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Key Information From a Urologist About ED

Published

5 months ago

November 7, 2024

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It is an awkward conversation for men to discuss…so here is key information from a urologist about ED (erectile dysfunction)

As a urologist it was very common for me to see patients for the diagnosis and treatment of impotence. Impotence refers to the ability to achieve and maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. Before treatment I had to arrive at the correct diagnosis.

Through the process of history taking, a physical exam and testing, we first categorize impotency as either physical or psychological. Over the decades of evaluating men, it became quite evident that when a man has a physical cause of impotency, there is often psychological overlay worsening the physical cause. This often makes treatment more challenging.

The are subcategories to physical impotency. This may be caused by neurological disorders, vascular disease, physical changes, hormone issues or medications.

Of the neurological disorders, some are easily identifiable through history or physical exam. Typical causes are diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord and nerve injuries and nerve injuries due to pelvic surgery such as prostate surgery.

Regarding the vascular causes, this could be due to either the arteries (inflow) or veins (outflow). There has to be more inflow of blood than outflow in order to have an erection. The most common inflow abnormality is atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). This can be caused by smoking, high cholesterol levels in the blood or may be familial. If the valves in the veins are incompetent, this may cause the erection to be incomplete or early loss of an erection.

There are multiple physical changes which can occur. The most common are Peyronie’s disease, penile fracture, pelvic injury or pelvic surgery.

Low testosterone or thyroid hormonal changes can cause impotency.

There are multiple medications which may cause impotency. These commonly are antidepressants, antihypertensives, chemotherapy medications, Parkinson’s medications, prostate cancer medications and anti anxiety medications. Drugs that affect or suppress the central nervous system such as alcohol, barbiturates, nicotine and opioids can be suspect in causing impotence. My experience with patients using cannibus is that for some it improves erections and others it worsens them.

Finally psychological issues can cause impotence. The most common I saw in my practice was performance anxiety. This is when a man is so worried about having difficulties that he psychs himself out of it. Other causes can be depression, loss of sleep, relationship issues, anxiety, stress and low self esteem.

After resolving the cause or causes of impotence, the physician has a better guide as to treatment.

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Food Asphyxiation Is Way More Dangerous Than Cannabis

Published

2 hours ago

March 26, 2025

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Food asphyxiation is in the news today – and is WAY more dangerous than marijuana.

Food asphyxiation is in the news again. In the US alone, approximately 5,000 – 5,500 people die from choking on food or other objects annually. Factors like living alone, having dentures, difficulty swallowing, and certain foods (like bananas, marshmallows, or gelatinous candies) can increase the risk of choking. These numbers highlight the persistent danger of food asphyxiation and the need for increased awareness and prevention measures. And yet, it is really mention in the media or Congressional reviews. But food asphyxiation is way more dangerous than cannabis.

RELATED: Is GERD Helped By Cannabis

Food asphyxiation, commonly known as choking, claims a significant number of lives each year. The elderly population is most at risk, with 90% of food-related choking deaths in 2022 occurring in individuals over 50 years old. This statistic underscores the importance of proper care and attention for older adults during meal times. These numbers highlight the persistent danger of food asphyxiation and the need for increased awareness and prevention measures.

yellow bananas

In contrast, deaths directly attributed to marijuana overdose are extremely rare and there is no documented case of fatal overdose from natural marijuana alone. This stark difference in mortality rates between food asphyxiation and marijuana use is noteworthy.

The disparity between food asphyxiation and marijuana overdose deaths is striking. While hundreds die each year from choking on food, marijuana overdose fatalities are virtually non-existent when considering natural marijuana use.

These findings suggest public health efforts might be disproportionately focused on substances with lower mortality rates while overlooking more common dangers like food asphyxiation. Increased education on proper eating habits, especially for at-risk populations like the elderly, could potentially save more lives than efforts to prevent marijuana overdoses.

To prevent choking, listen to your mom’s advice – eat slowly and throughly, cut food into bite size pieces, and don’t talk with your mouth full. And be mindful of food which may have small pieces or tiny bones.

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Cannabis

Outdoor Marijuana Grows Are Better All The Way Around

Published

3 hours ago

March 26, 2025

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Despite the massive investment by some in the industry, outdoor grows are the healthier, cleaner option

Like fruits and vegetables, outdoor floors yield the richest flavor and the least expensive products. The same can be said about cannabis, outdoor marijuana grows are better all the way around. When the industry started becoming legal, hundreds of millions were invested in indoor grow with the assumption cost per pound would stay high. Companies like Tilray built massive indoor grows, but over time they have caused expensive upkeep, high consumer prices, and upset neighbors. And do they produce the best cannabis? By leveraging natural resources like sunlight and soil, this method reduces environmental impact, enhances product quality, and fosters community harmony.

Outdoor cannabis cultivation drastically lowers greenhouse gas emissions compared to indoor growing. Research shows outdoor farming can emit up to 50 times less carbon dioxide than indoor production, which relies heavily on artificial lighting, air conditioning, and dehumidifiers. Additionally, outdoor grows eliminate the need for energy-intensive equipment, reducing electricity consumption and promoting sustainability. Water conservation is another key advantage; outdoor farms often use natural rainwater or precision watering techniques, minimizing waste. Furthermore, the absence of chemical fertilizers in many outdoor setups helps protect local ecosystems from pollution.

sunlight through trees

Outdoor growing is more cost-effective for both producers and consumers. It eliminates expenses associated with indoor cultivation—such as high electricity bills and specialized equipment—making cannabis more affordable. For home growers, cultivating outdoors fosters a connection with nature while empowering individuals to produce their own medicine sustainably.

Sun-grown cannabis benefits from exposure to full-spectrum natural light, enhancing its terpene profiles and cannabinoid production. This results in richer flavors, aromas, and potency that indoor setups struggle to replicate. Outdoor cultivation also allows plants to grow larger and healthier due to unrestricted space and access to diverse soil nutrients. This translates to higher yields and better-quality products for consumers. Additionally, outdoor-grown cannabis often develops unique characteristics influenced by the local terroir, offering a diverse range of experiences akin to wine production.

Outdoor marijuana farms are less disruptive to neighborhoods compared to indoor facilities. Indoor grows often require extensive infrastructure upgrades, leading to increased energy demand and noise pollution from machinery. There has been an uprising by some local governments about the grows.

In contrast, outdoor farms blend harmoniously with their surroundings, relying on natural processes rather than artificial systems. Moreover, outdoor cultivation supports local biodiversity by integrating companion plants that deter pests naturally and enrich the soil.

While outdoor cultivation is environmentally friendly, it poses challenges such as susceptibility to pests and weather fluctuations. However, solutions like greenhouses can provide controlled environments while retaining the benefits of natural sunlight. Choosing resilient strains adapted to local climates further ensures successful harvests.

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Cannabis

Could Medical Marijuana Help Pope Francis

Published

1 day ago

March 24, 2025

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The administration has spent very mixed signals…will consumers turn to hemp if marijuana is outlawed again?

He is one of the most globally well known figures and now he has health issue. The Pope resides in Vatican City, the world’s smallest country, and given its unique status , there is no healthcare system, medical centers, or hospitals. All patients must access clinics and hospitals in Rome for care. One of the most ancient cities in the world, Rome has a robust healthcare system. It includes the renowned Policlinico Universitario Gemelli, which is considered one of the largest private university hospitals in Europe and the best in Italy. But it isn’t global known like the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, or Toronto General. Thinking outside the box, could medical marijuana help Pope Francis?

As the Pope continues his recovery from pneumonia and mild kidney issues, medical experts are exploring innovative treatments that could potentially aid in his healing process. One such treatment gaining attention is medical marijuana, which has shown promise in addressing various health conditions.

Medical marijuana might offer relief for Pope Francis’s respiratory challenges. Certain cannabinoids, particularly CBD, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce lung inflammation associated with pneumonia. While smoking cannabis is not recommended for respiratory conditions, alternative delivery methods such as vaporization or edibles could potentially provide therapeutic benefits without irritating the lungs

gold and multicolored cathedral interior

As the Pope recovers, pain management is likely a key concern. Medical marijuana has shown potential as a pain adjuvant, potentially reducing the need for opioids in patients with chronic conditions. This could be particularly beneficial for elderly patients like Pope Francis, who may be more susceptible to the side effects of traditional pain medications.

Recent studies have explored the relationship between cannabis and kidney function. While more research is needed, some evidence suggests that cannabis does not negatively affect kidney function in healthy individuals. For patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), careful monitoring and dosage adjustment may be necessary to ensure safe use.

Medical marijuana has been associated with improvements in various symptoms that could enhance the Pope’s quality of life during recovery. These include better sleep, reduced anxiety, and increased appetite. Such benefits could contribute to a more comfortable and efficient healing process.

While the potential benefits of medical marijuana are intriguing, it’s important to approach any treatment the same caution as any elderly patient. A personalized treatment plan, developed in consultation with medical professionals, would be essential to ensure safety and efficacy. As the world watches the Pope’s recovery, the consideration of medical marijuana as a complementary treatment option offers a ray of hope. While more research is needed to fully understand its effects on specific conditions, the potential benefits for pain management, inflammation reduction, and overall well-being make it an intriguing possibility.

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