Jing Loss, creativity and longevity

January 27, 2004

Hi All & Hi Par,

Par, http://www.kuruvinda.com/health_celibacy-5.shtml had some

good stuff,

" The brain and the sexual organs are the great rivals in using up

bodily energy, and there is an antagonism between brain vigor and

extreme sexual vigor, even though they may sometimes appear at

different periods in the same individual. In this sense, there is no

paradox in the saying of Roman Correa that potency is impotency

and impotency potency, for a high degree of energy, whether in

athletics or in intellect, is unfavorable to the display of energy in

other directions.... " .

I understand that, to conserve energy and focus, many athletes

and artists refrain from sex in the run-up to important events.

But I query the following:

> " The masters of all the more intensely emotional arts have

> frequently cultivated a high degree of chastity. This is notably

> the case as regards music. One thinks of Mozart, of Beethoven, of

> Schubert. At the age of twenty-five, when he had already produced

> much fine work, Mozart wrote in a letter that he had never touched

> a woman. "

Does that mean that he had never lost Jing? IMO, no! A male does

not have to " touch a woman " to ejaculate. IMO, total [life-long]

chastity is beyond the reach of most mortals. Cynics say: " for the

" celi " in " celibate " write " mastur " .

Most surveys of male sexual practices report that from puberty to

old age most men ejaculate one way or another.

One survey of circa 10,000 Roman Catholic priests (theoretically

celibate) showed an overall standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of

103 (above normal). Interestingly, their SMR for cancer of the

prostate was 81. Other interesting findings include increased

SMRs for cancer of the larynx (147), cirrhosis of the liver (147), and

diabetes (182).

As regards Jing depletion, as others have noted, the nutrition and

general health of the man and his ejaculation frequency are the key

issues; 2-3 times/week is pretty usual in healthy men.

How someone could come 5 times/d over a prolonged period beats

me. That takes a hell of a lot of stamina in all areas! Not only would

my hair and teeth fall out, my ears ring, my eyes glaze over and

senile dementia set in, but I'd be looking for that tuft of black hair

growing from my palms!

A Medline search for the profile (celibacy OR chastity OR “Sexual

activity” OR “ejaculation frequency” OR “frequency of ejaculation”

OR masturbat*) AND (longevity OR Geriatric OR “old age” OR " age

at death " OR “effects on health”) gave surprisingly few hits as

regards humans.

There were many hits that referred to sexual activity in animals.

The animal data were mixed; some showed that hypersexuality

gave significant increases in longevity. Others showed the reverse,

especially in insects.

The data on human sexuality indicate wide variation in behaviours;

some of this is determined by culture and education. Educated

people tend to be more inventive and less influenced by taboos. As

one would expect, sexual activity declines in old age, but does not

disappear, even in elderly women. Male and female masturbation is

common, not only in the absence of a sexual partner, but also in

stable relationships. As the last abstract, below, says

“masturbation is only a compensation” [for want of something

better].

Aging Male. 2002 Dec; 5(4): 203-15. | Measurement of steroid

levels in saliva in a population-based survey of lifestyle, medical

conditions, marriage, sex life and hormone status in aging men: a

feasibility study. | Krause W, Mueller U, Mazur A. Department of

Dermatology, University Hospital and Medical School, Marburg,

Germany. | Some population-based studies on male aging

measure testosterone and cortisol in saliva instead of serum, but

very few measure estradiol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate

(DHEA-S), suggesting further testing is needed for reliability and

comparative validity. In addition, the effects of interview stress and

circadian hormone secretion need to be checked. In a pilot study

on the overall sexual capacity of aging men, 48 randomly selected,

healthy, heterosexual, cohabiting men aged 50-80 years, from

Mannheim, Germany, and 50 from the State College,

Pennsylvania, USA, were administered a standardized interview

covering medical biography, present and previous life and work,

marriage and emotional status. Two saliva samples were collected

from each subject for measurement of testosterone, cortisol,

estradiol and DHEA-S levels before and after the interview, and

each subject completed a confidential self-administered

questionnaire on intercourse, masturbation, orgasm, fantasies,

libido and arousal. Questionnaires, hormone measurement

techniques and the survey protocol had been extensively pretested.

Prior to the pilot study, the kits for measuring testosterone and

DHEA-S in saliva were checked for comparative validity against

established measuring techniques in serum in 31 cases for

testosterone and in 24 different cases for DHEA-S. These 55 cases

underwent clinical diagnosis and were not otherwise involved in this

study. The cases had been referred to the Andrology Unit of the

University Hospital, Marburg, for reasons unrelated to this study.

Given the biological differences for both steroids between their

presence in blood and in saliva, a perfect correspondence between

the two values was not expected and was not observed. The

correlations obtained, however, support the assumption that all

statistical relationships between testosterone and DHEA-S values

in serum and clinical, as well as behavioral, variables reported to

date may be replicated for testosterone and DHEA-S values in

saliva. Publication Types: Clinical Trial Randomized Controlled Trial

PMID: 12630067 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]:

AIDS. 1995 Dec; 9(12): 1357-65. | Sexual repertoires of

heterosexuals: implications for HIV/sexually transmitted disease

risk and prevention. The ACSF Group, Analyse des

Comportements Sexuels en France. | Messiah A, Blin P, Fiche V.

Public Health and Epidemiology Service, INSERM U292, Bicetre

Hospital, Kremlin-Bicetre, France. | OBJECTIVE: To provide a

quantitative and population-based analysis of sexual repertoires

among heterosexuals. DESIGN: The French National Survey of

Sexual Behaviour (ACSF), conducted between September 1991

and February 1992 on a representative sample of the population

aged 18-69 years. METHODS: Sexual practices of the last

heterosexual encounter were investigated among 4261 individuals;

we measured the combinations of different practices and their

correlations with age, and calculated frequencies for the main

repertoires and their correlations with the interpartner relationship.

RESULTS: Vaginal penetration and caressing were almost

systematic, self-masturbation and anal penetration were rare, while

mutual masturbation and orogenital practices had intermediate

levels of occurrence. Examination of the correlations revealed (1) a

very high correlation between practices which are reciprocal or

symmetrical, (2) a strong association between genito-manual and

genito-oral practices, (3) an association between anal penetration

and fellatio, and (4) no clear correlation between any set of

practices and vaginal sex or condom use. A small number of

repertoires accounted for the vast majority of encounters. Younger

people tended to have a more diversified repertoire. Repertoire

types and diversity were strongly correlated to the pattern of

interpartner relationship, independently of age. CONCLUSIONS:

Reciprocity seems a standard feature of the heterosexual

repertoire. The absence of a negative correlation between vaginal or

anal penetration and other practices argues against promotion of

the latter as substitute for the former. By contrast, the

independence between condom use and any specific repertoire

argues for its promotion as a universal means of protection. PMID:

8605056 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]:

Arch Sex Behav. 1975 Sep; 4(5): 519-28. | Dhat syndrome: a

culture-bound sex neurosis of the orient. | Malhotra HK, Wig NN. |

The Indian Dhat syndrome is a culture-bound symptom complex.

The clinical picture includes severe anxiety and hypochondriasis.

The patient is preoccupied with the excessive loss of semen by

nocturnal emissions. There is a fear that semen is being lost, and

mixed in urine. A study was carried out to investigate the cultural

basis of the Dhat syndrome. One hundred and seven respondents

from the general public were interviewed. A vignette describing an

individual having nocturnal emissions was read aloud to the

respondents. Attitudes toward nocturnal emission, its causes, and

its management were investigated. A large segment of the general

public from all socioeconomic classes believed that semen loss is

harmful. Seminal fluid is considered an elixir of life both in the

physical and in the mystical sense. Its preservation guarantees

health, longevity, and supernatural powers. This belief is more

frequent in lower socioeconomic classes. The susceptible

individual reacts to the prevalent belief system and to the fears of

semen loss. The symptoms usually disappear if the

misconceptions about semen loss are effectively dealt with. It is

expected that with increasing literacy and progress in sex

knowledge the syndrome will become less common. PMID:

1191004 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Arch Sex Behav. 1981 Oct; 10(5): 399-420. | Factor affecting

sexual functioning in 60-79-year-old married males. | Martin CE. | In

data obtained from interviews with 60-79-year-old, married

uppermiddle-class males, frequency of sexual expression proved to

be independent of such factors as marital adjustment, sexual

attractiveness of wives, sexual attitudes, and demographic features

of the marital history. However, former levels of sexual functioning,

as revealed by retrospective inquiry, appeared as highly significant

correlates of current functioning in accordance with the hypothesis

that males generally maintain relatively high or low rates of sexual

activity throughout their lives. Of particular interest was the finding

that, in the male, sexual frequency, erotic responsiveness to visual

stimuli, and time comfortable without sex are closely interrelated

phenomena, suggesting that all three variables are strongly

commensurate with degree of motivation. Finally, those subjects

found to be less than fully potent at report were also found to be

virtually free of performance anxiety, feelings of sexual deprivation,

and loss of self-esteem. This is consistent with lack of motivation

being responsible for lower sexual functioning. PMID: 7198432

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]:

Arch Sex Behav. 1982 Jun; 11(3): 237-45. | Sexuality in an aged

sample: cognitive determinants of masturbation. | Catania JA,

White CB. | The examination of sexual activity in old age has

typically meant a consideration of sexual intercourse. Masturbation

has not received a rigorous investigation with respect to the elderly,

despite benefits that may be associated with this form of sexual

expression. The present study reports on the relationship of

masturbation with locus of control, sexual status, and sexual

knowledge as part of a more general but intensive study of an

elderly sample. Results indicated that the best predictor of

frequency of masturbation was locus of control, while sexual status

and sexual knowledge contributed somewhat less to the variance

explained in frequency of masturbation. Specifically, the data

support the conclusion that internals masturbate more than

externals, particularly internals with high sexual knowledge and

persons without sexual partners may have a slight tendency to

masturbate more often than those with partners. PMID: 7138298

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Arch Sex Behav. 1983 Jun; 12(3): 227-36. | The relationship

between mode of female masturbation and achievement of orgasm

in coitus. | Leff JJ, Israel M. | To determine the relationship between

masturbatory and coital behavior, 117 middle-class female

volunteers were classified into three styles of masturbatory

behavior--direct, indirect, and nonmasturbators. Direct masturbation

was defined as the direct digital manipulation of the clitoris or use

of a vibrator. Indirect masturbation included all other methods of

masturbation not defined as direct. The classification was done on

the basis of responses to a questionnaire. Of the masturbators

70% reported no change in their masturbatory style from initial

masturbatory experiences. No relationship was found between

either ability to masturbate or masturbatory style and coital

orgasmic capacity. It was also found that (a) nonmasturbators

achieved orgasm in coitus via additional clitoral stimulation

significantly less frequently than either direct or indirect

masturbators and (b) direct masturbators have a significantly

greater preference for clitoral, as opposed to vaginal, stimulation as

a means of achieving orgasm. The results are interpreted within the

context of possible deficiencies in the questionnaire and

confounding between the ongoing psychological and biological

processes occurring in sexual activity. Within these constraints,

the findings support current methods of treatment for primary and

secondary anorgasmia. PMID: 6882206 [PubMed - indexed for

MEDLINE]:

Arch Sex Behav. 1987 Feb; 16(1): 39-44. | Sexual behavior in

healthy married elderly men. | Weizman R, Hart J. | Sexual

behavior was evaluated in 81 men aged 60-71 years (34 men aged

60-65 years and 47 men aged 66-71 years). All subjects were

married, physically healthy, and with no psychopathology or

marital problems. Sexual function was evaluated by a self-report

three-point rating scale. 36% of the whole study population

reported impotence, with no significant difference between the two

age groups. About half of the total population reported regular

masturbatory activity. A decline in frequency of sexual intercourse

and an increase in frequency of masturbation in subjects aged 66-

71 years as compared to subjects aged 60-65 indicates that the

interest in sexuality continues in elderly men although the form of

sexual expression changes from active sexual intercourse to a self-

pleasuring/autoerotic form. Evaluation of sexual activity in advanced

age is recommended and appropriate therapy in case of sexual

dysfunction should be offered to elderly men. PMID: 3579556

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]:

Arch Sex Behav. 1988 Apr; 17(2): 109-29. | Sexual interest and

behavior in healthy 80-102-year-olds. | Bretschneider JG, McCoy

NL. Department of Psychology, San Francisco State University,

California 94132. | Sexual interest and behavior of 100 white men

and 102 white women ranging in age from 80-102 were studied

using an anonymous 117-item questionnaire. Subjects were

healthy and upper middle-class, and living in residential retirement

facilities; 14% of the women and 29% of the men were presently

married. For both men and women, the most common activity was

touching and caressing without sexual intercourse, followed by

masturbation, followed by sexual intercourse. Of these activities,

only touching and caressing showed a significant decline from the

80s to the 90s, with further analyses revealing a significant decline

in this activity for men but not for women. Except for past

enjoyment of sexual intercourse and of touching and caressing

without sexual intercourse, all analyses revealed sex differences

reflecting more activity and enjoyment by men. Current income and

past guilt over sexual feelings showed very low but significant

correlations with some frequency and enjoyment measures, and

marital status, extramarital sex, and church attendance were

significantly associated with continuing to perform and enjoy some

sexual behaviors. Past importance of sex was significantly

correlated with present frequency and enjoyment of both sexual

intercourse and touching and caressing without sexual intercourse.

Correlations between past and present frequency of sexual

behaviors were substantial and significant for all but frequency of

sexual intercourse, suggesting that current physical and social

factors play an overriding role in this area. PMID: 3395224

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]:

Arch Sex Behav. 1996 Oct; 25(5): 473-93. | Female sexuality and

historical time: a comparison of sexual biographies of German

women born between 1895 and 1936. | von Sydow K. Justus-Liebig-

Universitat, Klinik fur Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie,

Giessen, Germany. | 91 German women ages 50 to 91 years (birth

cohorts: 1895 to 1936) were interviewed in-depth about their sexual

development through the life span. This article presents the results

on the historical change in female sexuality during childhood,

puberty, and young marriage. The sample was divided into four

subgroups, according to the year of birth, which were compared to

each other. In contrast to the older groups, a higher percentage of

women in the younger cohorts had experience in childhood sexual

play, masturbation, " real " and faked orgasm, with historical time

only having a slight influence on marital sexuality and fertility

experiences. Data indicate that subjects born later were not only

more experienced sexually but changed intraindividually more often

in sexual matters, whereas the older women mostly " conserved "

the sexual morals and habits learned in youth. Subjective sexual

experience of the interviewees is illustrated by quotations.

Publication Types: Historical Article PMID: 8899141 [PubMed -

indexed for MEDLINE]

Disabil Rehabil. 1998 Sep; 20(9): 317-29. | Sexuality and sexual

adjustment of patients with chronic pain. | Monga TN, Tan G,

Ostermann HJ, Monga U, Grabois M. Physical Medicine and

Rehabilitation Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston,

Texas 77030, USA. | PURPOSE: To describe sexual functioning

and its relationship with psychological measures in chronic pain

patients. METHOD: It is a self report survey with a convenience

sample. Seventy consenting chronic pain patients responded to a

questionnaire. Mean age was 49.9 years (range 29-74); mean pain

duration was 146.7 months (range 6-624). Participants endorsed a

wide variety of pain conditions. INSTRUMENTS USED: (1)

Derogatis Inventory of Sexual Functioning; (2) Multidimensional

Pain Inventory; (3) Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression

Scale: (4) Multidimensional Health Locus of Control; (5) Hopkins

Symptom Check List; (6) Vanderbilt Pain Management Inventory;

(7) Coping Strategies Questionnaire. RESULTS: 66% of patients

were interested in sex, 50% were satisfied with current sexual

partner and 20% considered current sexual life to be adequate.

Over 70% fantasized at least once a month. Only 44% experienced

normal arousal during intercourse; 33% practiced masturbation and

47% were involved in sexual intercourse or oral sex at least once a

month. The majority were dissatisfied with orgasmic activities. No

relationship was found between pain severity, duration, frequency

and sexual functioning. A relationship was found between disability

status, age and several psychological variables and various

domains of sexual functioning. CONCLUSIONS; Sexual problems

are common in chronic pain patients. Patients who reported

symptoms of depression and distress had more sexual problems.

PMID: 9664190 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Disabil Rehabil. 2000 Jun 15; 22(9): 409-15. | Sexuality in persons

with lower extremity amputations. | Bodenheimer C, Kerrigan AJ,

Garber SL, Monga TN. Houston VAMC, TX 77030, USA.

Bodenheimer,Carol_F+ | PURPOSE: There is a

paucity of information regarding sexual functioning in persons with

lower extremity amputations. The purpose of this study was to

describe sexual and psychological functioning and health status in

persons with lower extremity amputation. METHODS: Self-report

surveys assessed sexual functioning (Derogatis Inventory),

depression (Beck Depression Inventory, anxiety (State-Trait

Anxiety Inventory), and health status (Health Status Questionnaire)

in a convenience sample of 30 men with lower extremity

amputations. Mean age of the participants was 57 years (range 32-

79). Mean duration since amputation was 23 months (range 3-634

months). Twenty one subjects (70%) had trans-tibial and seven

subjects (23%) had trans-femoral amputations. RESULTS: A

majority of subjects were experiencing problems in several

domains of sexual functioning. 53% (n=16) of the subjects were

engaged in sexual intercourse or oral sex at least once a month.

27% (n=8) were masturbating at least once a month. Nineteen

subjects (63%) reported orgasmic problems and 67% were

experiencing erectile difficulties. Despite these problems, interest

in sex was high in over 90% of the subjects. There was no

evidence of increased prevalence of depression or anxiety in these

subjects when compared to other outpatient adult populations.

CONCLUSIONS: Sexual problems were common in the subjects

studied. Despite these problems, interest in sex remained high.

Few investigations have been directed toward identifying the

psychological and social factors that may contribute to these

problems and more research with a larger population is needed in

this area. PMID: 10894204 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]:

J Am Geriatr Soc. 1993 Apr; 41(4): 363-6. | Treatment of

vasculogenic sexual dysfunction with pentoxifylline. | Korenman

SG, Viosca SP. Department of Medicine, UCLA, School of

Medicine 90024. | OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of

pentoxifylline to treat impotence in men with mild to moderate

penile vascular insufficiency. DESIGN: Double-blind randomized

clinical trial. SETTING: Sexual Dysfunction Clinic at VA Medical

Center, Sepulveda, CA. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of

couples. INTERVENTION: Twelve weeks of treatment with placebo

or 400 mg tid of pentoxifylline. MEASUREMENTS: (1) Report of

patient verified by partner as to number of coital episodes per

month; (2) penile-brachial pressure index determinations.

RESULTS: Pentoxifylline therapy regularly increased the PBPI in

impotent men in comparison with the placebo, frequently into the

normal range. Pentoxifylline therapy was particularly useful in

restoring the PBPI in men with the pelvic steal syndrome; six of

seven such subjects improved into the normal range. During the

pentoxifylline treatment period, in contrast with the control period,

nine men were able to reestablish coital function and three had no

improvement. Six couples did not attempt intercourse despite a

professed interest in sexual activity; however 5/6 men experienced

erections during episodes of fantasy or attempts at masturbation

during treatment. There were no complications of therapy.

CONCLUSIONS: These promising preliminary results suggest a

well tolerated alternative therapy for erectile dysfunction in patients

with mild to moderate penile vascular disease. Publication Types:

Clinical Trial Randomized Controlled Trial PMID: 8463520 [PubMed

- indexed for MEDLINE]

J Androl. 1997 Mar-Apr; 18(2): 103-6. | Testosterone and the aging

male. | Tenover JL. Department of Medicine, Emory University

School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. | The number and

magnitude of studies involving testosterone-supplementation

therapy in older men are limited. In addition, many studies to date

have not been blinded or controlled, were reported in abstract form

only, and had involved a variety of androgen-replacement regimens

and outcomes measurements. Nonetheless, an overview of the

data suggests there is real potential for supplementation therapy to

improve bone mass and muscle mass and strength in this age

group. Affects on mood, sexual function, and cognition are less

clear but may be meaningful in certain men. Questions still remain,

however, on the magnitude and longevity of the beneficial effects of

testosterone supplementation in the older man and whether only

certain subgroups of men would truly benefit from therapy. More

importantly, the long-term risks of androgen therapy in this age

group really are not known, especially in the areas of

cardiovascular disease and prostate diseases. Presently, men who

use androgen-supplementation therapy for age-related

" testosterone deficiency " should consider this as a gamble.

Publication Types: Review Review, Tutorial PMID: 9154502

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

J Consult Clin Psychol. 1989 Feb; 57(1): 123-30. | A psychometric

analysis of the sexual arousability index. | Andersen BL, Broffitt B,

Karlsson JA, Turnquist DC. | The Sexual Arousability Index (SAI)

assesses self-reported sexual arousal in women and was

administered on four occasions to a group of normal sexually active

women (n=57) and to another group undergoing surgical

gynecologic treatment (n=66) that resulted in a predictable and

clinical level of sexual dysfunction. These data were used for a

psychometric analysis of the SAI. In terms of reliability, internal

consistency estimates were in the .92-.96 range, and 4-month test-

retest reliabilities ranged from .74 to .90. An evaluation of validity

revealed both strengths and limitations of the SAI. The content

analysis indicated that at least six domains are sampled, including

seduction activities, body caressing, oral-genital and genital

stimulation, intercourse, masturbation, and erotic media. To

examine construct validity, we conducted a factor analysis that

revealed a five-factor solution accounting for 85% of the variance.

Furthermore, the factor solution was stable across groups and

time, and the factors were sensitive to the occurrence of important

behavior changes. The SAI, like other psychological measures,

was poor in predicting a criterion, i.e., the occurrence of inhibited

sexual excitement) concurrently or at the time of follow-up. PMID:

2925963 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]:

J Fam Pract. 1990 Aug; 31(2): 162-6. | Sexual function and

practice in elderly men of lower socioeconomic status. | Cogen R,

Steinman W. Division of Geriatrics, Albert Einstein Medical Center,

Philadelpha, PA 19141. | Normal aging plus certain prevalent

diseases are believed to render many elderly men impotent.

Recent studies have suggested that educated middle-class and

upper-class elderly men continue sexual activity, despite erectile

dysfunction, by employing alternative practices such as mutual

masturbation and oral sex. Few elderly men of lower

socioeconomic background have been included in these studies,

however. Using physician-administered interviews, 87 men

attending an urban Veterans Administration geriatric clinic were

studied to determine (1) the prevalence of erectile dysfunction, and

(2) the sexual practices and attitudes of this group. Of the 87 men,

28% reported complete loss of erectile function, while 31% had

frequent difficulties achieving vaginal intromission. Unlike

economically advantaged groups, only 29% used mutual

masturbation and 16% used oral sex. Attitudes toward these

practices were negative. With one exception, men unable to

perform coitus ceased all heterosexual activities. PMID: 2380679

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]:

J Gerontol Nurs. 1999 Apr; 25(4): 30-9. | Comparison of caregivers',

residents', and community-dwelling spouses' opinions about

expressing sexuality in an institutional setting. | Gibson MC, Bol N,

Woodbury MG, Beaton C, Janke C. Veterans Care Program,

Parkwood Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada. | Opinions regarding

the appropriateness of elderly residents' sexual behaviors in a

chronic care hospital and how to respond to inappropriate behaviors

were surveyed. Study participation was open to all staff (N=1,205),

eligible residents (N=182) and community-dwelling spouses

(N=103). Participation rates were 40% (residents), 42% (spouses),

34% (nursing staff), 50% (allied health staff), and 22% (support

staff). Staff completed the questionnaire independently, while

residents and spouses were offered self-completion or a structured

interview. Almost all selected the interview. Residents and spouses

were less tolerant than staff of residents' masturbating, engaging in

sexual relationships, viewing sexual materials, and making sexual

approaches to staff. Privacy was the primary determinant of

appropriateness for behaviors for all groups. Staff and spouses

were more likely to endorse counseling when behaviors were

perceived as inappropriate than residents. Nurses endorsed

counseling less frequently than allied health professionals and

support staff. Nurses were more likely to have been approached

sexually by a resident. Differences of opinion are interpreted in

terms of cohort influences on values and contextual influences on

behavior. PMID: 10426032 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]:

J Psychosom Res. 1994 Oct; 38(7): 759-62. | Post-vasectomy

erectile dysfunction. | Buchholz NP, Weuste R, Mattarelli G,

Woessmer B, Langewitz W. Clinic of Urology, University Hospital

(Kantonsspital), Basel, Switzerland. | We investigated two groups

of men with regard to vasectomy acceptance, and subsequent

erectile dysfunction. Group I was a group of 45 men chosen at

random from 254 vasectomized patients. Group II was a group of

18 men who, out of 180 patients treated for erectile dysfunction,

attributed their dysfunction to previous vasectomy. We analysed

the social background, motivation for vasectomy and postoperative

changes of sexual life or behaviour of the partners. The partnership

constellation, particularly the role of a predominant female partner

seems to be an important feature for vasectomy acceptance. Low

acceptance might cause erectile dysfunction. PIP: Of 180 patients

treated for erectile dysfunction in 1989-91 in Basel, Switzerland, 25

had previously undergone vasectomy. 18 of these latter individuals

volunteered to be interviewed about their social background,

motivation for vasectomy, and postoperative changes of sex life or

partner behavior. All of these men attributed their sexual

dysfunction to previous vasectomy. Somatic erectile dysfunction

was, however, clinically excluded, thereby making the dysfunction

of these men psychological in origin. For comparison, a group of 45

randomly chosen vasectomized men underwent the same

psychosexual evaluation in the attempt to find a possible

relationship between vasectomy and subsequent erectile

dysfunction. The men were chosen from 254 vasectomized patients

over the period 1986-90. The 45 controls comprise group one, while

the 18 men who attribute their erectile dysfunction to previous

vasectomy comprise group two. The mean age at time of

vasectomy in group one was 39.1 years in the range of 23-59

years, while the mean age in group two at the time of vasectomy

was 56.4 years in the range of 42-71 years. Vasectomy dated back

on average 18.8 years. 98% of all patients interviewed were married

or living in a steady partnership. 18% of patients in group one and

11% of patients in group two found the operation to be traumatic,

while 13% of patients in group one and 17% of patients in group

two reported fears of demascularization; these differences were not

significant. It was significant, however, that 22% of patients in

group two had the decision to undergo vasectomy imposed upon

them by their partner. 4% of patients in group one and 22% of

patients in group two reported a reduced libido within the first two

postoperative years. Less frequent or weaker erections were

reported by 2% of patients in group one and 27% of patients in

group two. Decreased frequency of orgasm was reported by none

of the patients in group one, but by 28% of the patients in group

two. Ejaculation quality and orgasm by masturbation remained

unchanged in all cases. Decreased sexual activity in the partner

was reported by 7% of patients in group one and 33% of patients in

group two. 4% of patients in group one and 28% of group two

believed there was a connection between previous vasectomy and

their own erectile dysfunction. In all patients with erectile

dysfunction this occurred within two years of the vasectomy. 4% of

patients in group one and 39% of patients in group two had

changed their partners within the follow-up time. Generally, a

patient's psychosocial environment is most important for the

acceptance of vasectomy. A good acceptance of vasectomy is

usually found among men living in traditional partnerships with a

predominating male. Men in partnerships where the female

predominates and where the female may have demanded that the

male undergo vasectomy, however, may have difficulty later

accepting and coping with such imposed decisions on

reproduction. Patients requesting vasectomy should always be

asked systematically about their motivation and the manner in

which the decision was reached. A prospective study is underway

to determine the characteristics of men who are predisposed to

become sexually dysfunctional. PMID: 7877130 [PubMed - indexed

for MEDLINE]

Nippon Ishigaku Zasshi. 2002 Jun; 48(2): 205-17. | [A study of the

sexual art of having intercourse with several young virgins in

traditional Chinese medicine] [Article in Japanese] | Yan S. | The

emergency treatments for the damage and bleeding of the vagina,

and the sharp pubic pain of young virgins which were caused

occurred by the sexual art, were recorded in traditional medicine

books, such as the " Ji yan fang " and others. It is a fact that in

ancient China some people used the sexual art of having

intercourse with several young virgins at the same time in order to

increase their health and keep perpetual youth and longevity. The

famous traditional general-medical book, " qian jin yao fang "

recommended that method to rich persons too. It is supposed that

the beginning of the sexual art of having intercourse with several

young virgins traces back to the times of Emperor Hanwu , but it

seems to have disappeared from the historical stage in the Song

period. On the other hand, the criticisms from the traditional

medicine books and the secret languages of internal alchemy used

for the Taoist sacred books show that the sexual art of having

intercourse with several young virgins was still going on behind the

scene in the Ming and Qing periods. Even if we consider the

historical changes of ethics and mortality, we now cannot but

criticize this behavior of abusing juveniles for the sexual art.

Publication Types: Historical Article PMID: 12398073 [PubMed -

indexed for MEDLINE

Obstet Gynecol. 1996 Jul; 88(1): 65-70. | Psychologic profiles of

and sexual function in women with vulvar vestibulitis and their

partners. | Van Lankveld JJ, Weijenborg PT, ter Kuile MM.

University Hospital of Leiden, The Netherlands. | OBJECTIVE: To

compare psychologic profiles of women with vulvar vestibulitis and

their partners with a normal population, and to identify sexual

dysfunction in women and their partners. METHODS: Forty-three

women with vulvar vestibulitis and 38 partners, recruited from a

gynecology outpatient clinic, completed the Symptom Check List-

90, the Short Dutch Version of the Minnesota Multiphasic

Personality Inventory, the Maudsley Marital Questionnaire, and the

Questionnaire for Screening Sexual Dysfunctions. RESULTS: The

women with vulvar vestibulitis scored significantly higher on the

somatization and shyness subscales than a normal population.

They didn't differ in respect to their current level of psychologic

distress, extraversion, risk of psychopathology, and marital

satisfaction. Their partners had significantly lower scores for

psychopathology than a normal population. They didn't differ from a

normal population in respect to their level of psychologic distress,

extraversion, shyness, somatization, and marital satisfaction.

Women with vulvar vestibulitis reported more frequent problems and

higher distress with genital pain, lubrication, sexual arousal, and

negative emotions in the sexual interaction with the partner. During

masturbation, however, they reported less frequent problems and

distress. The partners of these women reported nearly no problems

or distress in either sexual situation. CONCLUSION: Women with

vulvar vestibulitis and their partners seem in general to be

psychologically healthy, although vulvar vestibulitis may be

associated with a situationally defined sexual dysfunction for the

women. PMID: 8684765 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]:

Prev Med. 1988 May; 17(3): 335-43. | Retrospective cohort

mortality study of Roman Catholic priests. | Kaplan SD. SRI

International, Menlo Park, California 94025. | In order to test the

hypothesis that Roman Catholic priests are at low risk for prostatic

cancer because of their celibacy, a cohort of 10,026 men who were

active or retired diocesan (parish) Roman Catholic priests in the

United States on January 1, 1949 were followed until death, leaving

the priesthood, or January 1, 1978. The overall standardized

mortality ratio (SMR) was 103 and the SMR for cancer of the

prostate was 81. Other interesting findings include increased

SMRs for cancer of the larynx (147), cirrhosis of the liver (147), and

diabetes (182) and decreased SMRs for lung cancer (59),

emphysema (26), and suicide (13). PMID: 3405988 [PubMed -

indexed for MEDLINE

Scand J Urol Nephrol Suppl. 1983; 77: 1-37. | Some effects of

orchiectomy, oestrogen treatment and radiation therapy in patients

with prostatic carcinoma. | Tomic R. | In patients treated for

prostatic carcinoma with oestrogen, orchiectomy or external

radiation, serum concentrations of testosterone, LH, FSH,

prolactin, TeBG and oestradiol-17 beta as well as changes in

sexual behaviour and mental mood were studied. Oestrogen

treatment as well as orchiectomy reduced serum testosterone

concentration to similar values. Neither totally nor subcapsularly

orchiectomized patients responded to HCG stimulation. The free

testosterone was 68% lower in oestrogen treated than in

orchiectomized patients, probably due to a high TeBG

concentration induced by oestrogens. patients oestrogen treated

for less than 3 years and in whom the treatment had been

withdrawn had normal serum testosterone and LH at follow-up. In

contrast, low serum testosterone concentration and normal LH

were found after oestrogen cessation in patients oestrogen treated

for more than 3 years indicating reduced Leydig cell, and/or

hypothalamic-hypophyseal function. In patients oestrogen treated

for more than 3 years the serum testosterone concentration neither

increased after oestrogen cessation nor decreased after

orchiectomy. Absorbed testes doses during radiation treatment

were measured from a few to more than 10 Gy but were reduced by

about 50% if the gonads were protected by lead shields during

anterior and posterior treatment sessions. Radiation may affect

gonadal function as decreased serum testosterone concentration

and increased LH, FSH were found after treatment. Sexual function

was altered after oestrogen, orchiectomy and radiation treatment.

Sexual activity and capability were distinctly better maintained after

radiation than after orchiectomy or oestrogen treatment. 67% of the

patients had coitus or masturbated after radiation treatment, all

experiencing orgasm. Patients on oestrogen treatment or after

orchiectomy had coitus/masturbation less often (17% in both

groups). They also experienced orgasm less often (8% and 17%

respectively). The group of patients on oestrogen treatment had a

higher average score for depression than those treated with

orchiectomy or radiation treatment. PMID: 6426040 [PubMed -

indexed for MEDLINE]:

SIECUS Rep. 1981 Nov; 10(2): 7-8. | Sex through the ages in

China. | Gross A. | PIP: This brief article summarizes some of the

Chinese sexual customs as revealed by Van Gulik, Needham,

Levy, the author, and others. Chinese sexology is related to

medicine, philosophy, and cosmology, all of which form a unified

view of the universe. Cosmologically, the Chinese view human life

as between the sun ( " Ying " /man) and the earth ( " Yin " /women).

Energy particles from the sun continually enter the fingers, pass

through arms, head, and body, and exit via the toes, while energy

from the earth enter through the toes and exits through the fingers.

Illness occurs if there is an imbalance in this system; if either flow

stops death ensues. Chinese medicine corrects the energy flow of

the sun and earth by means of needles, heat, gymnastics,

massage, and sexual practices. Sexual practices, affect this

energy exchange by special techniques for relieving physical

complaints and ultra-orgasmic practices, sometimes termed

" coitus reservatus. " Chinese reason that if either man or woman

achieve orgasm, then considerable energy can be produced over a

longer duration, perhaps increasing one's health and longevity.

These beliefs flourished from the Han Dynasty (202 B.C.-220 A.D.)

until the close of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.). Practices

during this period were to encourage orgasms for men and women

with age, health, seasonal factors, and the need for heirs as

variables in the practices. For example, in a Sui Dynasty (589-608

A.D.) sex manual, once a day is right for a healthy male of 30,

while once every 5-10 days is proper for a 50 year old man.

However, these techniques took time to learn and even

" perversions " developed. Excesses encouraged the belief that

sexual expression should be limited. The Confucionists during the

Ching Dynasty (1644-1912) saw ultra-orgasmic exercises as a

threat to government and encouraged its end. Ultra-orgasmic

techniques may be used today at the village level and are

inseparable from the Chinese language and literature. Male

homosexuality and lesbianism were accepted in the past. The

enforced foot-binding of women lasted a 1000 years only to end in

this century. PMID: 12337666 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Sports Med. 1990 Jun; 9(6): 330-43. | The sexual response as

exercise. A brief review and theoretical proposal. | Butt DS.

Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia,

Vancouver, Canada. | The sexual response is a form of exercise

which has strong biological and evolutionary components. Few

studies have focused upon sexual behaviour as exercise and the

reasons for this are considered. Current information and leads for

future study come from animal research. Some historical

precursors to modern sex researchers did more to mislead than to

advance knowledge but Kinsey and Masters & Johnson set the

stage for modern knowledge and applications. There are parallels

between the orgasmic response and exercise. Physiological bases

of the sexual response help to explain individual differences in

sexual behaviour and the well-being that often accompanies states

of passionate love, addiction and exercise. Studies suggest that

sexual activity is associated with well-being and longevity, yet

many health and exercise professionals fail to take account of

sexual activity in advancing exercise programmes and executing

studies; that is, the so-called Ostrich Effect persists. Investigators

need to separate the passionate love stage of relationships which

are biologically based and last 3-4 years from the later stages of

long term committed partnerships in which sexual activity

continues as a form of exercise, competence expression and fun.

Publication Types: Review Review, Tutorial PMID: 2192423

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Ther Umsch. 1994 Feb; 51(2): 93-7. | [Male and female sexuality--

differences according to sex and age Article in German] | Kockott

G. Psychiatrische Klinik der Technischen Universitat, Munchen. |

Sexual physiology, sexual behaviour and attitude to sexuality vary

according to sex and age. The sexual reaction cycle is very

uniform in men, but much more variable in women; at a more

advanced age the reactions of this cycle are delayed in both

sexes. While hormones have been proved to influence male

sexuality, their influence on female sexuality has not been clarified.

Sexual appetite changes with age. It reaches a climax earlier in

men than women, but also declines more in men with increasing

age. In the last three decades the number of women who

masturbate has increased considerably. The difference between

the sexes as far as attitude to sexuality is concerned is particularly

evident in those with sexual difficulties: men usually see their

problems in an isolated way as a purely physical disorder, whereas

women are usually aware of the connection between their sexual

problems and personal, partner or work problems. PMID: 8128393

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Ugeskr Laeger. 2002 Oct 7; 164(41): 4819-23. | [The sexual life of

60-year-old Danish men Article in Danish] | Eplov LF, Weigner T,

Solstad K Center for Sygdomsforebyggelse, Kobenhavns Amt.

Falgaard | INTRODUCTION: The sexuality of men is

influenced by many factors, and there are changes throughout life.

In a literature search only 35 fairly representative cross-sectional

studies of elderly men were found. There is no population study of

elderly Danish men's sexuality. The aim of our study was to

describe the sexual life of a group of 60-year-old men from the

Copenhagen area. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The material is a

random sample of 66 men from a cohort found to be fairly

representative of 60-year-old men in the County of Copenhagen.

The men were interviewed using structured guidelines, which also

included open questions. RESULTS: Around half of the men felt

sexual desire once a week or more. Around one third had had

fewer than four sexual partners throughout their lives, and six per

cent did not have a partner at the time of the interview. >50% had

intercourse once a month or more. 66% masturbated. One tenth

had erection problems. Two thirds were satisfied with their sexual

life. DISCUSSION: This study reveals a large variation in the sexual

life of elderly Danish men. PMID: 12407893 [PubMed - indexed for

MEDLINE]:

Z Arztl Fortbild Qualitatssich. 2000 Apr; 94(3): 223-9. | [sexuality

of older women. The effect of menopause, other physical and social

and partner related factors Article in German] | von Sydow K.

Universitat Giessen, Klinik fur Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie.

k_v_sydow | Research on female sexuality in

middle and old age (50-90 years) is reviewed. The descriptive

results of the studies published up to now are summarized

according to the dimensions of sexual activity (e.g. intercourse,

tenderness, masturbation) and interest. The influence of various

factors on female sexuality in middle and old age is critically

discussed, namely health/body (health; general changes in sexual

reactions; menopause), society (population structure; " double

standard of aging " ; historical-biographical influences) and couple

relationship. Altogether, female sexuality is highly variable. The

most prevalent psychosexual problems of older women are not the

classic medical complaints (e.g. dyspareunia, insufficient

lubrication) but a lack of tenderness and of sexual contact. The

effect of the hormonal changes of the menopause is smaller than

the effect of psychological, society- and partner-related factors. The

so-called " HRT " does not have significant effects on most sexual

dimensions. Publication Types: Review Review, Tutorial PMID:

10802898 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Z Gerontol. 1992 Mar-Apr; 25(2): 105-12. | [Female sexuality in

middle and advanced adulthood Article in German] von Sydow K.

Universitat Munchen. | A study of female sexuality based on 91

interviews with women aged 50 to 91 years (birth-cohorts: 1895 to

1936) is presented. 53% of the interview-partners in this study are

sexually active (intercourse: 34%; masturbation: 30%; lesbian

sexuality: 1%). 65% report sexual interest. During the past year

58% of the women experienced sexual dreams, 43% sexual

fantasies. 26% of the interview-partners had never experienced

orgasm. Several age- and cohort-differences are reported.

Quotations illustrate the variability of female sexual experiences.

PMID: 1609538 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]: |

Zentralbl Gynakol. 2002 Aug-Sep; 124(8-9): 400-5. | [sexual

activity in old age-problem-oriented counselling from the psychiatric

point of view Article in German] | Hirsch RD. Abteilung fur

Gerontopsychiatrie und Gerontopsychiatrisches Zentrum,

Rheinische Kliniken Bonn. r.d.hirsch | Empirical

investigations often report sexual activity in old age. Society's

negative stereotype of the aging person, however, results in the

topic being socially taboo and prejudiced. Active sexual intercourse

gets less frequent in advancing age, but masturbation and sexual

fantasies still prevail. In higher age groups men are seemingly more

active than women. Persons living in constant partnerships are

more active than persons living on their own. There is a significant

shift from sexual intercourse to tenderness, confidence, and

satisfying relations. There are numerous physical, psychological,

and social factors influencing sex life in old age. Important

physiological alterations and their consequences are to be

observed in advancing age. Multiple diseases, drugs, and objective

and subjective (e.g. anxiety disorders) after-effects of operations

often result in reducing or totally giving up sexual activities. If a

doctor has hints pointing to sex problems these ought to be talked

about without any prejudice and with an intention of looking for

possible solutions. Frequently these problems are indicative of

psychological or functional disorders which may respond to a

treatment by competent counselor or psychotherapist. Publication

Types: Review Review, Tutorial PMID: 12655468 [PubMed -

indexed for MEDLINE]

ZFA. 1987 Jul-Aug; 42(4): 207-9. | [Partnership relations, sexuality

and sexual behavior in elderly females and males after age 55.

Partnership relations, sexuality and sexual reactions Article in

German] | Weissbach-Rieger A. | Women and men can have a

cultivated sexual experience till a high age. The presume therefore

is a sexual active life. Sexual reactions are decelerated in the

elderly. The fulfillment of sexual wishes depends on the individual

healthy and social situation. Masturbation is only a compensation.

PMID: 3630220 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]:

Best regards,

Email: <

WORK : Teagasc Research Management, Sandymount Ave., Dublin 4, Ireland

Mobile: 353-; [in the Republic: 0]

HOME : 1 Esker Lawns, Lucan, Dublin, Ireland

Tel : 353-; [in the Republic: 0]

WWW : http://homepage.eircom.net/~progers/searchap.htm

January 29, 2004

Just had a thought. Or a question leading to an idea.

How many body actions take assimilated protein and discharge it?????

Only one that I am aware of.

In other threads we talk about ramped nutritional deficiency being the

norm and then we have this male bodily function of ejaculating a mixture of

highly desirable nutrients.

Let's look at only one nutrient that is wasted, Arginine.

Semen is very high in Arginine among other important compounds.

Let's see what it does,,,,,(Swiped from the interenet)

The amino acid, arginine, has several roles in the body, such as

assisting in wound healing, helping remove excess ammonia from the body,

stimulating

immune function, and promoting secretion of several hormones, including

glucagon, insulin, and growth hormone.

Arginineâ€™s effect on increasing protein synthesis improves wound healing.

Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide, which the body uses to keep

blood vessels dilated, allowing the heart to receive adequate oxygen.

Researchers

have begun to use arginine in people with angina and congestive heart failure.

Preliminary evidence suggests that arginine may help regulate cholesterol

levels. Arginine also appears to act as a natural blood thinner by reducing

platelet aggregation.

Chris again, Wouldn't it be logical that since it is difficult to actually

absorb nutrients and there is only one process of the body that wastes such

high quality proteins, and one of the proteins that is sacrificed at the highest

level plays a role in so many key aspects of health, that if a person were to

excrete a lot of this material, they would age quicker.

At first glance, it looks like a long term nutritional deficiency may be

at play here.

Comments?

Chris

January 30, 2004

Hi All,

I thought this might be relevant to the current discussion on jing and

longevity.

U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesNATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTHNIH

NewsNational Institute on Aging (NIA)http://www.nia.nih.gov/EMBARGOED BY

JOURNALMonday, January 26, 20034:00 p.m. ETCONTACT:Doug

Dollemore301-496-1752Weekend Only: 301-980-8307dollemod FREE

TESTOSTERONE LEVELS LINKED TO ALZHEIMER'S DISEASEIN OLDER MENOlder men with

lower levels of free, or unbound,testosterone circulating in their bloodstreams

could be athigher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) thantheir peers,

according to research conducted byinvestigators at the National Institute on

Aging (NIA), oneof the National Institutes of Health, and others*.

Thisprospective observational study is believed to be the firstto associate low

circulating blood levels of freetestosterone with AD years before diagnosis.The

study appears in the January 27, 2004 issue of thejournal " Neurology " . " Our

finding that low free testosterone might be associatedwith an increased risk of

developing of AD is a

stepforward in helping to understand the possible effects ofsex hormones on the

aging brain and other parts of thebody, " said Susan Resnick, Ph.D., an

investigator in theNIA's Laboratory of Personality and Cognition

andcorresponding author of the study.Dr. Resnick, however, cautions that much

more research isneeded before scientists can establish a causalrelationship

between low testosterone and AD. " Even if arelationship between AD and levels of

free testosterone inthe bloodstream is confirmed, we are very far away

fromknowing if hormonal therapy or any other intervention couldsafely prevent

AD, " she said.Dr. Resnick, Scott Moffat, Ph.D., and their colleaguesevaluated

the testosterone levels of 574 men, ages 32 to87, who participated in the

Baltimore Longitudinal Study ofAging (BLSA)**. The investigators examined free

and totaltestosterone levels -- measured over an average of 19 years-- in

relationship to subsequent diagnosis of AD. Based onphysical, neurological and

neuropsychological exams, 54 ofthe 574 men were diagnosed with AD.The research

team found that for every 50 percent increasein the free testosterone index in

the bloodstream, therewas about a 26 percent decrease in the risk of

developingAD. Although overall free testosterone levels fell overtime, these

levels dropped more precipitously in those menwho later developed AD. In fact,

at the end of the study,men who were diagnosed with AD, on average, had about

halfthe levels of circulating free testosterone as men whodidn't develop the

disease. In some cases, the drop-offs infree testosterone levels associated with

AD were detectedup to a decade before diagnosis.Previously, Dr. Resnick and her

colleagues found that oldermen with high levels of circulating free testosterone

havebetter visual and verbal memory and perform spatial tasksmore adeptly than

their peers. " It is quite possible that circulating free testosteronehas a broad

range of influences on the aging brain, " Dr.Resnick said.

" The effects of some of these influences --such as the role of testosterone in

the development ofcertain types of memory loss and AD -- are just beginningto be

explored. " In men, testosterone is produced in the testes, thereproductive glands

that also produce sperm. As men age,their testes often produce somewhat less

testosterone thanthey did during adolescence and early adulthood, whenproduction

of this hormone peaks. Within the body,testosterone tends to bind with sex

hormone bindingglobulin (SHBG). But some testosterone remains freelycirculating

in the bloodstream. Unlike the SHBG-bound formof the hormone, free testosterone

can circulate into thebrain and affect nerve cells. In this study, only

reducedlevels of free testosterone were associated with AD, Dr.Resnick

said.Other BLSA studies suggest that many men older than 70 havelow levels of

free testosterone compared to younger men.But while prescription testosterone

replacement therapy isavailable, it may not be advisable for

most older menbecause many effects of hormone therapy remain unclear. Itis not

yet known, for instance, if testosterone replacementincreases the risk of

prostate cancer, the second leadingcause of cancer death among men. In addition,

studiessuggest that in some men testosterone therapy might triggerexcessive red

blood cell production. This side effect canthicken blood and increase a man's

risk of stroke. " We still have much to learn, " Dr. Resnick said. " Fornow,

testosterone therapy should not be considered anoption for older men seeking to

reduce their risk ofAlzheimer's disease or to improve their memory andcognitive

performance in general. " A multi-disciplinary panel, led by the Institute

ofMedicine (IOM) and supported by the National Institute onAging (NIA) and the

National Cancer Institute, recentlyevaluated the pros and cons of conducting

clinical trialsof testosterone replacement therapy in older men to answermany of

the lingering questions about the effects of thishormone in

the aging body. The NIA is considering the IOMrecommendations very carefully

and likely will act on therecommendations to begin small-scale clinical trials

todetermine the efficacy of testosterone in treatingsymptomatic older men with

low testosterone levels. Untilcarefully designed and monitored clinical trials

areconducted, the risks and benefits of testosterone therapyfor most men who do

not have extreme deficiencies of thehormone will remain largely unknown.AD is an

irreversible disorder of the brain, robbing thosewho have it of memory, and

eventually, overall mental andphysical function, leading to death. For more

informationon AD research, two new publications are available from theNIA:

" 2001-2002 Alzheimer's Disease Progress Report andAlzheimer's Disease:

Unraveling the Mystery " , whichincludes a CD-Rom animation of what happens to the

brain inAD. These publications may be viewed at NIA's AD-dedicatedwebsite

www.alzheimers.org, the Institute's Alzheimer'sDisease Education and

Referral (ADEAR) Center, or bycalling ADEAR at 1-800-438-4380.The NIA, one of

27 Institutes and Centers that constitutethe National Institutes of Health,

leads Federal efforts tosupport and conduct basic, clinical, epidemiological,

andsocial research on aging and the special needs of olderpeople. For more

information about the NIA, visit thewebsite at http://www.nia.nih.gov/.Marc R.

Blackman, M.D., collaborated on this study while atJohns Hopkins University in

Baltimore. He is currentlyclinical director at the NIH's National Center

forComplementary and Alternative Medicine. Several otherresearchers, now at

Wayne State University in Detroit, theUniversity of California, Irvine, and the

Kronos LongevityResearch Institute in Phoenix, contributed to this studywhile

they were at the NIA.** Launched in 1958, the BLSA is America's longest

runningscientific examination of human aging. Volunteers receivecomprehensive

medical, physiological and neuropsychologicalevaluations every two years at

the NIA Gerontology ResearchCenter in Baltimore. The BLSA has measured

testosteronelevels in its male participants since 1963.##To (or

) from this list, go

tohttp://list.nih.gov/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=hhspress & A=1

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