the fantasies of men and women differ. Just look at the fantasy scenarios that publishers push.

Men have Playboy: big-busted women exposing their attributes, in almost clinical detail, from a variety of angles and positions. For women, on the other hand, there are tales like The Bridges of Madison County and cookie-cutter Harlequin romances. The covers may depict heaving bosoms and Fabio's muscular physique, but the sex always comes packaged within an emotional, passionate romance.

While all this may change as sexual roles and cultural attitudes change, fantasies still fall along those gender lines. When male and female college students were asked to write out in detail three fantasies they had, women were more likely to describe romance and commitment while men mentioned a greater number of sexual acts.

In another study of 300 college students, 41 percent of the women but only 16 percent of the men--said that while fantasizing they focused on the "personal or emotional characteristics of the partner." Men, however, were four times as likely to focus on their fantasy partner's physical characteristics. Sociobiologists argue that these discrepancies represent evolved behavioral differences between men and women. But even if that's true, Leitenberg observes, there are certainly cultural pressures for women not to think about sex outside of a committed relationship, lest they be labeled a "slut."

The romance/genitalia dichotomy isn't the only major differences in male and female fantasies. Here are some others:

1) Men are more likely to imagine themselves doing something to a woman, and their fantasies focus on her body. Women, on the other hand, tend to envision something being done to them and to concentrate more on their partner's interest in her.

2) Male fantasies more often involve sex with two or more partners at one time. In one study, a third of men had fantasies about sex with multiple partners--twice the number of women. Guys are also more likely to switch partners in mid-fantasy.

3) Both sexes imagine overpowering a partner or being forced to submit to another's wishes. But men are more likely to have domination fantasies, while women tend to see themselves submitting to a partner's sexual wishes. One researcher reports that 13 percent of women but only 4 percent of men said that their favorite fantasy was being forced to have sex.

4) Men have a greater variety of fantasies. Asked to check off all those they had experienced in the past three months (on a list of 55), male collegians indicated 26 of them. Women listed only 14.

Dream On

There's still a lot no one knows about sexual fantasies. Is the frequency and range of fantasies similar in other cultures? How does the content of fantasies change over one's lifetime? And what happens when we act on our fantasies? Does it spoil them--or make them more vivid? "We have no idea,".

But what we do know is proof enough that fantasies are an essential part of our sexual repertoire. Far from being a sign of sexual inadequacy or deprivation, fantasies are associated with a healthy, happy sex life. The people who have the most sexual problems fantasize least.

Indeed, fantasy's power to arouse us--some folks say they can achieve orgasm solely from sexual thoughts, or "thinking off" -- proves that the brain is as potent a sexual organ as one's genitalia. And though most erotic thoughts are relatively ordinary, our more imaginative flights allow us to explore our sexuality without risk of physical harm or social rejection. Consider this finding: Imagining having sex with your current lover is a popular fantasy when you're not engaged in sexual activity--while imagining sex with a new partner is a popular fantasy during intercourse.

Most of us need no further justification for fantasy beyond the fun factor. "Sexual fantasy is a natural part of being human". "It's pleasurable. So being the Lord of Romance, I say.... why not fantasize?"

Erection Problems (Erectile Dysfunction)

What are erection problems?

A man has erection problems if he cannot get or keep an erection that is firm enough for him to have sex. Erection problems are also called erectile dysfunction or impotence.

Erection problems can occur at any age. But they are more common in older men, who often have other health problems. Treatment can help both older and younger men.

What causes erection problems?

Erection problems may be caused by physical problems, such as injury to nerves or loss of blood supply to the penis.

They can also be linked to other health problems. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and atherosclerosis. Erection problems can also be linked to problems with the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.

Many medicines for other health problems may cause erection problems, but most do not. If you recently began taking a new medicine and started having erection problems, this could be a side effect of the medicine. Talk with your doctor. He or she may be able to change the dose or type of medicine you take.

Men who drink too much alcohol, smoke, or use illegal drugs also are at risk for erection problems.
Anxiety, stress, or depression can cause erection problems.

Other causes include surgery, such as for prostate cancer, or injury to the pelvic area.

What are the symptoms?

The only symptom of an erection problem is being unable to get and keep an erection that is firm enough to have sex. But even with an erection problem, a man may still have sexual desire and be able to have an orgasm and to ejaculate.

How are erection problems diagnosed?

Your doctor can find out if you have an erection problem by asking questions about your health and doing a physical exam. Your doctor will want to know if the problem happens all the time or just from time to time. The exam, lab tests, and sometimes mental health tests can help find out the cause of the problem.

How are they treated?

There are a number of treatments for erection problems. Doctors usually start with lifestyle changes and medicines. They usually don't advise surgery or other treatments unless those first steps don't help.

Treatment can include:

- Making lifestyle changes, such as avoiding tobacco, drugs, and alcohol. It may also help to talk about the issue with your partner, do sensual exercises, and get counselling.

- Finding and then stopping medicines that may be causing the problem. In some cases you can take a different medicine that does not cause erection problems.

- Taking prescription medicine that can help you get erections. These include pills such as Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis. Check with your doctor to see if it is safe for you to take Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis with your other medicines. These can be dangerous if you have heart disease that requires you to take nitroglycerin or other medicines that contain nitrates.

- Taking medicines and getting counseling for depression or anxiety.

- Using vacuum devices or getting shots of medicine into the penis.

- Having surgery to place an implant in the penis.

Can you prevent erection problems?

Because erection problems are most often caused by a physical problem, it’s important to eat healthy foods and get enough exercise to help you stay in good health.

To reduce your risk of having an erection problem, do not smoke, drink too much alcohol, or use illegal drugs.

You may be able to avoid erection problems related to anxiety and stress by talking with your partner about your concerns. This may help you relax.

Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Aside from colds and the flu, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are some of the most widespread diseases both in the United States and the world. STDs affect both men and women, and two-thirds of all STDs occur in people younger than 25 years old. Exposure to an STD can occur any time you have sexual contact with anyone that involves the genitals, the mouth (oral), or the rectum (anal). Exposure is more likely if you have more than one sex partner or do not use condoms. Some STDs can be passed by nonsexual contact, such as by sharing needles or during the delivery of a baby or during breast-feeding. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

STDs are a worldwide public health concern because there is more opportunity for STDs to be spread as more people travel and engage in sexual activities. Some STDs have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers and infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Pregnant women can spread STDs to their babies. Many people may not have symptoms of an STD but are still able to spread an infection. STD testing can help find problems early on so that treatment can begin if needed. It is important to practice safe sex with all partners, especially if you or they have high-risk sexual behaviors. See the Prevention section of this topic.
Common sexually transmitted diseases

There are at least 20 different STDs. They can be caused by viruses, bacteria and protozoa. Some of the most common STDs in the U.S. are:

- Chlamydia.

- Genital herpes

- Genital warts or human papillomavirus (HPV).

- Certain high-risk types of HPV can cause cervical cancer in women.

- Gonorrhoea.

- Hepatitis B. Syphilis.

- Trichomoniasis.

- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS. Having other STDs, such as genital herpes, can increase your risk of HIV.

- Other infections that may be sexually transmitted. These include hepatitis A, cytomegalovirus, molluscum contagiosum, bacterial vaginosis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and possibly hepatitis C.

- Scabies and pubic lice, which can be spread by sexual contact.

Bacterial STDs can be treated and cured, but STDs caused by viruses usually cannot be cured. You can get a bacterial STD over and over again, even if it is one that you were treated for and cured of in the past.

Sexually active teens and young adults

Sexually active teenagers and young adults are at high risk for STDs because they have biological changes during the teen years that increase their risk for getting an STD and they may be more likely to:

- Have unprotected sex.

- Have multiple partners.

- Engage in high-risk sexual behaviors.

Studies show that:

- Sexually active teenagers contract 25% of all new STDs each year.

- Between 12% and 25% of sexually active teen girls test positive for chlamydia.

- As many as 30% to 50% of sexually active teenagers have been infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV).

- Sexually active teenagers between 15 and 19 years old have the highest rates of gonorrhea.

- Genital herpes infection has increased more than 50% in sexually active teenagers.

- About 25% of new HIV infections occur in people under 22 years old.

It is important to seek treatment if you think you may have an STD or have been exposed to an STD. Most health departments, family planning clinics, and STD clinics provide confidential services for the diagnosis and treatment of STDs. Early treatment can cure a bacterial STD and prevent complications.

If you are a parent of a teenager, there are many resources available, such as your health professional or family planning clinics, to help you talk with your teen about safe sex, preventing STDs, and being evaluated and treated for STDs.

Risks specific to women with sexually transmitted diseases

In women, STDs can cause a serious infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes (reproductive organs) called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID may cause scar tissue that blocks the fallopian tubes, leading to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic abscess, or chronic pelvic pain. STDs in pregnant women may cause problems such as:

- Miscarriage.

- Low birth weight.

- Premature delivery.

- Infections in their newborn baby, such as pneumonia, eye infections, or nervous system problems.

Risks specific to men with sexually transmitted diseases

Infection and inflammation of the epididymis, urethra, and prostate. Any child or vulnerable adult with symptoms of an STD needs to be evaluated by a health professional to determine the cause and to assess for possible sexual abuse.

Premature Ejaculation

What is premature ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation is uncontrolled ejaculation either before or shortly after sexual penetration, with minimal sexual stimulation and before the person wishes. It may result in an unsatisfactory sexual experience for both partners. This can increase the anxiety that may contribute to the problem. Premature ejaculation is one of the most common forms of male sexual dysfunction and has probably affected every man at some point in his life.

What causes premature ejaculation?

Most cases of premature ejaculation do not have a clear cause. With sexual experience and age, men often learn to delay orgasm. Premature ejaculation may occur with a new partner, only in certain sexual situations, or if it has been a long time since the last ejaculation. Psychological factors such as anxiety, guilt, or depression can cause premature ejaculation. In some cases, premature ejaculation may be related to an underlying medical cause such as hormonal problems, injury, or a side effect of certain medicines.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptom of premature ejaculation is an uncontrolled ejaculation either before or shortly after intercourse begins. Ejaculation occurs before the person wishes it, with minimal sexual stimulation.

How is premature ejaculation diagnosed?

Your health professional will discuss your medical and sexual history with you and conduct a thorough physical examination. Your doctor may want to talk to your partner as well. Because premature ejaculation can have many causes, your health professional may order laboratory tests to rule out any underlying medical problem.

How is it treated?

In many cases, premature ejaculation resolves on its own over time without the need for medical treatment. Practicing relaxation techniques or using distraction methods may help you delay ejaculation. For some men, stopping or cutting down on the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs may improve their ability to control ejaculation.

Your health professional may recommend that you and your partner practice specific techniques to help delay ejaculation. These techniques may involve identifying and controlling the sensations that lead up to ejaculation and communicating to slow or stop stimulation. Other options include using a condom to reduce sensation to the penis or trying a different position (such as lying on your back) during intercourse. Counseling or behavioral therapy may help reduce anxiety related to premature ejaculation.

Certain antidepressant medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft), are sometimes used to treat premature ejaculation. These medicines are used because a side effect of SSRIs is inhibited orgasm, which helps delay ejaculation. The use of SSRIs for the treatment of premature ejaculation is not related to depression and is considered an "off-label" use.

INTERESTING TOPICS!

Please note that below mentioned sex related topics are exclusively for adult readers. Supervision is adviced for age under 18. Please click on each topic to have a full view. More topics will be added on a regular basis. Please visit later for more interesting topics about sex that, you know, you want to know or you dont know.

Caution:
The views and ideas in this blog are solely from the research and study and each individual should contact and consult their physicians before any making any decision. The writer takes no responsibility on the action of the readers.

01. Sex During Pregnancy: An unnecessary taboo?

02. Is sex good for you?

03. Silicone Breast Implants

04. C-Sections

05. Erection Problems (Erectile Dysfunction)

06. Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases

07. Premature Ejaculation

08. The Safest Sex

09. Prescription medicine and erection problems

10. 'Herbal viagra': Is it safe?

11. Truth be Told

12. Why Do I Check My Partner's Email?

13. Why Men Fall Asleep After Sex?

14. Lots of Sex May Prevent Erectile Dysfunction

15. Birth Control

16. When Sex Becomes An Addiction

Silicone Breast Implants

A controversial procedure returns to market, deemed safe but still doubtful.

After a 14-year ban, silicone implants were re-approved in November 2006.

The ban came from the FDA’s reaction to the public concern that implants were responsible for women’s health issues including cancer, immunological diseases and rheumatoid arthritis. When manufacturer Dow Corning was unable to prove that the implants were completely safe, they were bankrupted by over $3 billion in lawsuits.

Silicone implants had, to that point, been favored over saline implants because they felt softer (saline implants were known to be unnaturally hard) and were less likely to spontaneously deflate.

Fourteen years of research revealed no link between implants and the serious health issues cited.

The FDA therefore decided to leave the decision to the discretion of women and their surgeons. But recovering the reputation of silicone (or gel) implants is an uphill battle, and critics still question why the FDA would rush re-approval when longer-term testing might expose risks. A month after the ban was lifted, an Austrian study rekindled the old concerns.

“Fourteen years isn’t much of a rush,” counters Dr. Paul Petty, consultant to Mayo Clinic’s department of plastic surgery. “There have been a number of very large studies conducted by epidemiologists—not plastic surgeons—looking for any kind of correlation between implants and significant disease entities, and none has ever been found. And there were many hundreds of thousands of ‘patient years’ to look at during the time that those evaluations were being done.”

Lifting the ban hasn’t made things easier on anyone.

Consumer advocates may suspect that the ban was lifted to benefit implant manufacturers and/or a lobby of plastic surgeons. But the lift comes accompanied by FDA restrictions that hogtie manufacturers, doctors and even patients.

Exasperated by the restrictions, Petty says, “It’s a way for the government to say yes and no at the same time, and the way they’re saying yes is so onerous that most [plastic surgeons] don’t want to put the implants in anyway. All of the patients who are getting implants are still on a 10-year FDA study with obtuse requirements, and there are many strings attached for the doctors and the manufacturer.”

The two biggest corporations dedicated to keeping breasts plump and faces firm are Allergan (the Botox people) and Mentor. Both make silicone and saline implants.

No implants are without risks or possible complications.

Among the most common is capsular contracture, the uncomfortable tightening that results from scar tissue build-up around an implant.

Another is when small amounts of silicone gel leak from a ruptured implant or bleed through its porous lining.

“A mammogram can easily identify a little piece of free gel with scar tissue around it,” says Petty, describing what is known as a siliconoma. The name is frightening, but Petty explains that they are innocuous.

“Siliconomas form a palpable lump, but there’s not a health risk associated with them. If they’re not in an obvious location [i.e., visible on the breast surface], you can just leave them alone.”

Connective tissue diseases (CTD’s) were among the biggest concerns leading to the ban, since many women with silicone implants were found to have CTD. It’s been found, however, that CTD is as common in women without implants, and the connection was never proven or disproven. The FDA has developed a document outlining potential complications.

Cosmetic silicone implants are approved for women aged 22 and older.

The minimum age for saline, in contrast, is 18. Why the difference? The FDA’s age specification is a bit random but one justification is that, in their words, “A young woman may not be mature enough to make an informed decision about the potential risks.”

What’s more, the 22-year-old may be more likely to follow the FDA’s recommendation for bi-annual MRI exams to test for leakage—though she’d have to be a wealthy twenty-something to afford the procedure, which costs thousands of dollars and is rarely covered by insurance. Another thought is that a more mature woman may stand a better chance of understanding the voluminous documents she’ll be asked to read in advance of surgery.

(Note: There is no minimum age for breast reconstruction based on damaged tissue, as for cancer patients or young women with breast abnormalities.)

Implants don’t last forever.

Petty tells patients with silicone implants that they stand a 20 percent chance of needing a second surgery within 10 years to correct capsular contracture. Patients with saline implants run the same odds of a second surgery within 10 years due to either capsular contracture or rupture. And, Petty says, there’s a 100 percent chance that the “fancy water balloon” will need to be removed or replaced within 30 years. One way or another, nature will eventually have its way.

C-Section Delivery

A caesarean section can literally be a lifesaver for mother and child. But as the number of caesarean-born babies increases sharply, so does the need to be informed.

Successful C-sections have become commonplace but they are still major surgery.

The impact and risks associated with caesarean surgery should not be underestimated. There is a possibility of injuring the bladder or intestine. Compared to vaginal deliveries there is greater chance of blood loss and of infection.

Whether you’re considering an elective C-section or want to understand emergency procedures, do not give consent before you are entirely well informed.

In 2004, C-section deliveries accounted for 29.1 percent of all births in the U.S.

The number of caesareans has increased by 40 percent since 1996. Primary factors: lawsuits brought by patients, which influence many obstetricians to practice medicine defensively; a sharp rise in demand by patients who fear labor pain; and the refusal of many hospitals to allow vaginal births if a mother has delivered by C-section before.

A mother who has delivered by C-section may still be able to deliver her next baby vaginally.

There is great controversy in the OB-GYN community regarding vaginal birth after caesarean, or VBAC. Since 1996, the VBAC rate has dropped by 67 percent.

Hundreds of hospitals and obstetricians forbid VBACs altogether, citing the risk of a uterine tears—and the malpractice suits that follow. They also oppose having emergency surgical teams on standby for when VBAC attempts fail.

Advocates of VBAC argue there are too many known and unknown risks in repeated C-sections. Each successive caesarean delivery is more complicated because there is scar tissue on the uterus from the prior procedure. Also, the placenta is more likely to grow abnormally after multiple caesareans, which can lead to haemorrhage and other serious complications.

Expectant mothers should understand what constitutes a caesarean as “medical necessity.”

An emergency C-section may be necessary if there is fatal distress, if labour has stopped progressing, or if the mother’s well-being is threatened.

In some cases a C-section is scheduled in advance because it’s clear that vaginal delivery would not be safe. The fetus may be positioned poorly or may be too big, or the mother may be at high risk of a uterine tear due to a prior C-section.

In a successful C-section with a healthy patient, recovery can be rapid.

Most women are walking within 12 hours of surgery and can take liquid and food the same day. Usually after three days, new mothers can be sent home with pain medication such as Vicodin or Tylenol with codeine. Discomfort from the abdominal incision tends to be more severe and longer lasting than experienced by women with healthy vaginal delivery. Nonetheless, moms in each group are frequently back to normal within six to eight weeks.

Sex during pregnancy: An unnecessary taboo?

Sex during pregnancy — If your doctor agrees, follow your sex drive where it leads.

If you want to get pregnant, you have sex. No surprises there. But what about sex while you're pregnant? The answers aren't always as clear. Here's what you need to know about sex during pregnancy.

Is it OK to have sex during pregnancy?

As long as your pregnancy is proceeding normally, you can have sex as often as you like. But you may not always want to. At first, hormonal fluctuations, fatigue and nausea may sap your sexual desire. During the second trimester, increased blood flow to your sexual organs and breasts may rekindle your desire for sex. But by the third trimester, weight gain, back pain and other symptoms may once again dampen your enthusiasm for sex.

Can sex cause a miscarriage?

Many couples worry that sex during pregnancy will cause a miscarriage, especially in the first trimester. But sex isn't a concern. Early miscarriages are usually related to chromosomal abnormalities or other problems in the developing baby — not to anything you do or don't do.
Does sex harm the baby?

The baby is protected by the amniotic fluid in your uterus, as well as the mucous plug that blocks the cervix throughout most of your pregnancy. Your partner's penis won't touch the baby.

Are any sexual positions off-limits during pregnancy?

As your pregnancy progresses, experiment to find the most comfortable positions. There's just one caveat. Avoid lying flat on your back during sex. If your uterus compresses the veins in the back of your abdomen, you may feel light-headed or nauseous.

What about oral sex?

If you have oral sex, make sure your partner does not blow air into your vagina. Rarely, a burst of air may block a blood vessel (air embolism) — which could be a life-threatening condition for you and the baby.

Can orgasms trigger premature labour?

Orgasms can cause uterine contractions. But these contractions are different from the contractions you'll feel during labour. Research indicates that if you have a normal pregnancy, orgasms — with or without intercourse — don't lead to premature labour or premature birth.

Are there times when sex should be avoided?

Although most women can safely have sex throughout pregnancy, sometimes it's best to be cautious.

Preterm labour. Exposure to the prostaglandins in semen may cause contractions — which could be worrisome if you're at risk of preterm labour.

Vaginal bleeding. Sex is not recommended if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Problems with the cervix. If your cervix begins to open prematurely (cervical incompetence), sex may pose a risk of infection.

Problems with the placenta. If your placenta partly or completely covers your cervical opening (placenta previa), sex could lead to bleeding and preterm labour.

Multiple babies. If you're carrying two or more babies, your doctor may advise you not to have sex late in pregnancy — although researchers have not identified any relationship between sex and preterm labour in twins.

Should my partner use a condom?

Exposure to sexually transmitted diseases during pregnancy increases the risk of infections that can affect your pregnancy and your baby's health. If you have a new sexual partner during pregnancy, use a condom when you have sex.

What if I don't want to have sex?

That's OK. There's more to a sexual relationship than intercourse. Share your needs and concerns with your partner in an open and loving way. If sex is difficult, unappealing or off-limits, try cuddling, kissing or massage.

After the baby is born, how soon can I have sex?

Whether you give birth vaginally or by C-section, your body will need time to heal. Many doctors recommend waiting six weeks before resuming intercourse. This allows time for your cervix to close and any tears or a repaired episiotomy to heal.If you're too sore or exhausted to even think about sex, maintain intimacy in other ways. Share short phone calls throughout the day or occasional soaks in the tub. When you're ready to have sex, take it slow — and use a reliable method of contraception.

Is Sex Good for You?

Maybe for different reasons for women and men, but the answer is yes.

Sex is healthy for the prostate.

Chronic prostate irritation, or prostatitis, can result in pelvic discomfort as well as problems with urinating frequency and urgency. Doctors often recommend routine sexual activity to men with prostatitis because ejaculations help flush the prostate clean. The gland’s function is to contribute to the production of seminal fluid, and regular evacuations represent a pleasurable bit of self-care.

However, the recommendation is difficult to follow when inflammation from prostatitis impairs sexual functionality. Medication for the prostate or a pill like Viagra can help break the cycle and enable a man to perform. As his sexual function gets better, his urinary function may get better until generally he’s having fewer problems. A man won’t become ill from not having sex (regardless of complaints to the contrary), but being active does promote better prostate health.

In women, sex maintains tissue elasticity and moisture.

A regular sex life is important for maintaining healthy tissue as women age. There is something to the adage ‘Use it or lose it. Especially in perimenopausal and menopausal women, sex maintains the integrity of vaginal and vulvar tissues. As hormone levels go down, a consistent sexual life will maintain the elasticity and moisture in those tissues.

Dashed expectations can lead to real pain.

Infamously, a man can experience dull pain in the pelvis when a sexual act is cut short prior to climax. As the male body prepares for orgasm, one of the physiologic parameters is the increase of blood flow in the pelvis. When you’re stimulated to the point that you should be reaching orgasm—and, for whatever reason, you’re prevented from reaching it—there is pelvic engorgement of the blood vessels in the pelvis.

That fullness in the veins leads to the ache. Contrary to what one may have guessed based on a schoolyard education, the pain doesn’t result from backed-up seminal fluid in the testicles (in fact, the testes are responsible for only about 1 percent of the ejaculate’s makeup). So why would testes in such a state be referred to as “blue” in the vernacular? Maybe they’re just sad.

Most claims about the health benefits of sex are subjective.

Sex fights cancer, limits depression, boosts the immune system, reduces risk of stroke, improves sense of smell and achieves world peace. Barring a handful of small studies, there is little science behind these claims.

What we do know is that people have a sense of well-being when they are physically active and when they enjoy intimate relationships. In these ways, sex shares in developing a healthy state of mind and body. The evidence is subjective much beyond that. A roll in the hay may very well fix that crick in your neck, but don’t ask for proof. Just because we can’t prove it doesn’t mean we can’t believe it. It just means we can’t make these claims with scientific certainty.

No study has established sex as a painkiller.

Because orgasm promotes a spike in the production of the pain-dulling hormones endorphin and cortisol, it has been posited that sex relieves all kinds of aches and pains, including rheumatism and migraines. Most people basking in the afterglow will attest that their body feels good, and it’s a no-brainer that a satisfying encounter can temporarily relieve tension and stress (which lead to any number of ailments). But trying to relate sexual activity to pain relief is a difficult task. There is some relation to pain perception, but we don’t know exactly what it is. Certainly there’s endorphin release with orgasm, but not there’s not a chronic [continual] elevation of endorphin levels like we see in someone who exercises vigorously week after week. Therefore, it’s unlikely anyone could have enough sex to sustain hormone levels that might lead to genuine, sustained pain relief. It would be fun to try, though.

What's Wrecking Your Résumé?

'Exceptional communication, leadership and management skills.' To a seasoned résumé reviewer, that line reads: yada, yada, yada, Why? People who read résumés for a living dismiss such comments because they are subjective assertions made by the only person who has anything to gain from them -- you. How do they know if you have the expertise to make accurate assessments about the quality of such skills?

Along with using subjective assertions, experts say job applicants are famous for filling their résumés with jargon words and empty language that say nothing of their actual capabilities -- and it's the most detrimental move a job seeker can make.

"Verbs such as 'assist,' 'contribute' or 'support' without any additional information mean essentially nothing to a recruiter or hiring manager. Instead, a job seeker needs to be specific in how he or she assisted with a particular project.

One thing you won't see on a successful résumé is empty phrases describing your work; instead, you'll find specific examples illustrating your accomplishments. The secret of a great résumé is that it leads the reader, on his or her own, to come up with the very assertions you would like to make. The best way to achieve this is to show, not tell. Use facts, not feelings.

Check out these expert examples of empty phrases:

Phrase: "Proficiency in problem identification.” Problem: "People want solutions, not problems. Instead, describe the solutions for specific problems you solved.

Phrase: "Cultivated a team-based atmosphere.” Problem: On the surface, this may seem like nice wording, but it leaves people wondering what the person actually did that accomplished the claim. It's almost too good a word to carry credibility in that it's slick but not substantive.

Phrase: "Demonstrates proven ability....”Problem: "The activity will demonstrate your availability. Take out demonstrate and just include 'proven ability to (insert important activity here).'

Phrase: "Championed family-friendly policies that increased retention.” Problem: This phrase is hollow. It gives the impression that they somehow pushed through major policy initiatives when more often, one discovers that they simply added their voice to someone else's work.

Jargon buzzwords to avoid

There's no shame in being ambitious, aggressive, a people-person or a team-player, but anyone can describe themselves in those terms. The best way to demonstrate those qualities is through achievements that explain what makes a person that way.

Here's a list of 25 buzzwords to avoid (or use sparingly).

01. Top-flight
02. Collaborative
03. Interface
04. Innovative
05. Energetic
06. Problem-solver
07. Proclivity
08. Strategic
09. Dynamic
10. Ethical
11. Penchant
12. Aggressive
13. Motivated
14. 'Outstanding communication skills'
15. Creative
16. Goal-oriented
17. Proactive
18. Team player
19. Take-charge
20. Entrepreneurial
21. Detail-oriented
22. Organized
23.Hard-working
24. Ambitious
25. People-person

The 10 Best Foods You're Not Eating

There are many superfoods that never see the inside of a shopping cart. Some you've never heard of, and others you've simply forgotten about. That's why we've rounded up the best of the bunch. Make a place for them on your table and you'll instantly upgrade your health—without a prescription.

1. Pumpkin seeds

These jack-o'-lantern waste products are the most nutritious part of the pumpkin.

Why they're healthy: Downing pumpkin seeds is the easiest way to consume more magnesium. That's important because French researchers recently determined that men with the highest levels of magnesium in their blood have a 40 percent lower risk of early death than those with the lowest levels. And on average, men consume 353 mg of the mineral daily, well under the 420 mg minimum recommended by the USDA.

How to eat them: Whole, shells and all. (The shells provide extra fiber.) Roasted pumpkin seeds contain 150 mg of magnesium per ounce; add them to your regular diet and you'll easily hit your daily target of 420 mg. Look for them in the snack or health-food section of your grocery store, next to the peanuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds.

2. Dried plums


You may know these better by the moniker "prunes," which are indelibly linked with nursing homes and bathroom habits. And that explains why, in an effort to revive this delicious fruit's image, producers now market them under another name.

Why they're healthy: Prunes contain high amounts of neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids, antioxidants that are particularly effective at combating the "superoxide anion radical." This nasty free radical causes structural damage to your cells, and such damage is thought to be one of the primary causes of cancer.

How to eat them: As an appetizer. Wrap a paper-thin slice of prosciutto around each dried plum and secure with a toothpick. Bake in a 400°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until the plums are soft and the prosciutto is crispy. Most of the fat will cook off, and you'll be left with a decadent-tasting treat that's sweet, savory, and healthy.

3. Goji Berries

These raisin-size fruits are chewy and taste like a cross between a cranberry and a cherry. More important, these potent berries have been used as a medicinal food in Tibet for over 1,700 years.

Why they're healthy: Goji berries have one of the highest ORAC ratings—a method of gauging antioxidant power—of any fruit, according to Tufts University researchers. And although modern scientists began to study this ancient berry only recently, they've found that the sugars that make goji berries sweet reduce insulin resistance—a risk factor of diabetes - in rats.

How to eat them: Mix dried or fresh goji berries with a cup of plain yogurt, sprinkle them on your oatmeal or cold cereal, or enjoy a handful by themselves. You can find them at specialty supermarkets or at gojiberries.us.

4. Pomegranate juice

A popular drink for decades in the Middle East, pomegranate juice has become widely available only recently in the United States.

Why it's healthy: Israeli scientists discovered that men who downed just 2 ounces of pomegranate juice daily for a year decreased their systolic (top number) blood pressure by 21 percent and significantly improved bloodflow to their hearts. What's more, 4 ounces provides 50 percent of your daily vitamin C needs.

How to drink it: Try 100 percent pomegranate juice from Pom Wonderful. It contains no added sugars, and because it's so powerful, a small glassful is all you need. (For a list of retailers, go to www.pomwonderful.com.)

5. Purslane

Although the FDA classifies purslane as a broad-leaved weed, it's a popular vegetable and herb in many other countries, including China, Mexico, and Greece.

Why it's healthy: Purslane has the highest amount of heart-healthy omega-3 fats of any edible plant, according to researchers at the University of Texas at San Antonio. The scientists also report that this herb has 10 to 20 times more melatonin - an antioxidant that may inhibit cancer growth - than any other fruit or vegetable tested.

How to eat it: In a salad. Think of purslane as a great alternative or addition to lettuce: The leaves and stems are crisp, chewy, and succulent, and they have a mild lemony taste. Look for it at your local farmer's market, or Chinese or Mexican market. It's also available at some Whole Foods stores, as an individual leafy green or in premade salad mixes.

6. Cinnamon

This old-world spice usually reaches most men's stomachs only when it's mixed with sugar and stuck to a roll.

Why it's healthy: Cinnamon helps control your blood sugar, which influences your risk of heart disease. In fact, USDA researchers found that people with type-2 diabetes who consumed 1 g of cinnamon a day for 6 weeks (about 1/4 teaspoon each day) significantly reduced not only their blood sugar but also their triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol. Credit the spice's active ingredients, methylhydroxychalcone polymers, which increase your cells' ability to metabolize sugar by up to 20 times.

How to eat it: You don't need the fancy oils and extracts sold at vitamin stores; just sprinkle the stuff that's in your spice rack (or in the shaker at Starbucks) into your coffee or on your oatmeal.


7. Swiss chard

Hidden in the leafy-greens cooler of your market, you'll find this slightly bitter, salty vegetable, which is actually native to the Mediterranean.

Why it's healthy: A half cup of cooked Swiss chard provides a huge amount of both lutein and zeaxanthin, supplying 10 mg each. These plant chemicals, known as carotenoids, protect your retinas from the damage of aging, according to Harvard researchers. That's because both nutrients, which are actually pigments, appear to accumulate in your retinas, where they absorb the type of shortwave light rays that can damage your eyes. So the more lutein and zeaxanthin you eat, the better your internal eye protection will be.

How to eat it: Chard goes great with grilled steaks and chicken, and it also works well as a bed for pan-seared fish. Wash and dry a bunch of Swiss chard, and then chop the leaves and stems into 1-inch pieces. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan or wok, and add two garlic cloves that you've peeled and lightly crushed. When the oil smokes lightly, add the chard. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, until the leaves wilt and the stems are tender. Remove the garlic cloves and season the chard with salt and pepper.

8. Guava

Guava is an obscure tropical fruit that's subtly acidic, with sweetness that intensifies as you eat your way to the center.

Why it's healthy: Guava has a higher concentration of lycopene—an antioxidant that fights prostate cancer—than any other plant food, including tomatoes and watermelon. In addition, 1 cup of the stuff provides 688 milligrams (mg) of potassium, which is 63 percent more than you'll find in a medium banana. And guava may be the ultimate high-fiber food: There's almost 9 grams (g) of fiber in every cup.

How to eat it: Down the entire fruit, from the rind to the seeds. It's all edible—and nutritious. The rind alone has more vitamin C than you'd find in the flesh of an orange. You can score guava in the produce section of higher-end supermarkets or in Latin grocery stores.

9. Cabbage

Absent from most American kitchens, this cruciferous vegetable is a major player in European and Asian diets.

Why it's healthy: One cup of chopped cabbage has just 22 calories, and it's loaded with valuable nutrients. At the top of the list is sulforaphane, a chemical that increases your body's production of enzymes that disarm cell-damaging free radicals and reduce your risk of cancer. In fact, Stanford University scientists determined that sulforaphane boosts your levels of these cancer-fighting enzymes higher than any other plant chemical.

How to eat it: Put cabbage on your burgers to add a satisfying crunch. Or, for an even better sandwich topping or side salad, try an Asian-style slaw.

10. Beets

These grungy-looking roots are naturally sweeter than any other vegetable, which means they pack tons of flavor underneath their rugged exterior.

Why they're healthy: Think of beets as red spinach. Just like Popeye's powerfood, this crimson vegetable is one of the best sources of both folate and betaine. These two nutrients work together to lower your blood levels of homocysteine, an inflammatory compound that can damage your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease. Plus, the natural pigments - called betacyanins—that give beets their color have been proved to be potent cancer fighters in laboratory mice.

How to eat them: Fresh and raw, not from a jar. Heating beets actually decreases their antioxidant power. For a simple single-serving salad, wash and peel one beet, and then grate it on the widest blade of a box grater. Toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the juice of half a lemon.
You can eat the leaves and stems, which are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Simply cut off the stems just below the point where the leaves start, and wash thoroughly. They're now ready to be used in a salad. Or, for a side dish, sauté the leaves, along with a minced clove of garlic and a tablespoon of olive oil, in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Cook until the leaves are wilted and the stems are tender. Season with salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice, and sprinkle with fresh Parmesan cheese.