A recent study published in the journal Circulation found patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) who were treated with telmisartan, ramipril, or both were at greater risk for cardiovascular events than other patients on the same medications. "The present data clearly show that ED is closely associated with an increased risk for all-cause deaths, as well as the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure," wrote Michael Böhm, MD, of the University of the Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany, and colleagues. For the study, the researchers looked at a subgroup of 1,549 men who had participated in either the ONTARGET study, which looked at the effectiveness of a ramipril/telmisartan combination in patients with cardiovascular disease, or the TRANSCEND sudy, which examined the effects of telmisartan in patients who were intolerant of ACE inhibitors. Of those enrolled in the ONTARGET study, 400 had been randomly assigned to ramipril, 395 to telmisartan, and 381 to combination therapy. Among those in teh TRANSCEND study, 202 patients had been randomized to placebo and 171 to telmisartan. Of the 1,519 men included in the final analysis, 842 had moderate to severe ED at baseline and 677 had mild ED or functioned normally.

Men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) will soon have a cheaper option for treating the condition.

The FDA has approved the first generic version of Flomax (tamsulosin). The generic drug works the same as the brand name, and has similar potential side effects, such as kidney problems, decreased libido, diarrhea, and more.

Remember, the symptoms of BPH can sometimes resemble those of prostate cancer, so if you are experiencing any of these signs, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

A recent study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found men who took statins to lower their cholesterol before prostate cancer surgery had significantly lower inflammation within prostate tumors. Inflammation within tumors has been associated with cancer progression and more aggressive tumor growth, researchers said. "We found that preoperative statin use was associated with a 69 percent lower risk of intra-tumoral inflammation," said Dr. Lionel Bañez, an assistant professor of surgery and urology at Duke and the lead author of the study. "We also discovered a trend suggesting greater risk-reduction with higher doses of the drugs." The Duke researchers examined tissue samples of tumors from 236 men undergoing surgery for prostate cancer at the Durham VA Medical Center. Researchers identified the samples as coming from statin-users or non-users, tracked the dose and frequency among the users, and graded the degree of inflammation in the tissue samples as absent, mild, or marked. They found that 37 patients (16 percent) took statins during the year prior to their prostate surgeries. Most of the statin users (92 percent) were on simvastatin (Zocor®). Among all patients, 82 percent had inflammatory cells in their prostate tumors, with roughly one-third registering marked tumor inflammation. After taking into consideration factors such as age, race, body mass index and other clinical variables, investigators found that statin use was associated with reduced inflammation within the tumors. Older patients with more advanced cancers were most likely to have tumor inflammation and have the longest times from biopsy to surgery.

2010 could be a year where you improve your bladder and sexual health. Say you are getting older and your bladder and sexual health is not what it used to be. You may not want to take another pill or undergo a procedure. Maybe, you would gain a lot if you vented less at the pharmaceutical industry and invested in some self care.

Are you bothered by urinary incontinence? Try to get yourself to go to the bathroom at regular times. Learn how to identify your pelvic muscles and strengthen them through pelvic floor (Kegel exercises) . This will help you hold your urine.

Are you sad that you have erectile dysfunction and you don't know what to do about it? How about resolving to lose some weight, getting your glucose in control if you have diabetes, and eating a heart-healthy diet this year?

Scientific evidence shows that obesity, diabetes, and vascular problems are primary risk factors for erectile dysfunction. Obesity also puts pressure on your bladder.

Taking the initiative to take care of yourself can make you feel far better than any magic bullet you imagine that your doctor could provide. At the same time, be open with your doctor if you are demoralized by changes in your bladder and sexual health. Level with your doctor. Self care, when it works, is great, but you should also consult with your doctor if you notice changes in bladder and sexual function. Treatment could also make a substantial difference in your bladder and sexual quality of life.

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