Erectile Dysfunction

And teaching a man that issues like cardiovascular health, diabetes and weight gain can affect his erectile function can help motivate him to make the lifestyle changes that will lead to better health overall.

"Sexual health is the portal to men's health," says Ridwan Shabsigh, associate professor of urology at Columbia University in New York.

His book, titled "Sensational Sex in 7 Easy Steps," is actually a guide to boosting a man's overall health, focusing on doctor visits, lifestyle changes, cardiovascular health, depression and other health issues that affect sexual health.

Two major health issues for men - stress and depression - exact a serious physical toll on men but are ignored by many doctors who treat men.

Recent research shows there may be major differences in the male stress reaction compared with the female stress response.

The typical stress response is called "fight or flight" - a physical reaction to danger that helps the body rapidly mobilize energy, delivering glucose to muscles and boosting the heart rate and blood pressure.

While the str...

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