Erectile dysfunction caused by diving?

[The Chairman]

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A ScubaBoard Staff Message...

Posts that are off-topic, hijacks or referencing such have been removed.

This thread is in our "Ask Dr Decompression" of our "Marine Science and Technology" Section.

Please keep the discussion pertinent to the science.

Thanks

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[ryssyr]

ryssyr ,

OK - in trying to simplify the biochemistry involved, I said active "ingredient..." I should have said active "mechanism."

But I believe your explanation also stops short. You said: "...[Viagra] mechanistically facilitates the binding of NO already in tissues."

Actually, Viagra (sildenafil citrate) blocks the PDE5 enzyme in the penis from decomposing the buildup of cGMP that is initiated by NO.

That is, Viagra depends upon a preexisting level of NO vs. Nitrox diving that increases the NO.

Here's a link to page 5 of 7 pages of a good lay article (oops - unintended pun) that explains, step-by-step, the biochemistry of Viagra, as well as its side-effects.

A recognized alternate method to treat ED, arguably with fewer side effects, is to increase nitric oxide in the penis - which many claim occurs as a side effect of repetitive Nitrox dives (just be cautious of your ox-clock). And NO increases after repeated HBOT treatments likewise causes the aforesaid happy side effects.

ryssyr said Ahem...probably most people reading this thread, and both of us, need to get ofline and go diving, for whatever the reason!

I probably shouldn't ask - "Heidi" thread?

Ha ha! Agreed.-- I did stop short. I didnt want to open up the pde5 discussion. Its all too much information. but this can digress into a biochemistry and drug metabolism seminar pretty easily. **I wish more people took as much interest in knowing how things work inside the body as much as they worry about other mundane topics of their lives.**



What a great summary on pde5. I really like the pic of the brain producing the 1st step.

There are also a host of other enzymes that viagra binds to in addition to PDE5, but that info is only detailed in the bowels of pfizer.


---One more edit. For those interested in bedtime reading here is a link to the pubmed site.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/

This is a great resource for folks interested in finding information on drugs, medicine and current published research. Note: most pharma and biotechs will *not* publish until after the drug is on the market.

pls search pde5 and pde5 inhibitors for more in depth info so we both dont clog this forum up.

 

[AfterDark]

My first reaction when I saw this thread was "Someone's not diving deep enough". I was right.

 

[drbill]

BTW, I hope that was a really good friend who was talking to you about their ED. I can't say I'd be bringing that up myself, if I had it, in a casual discussion over the dinner table with a newly met acquaintance.

I don't think I'd hesitate in discussing ED with a close male friend. It's all a matter of how secure you are.

Interesting discussion though.

 

[Kharon]

I don't believe it. Look at all the commercials. ED is OBVIOUSLY caused by marrage. Not a single guy in the lot.

---------- Post added February 2nd, 2013 at 09:31 AM ----------

Sorry. Trying for a little humor. Won't do it again.