“Liftoff, we have a liftoff,” that is the encouraging phrase in this radio spot we aired a few years ago. The ad starts with a countdown to launch the space shuttle. The successful rocket launch is a metaphor for beating erectile dysfunction (ED) with the help of SONICWAVE™ treatment that is available at Vancouver FullMast Men’s Health Clinics.
SONICWAVE™ is a shockwave therapy that treats erectile dysfunction without drugs, surgery or pain. As we say in the commercial, “Trust the proven science of SONICWAVE™ to get your sex life back into orbit.”
Call 1-844-500-1177 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
FullMast has partnered up with Maclean’s Magazine to bring awareness to men’s health issues. This campaign will appear in print across Canada and at Maclean’s Magazine partnered conferences and events throughout the summer.
“Liftoff, we have a liftoff,” that is the encouraging phrase in our new radio spots that you can catch on Newstalk 1010 Radio in GTA and on Global News AM 640 in Toronto. The ad starts with a countdown to launch the space shuttle. The successful rocket launch is a metaphor for beating erectile dysfunction (ED) with the help of SONICWAVE treatment that is available at FullMast Men’s Health Clinics.
SONICWAVE™ is a shockwave therapy that treats erectile dysfunction without drugs, surgery or pain. As we say in the commercial, “Trust the proven science of SONICWAVE™ to get your sex life back into orbit.”
Call 1-844-500-1177 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
FullMast doctors have a message for men across Canada: If you’re struggling to “get it up,” pick up the phone and call a specialist as soon as possible.
“Erectile dysfunction” or “ED” is the term for a man who is having difficulty getting or keeping an erection. These issues can impact nearly every aspect of a man’s life, from his romantic relationships to his self-esteem and overall health.
The good news is that men’s health specialists at FullMast are often able to figure out the reasons behind a man’s challenges in the bedroom. Better yet, new treatments give men some great options to return to a healthy sex life.
But there’s a catch – the longer you wait to get treatment for your ED, the more difficult it will be to find treatment options that work for you. That’s why men who are experiencing these problems should call a clinic right away for quick and effective treatment.
Reasons why it’s a good idea to see a specialist immediately
Here are three reasons why it’s a good idea to see a specialist immediately when you start having trouble “getting it up” in the bedroom.
1) The earlier you address a health issue, the easier it is to treat.
Many people don’t know about just how many treatments are available for ED. From exercise programs to SONICWAVE™, the modern man can do more than just take a pill to improve his sex life.
But the longer you wait, the less options you’ll have.
SONICWAVE™ is a great example of this. Our patients are often excited when they find out about this procedure, which is painless, non-surgical, clinically approved, and offers permanent results. However, a man who would have been able to use SONICWAVE™ when he first started experiencing ED may find the procedure ineffective a few years later. That’s because the underlying issues causing his erectile dysfunction have had the time to fester and create a more serious problem. Which brings us to our second point…
2) Your erectile dysfunction could signal serious medical problems.
Many people think that ED is a natural part of getting older. While it is true that erectile dysfunction affects nearly half of middle-aged and senior Canadian men, trouble “getting it up” usually reflects other issues in the body. Your brain, heart, hormones, and pelvic muscles are all involved in getting and maintaining an erection, so problems below the belt could signal serious health concerns.
ED can be one of the first signs of diabetes, heart disease, and prostate cancer. If you wait to see a specialist because you’re embarrassed, avoiding the issue, or simply believe it is normal, you could miss out on a life-saving diagnosis.
3) When sex lives are saved, relationships are saved.
Erectile dysfunction can be difficult for any relationship to face. The loss of physical intimacy can be hard for any couple, but the challenges don’t stop there. Those who do not seek help for their erectile dysfunction often send mixed messages to partners. Is he no longer attracted to me? Does he care about my needs? This can lead to communication breakdowns that affect the relationship in a big way.
Seeing a specialist about your erectile dysfunction sends a strong signal to your partner that you take your sex life together seriously. The sooner this is done, the better it will be for your relationship or marriage.
With ED, early treatment is effective treatment.
One of the main reasons people don’t seek treatment for their erectile dysfunction is that they are unaware of the many options they have. Many people think their only option is to take a pill.
That’s no longer the case. There are many ways to improve your ability to perform sexually, all of which can be discussed with a FullMast doctor as part of your multimodal treatment plan. As new technologies provide better treatment options for men, it’s critical to see a specialist as quickly as possible to better your health, relationship, and sex life.
If you live in the Toronto or Vancouver area, our doctors at FullMast Men’s Health Clinic are here to help. For your free, confidential consultation, call us at 1-844-500-1177 or schedule an appointment online today.
The December episode featured Dr. Mayer and his assistant and trained technician Michelle Tameanko. They discussed their experience meeting potential clients at the Zoomer show as well as SONICWAVE™ treatment. This is a form of shockwave therapy that treats erectile dysfunction by helping body to regenerate blood vessels in the penis. Both Dr. Mayer and Tameanko share happy stories of treated patients as well as those eager to test FullMast services.
For next FAWP featuring Dr. Mayer tune in on Saturday, December 9 at 8am on AM740, 96.7 FM Toronto, and Rogers 949.
About “From A Woman’s Perspective”
“From A Woman’s Perspective” is the weekly radio program featuring Marilyn Wetston (host and producer) and her special guests (Sponsor-Experts). It airs every Saturday morning at 8 on AM740, 96.7 FM Toronto, and Rogers 949.
Each week Marilyn explores fascinating topics relevant to ‘Zoomer’ women and men.
While Marilyn is known as “The Wardrobe Doctor” and owns the landmark Toronto store Marilyn’s in Toronto’s Fashion District, the show is not just about fashion.
On the latest episode Dr. Mayer talked about the difference of of treating the cause of erectile dysfunction versus treating the symptoms. Pills can provide a short term fix to the issue but are not treating the cause and so their effect will wear off. SONICWAVE™ treatment , which is a form of shockwave therapy, treats erectile dysfunction by helping body to regenerate blood vessels in the penis. Dr. Mayer also has a story to prove that this method works.
For next FAWP featuring Dr. Mayer tune in on Saturday, December 9 at 8am on AM740, 96.7 FM Toronto, and Rogers 949.
About “From A Woman’s Perspective”
“From A Woman’s Perspective” is the weekly radio program featuring Marilyn Wetston (host and producer) and her special guests (Sponsor-Experts). It airs every Saturday morning at 8 on AM740, 96.7 FM Toronto, and Rogers 949.
Each week Marilyn explores fascinating topics relevant to ‘Zoomer’ women and men.
While Marilyn is known as “The Wardrobe Doctor” and owns the landmark Toronto store Marilyn’s in Toronto’s Fashion District, the show is not just about fashion.
In October’s episode Dr. Mayer talked about the importance of full evaluation that any FullMast patient receives. First of all there is no doctor’s referral needed and the initial consultation is free of charge. Patients then undergo physical exam and blood tests to determine the cause of erectile dysfunction. Based on that Dr. Mayer recommends treatment, which is in many case multimodal – comprised of different treatments including SONICWAVE™ treatment.
For next FAWP featuring Dr. Mayer tune in on Saturday, November 11 at 8am on AM740, 96.7 FM Toronto, and Rogers 949.
About “From A Woman’s Perspective”
“From A Woman’s Perspective” is the weekly radio program featuring Marilyn Wetston (host and producer) and her special guests (Sponsor-Experts). It airs every Saturday morning at 8 on AM740, 96.7 FM Toronto, and Rogers 949.
Each week Marilyn explores fascinating topics relevant to ‘Zoomer’ women and men.
While Marilyn is known as “The Wardrobe Doctor” and owns the landmark Toronto store Marilyn’s in Toronto’s Fashion District, the show is not just about fashion.
It’s the conclusion that many articles, websites, and recent conversations have come to: When young men deal with ED, pornography is sometimes the culprit.
As a medical clinic, the question we ask is always the same: What do the facts say? Does science have the answer to the question “Can porn really cause erectile dysfunction?”
Let’s find out.
How Much Do We Really Know About Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men?
It’s true that erectile dysfunction is an issue for younger men. A 2013 study found that about 1 in 4 men experiencing ED are under the age of 40.
Is this number an increase? Unfortunately, little data from previous generations exists to make a true comparison.
Some earlier takes on this subject (such as a Kinsey study in 1948) suggest that ED used to be less common in young men, but these studies are rare and use methods which differ greatly from those we use today, making it hard to conclude one way or the other.
While we do not know the extent of an “increase” in instances of ED, recent data shows that it is a prevalent issue for young men today. But could porn be the reason? Can porn really cause erectile dysfunction?
How Does Pornography Affect the Brain?
Studies have found that the reward centres of the brain respond actively to pornography. Individuals whose reward centres are particularly triggered by these images respond to pornography the same way a drug addict’s brain would respond to a substance.
Some believe that frequent exposure to pornography trains the reward centres in the brain to respond only to increasingly graphic images which do not mimic real-life sexuality, making it difficult to become excited during intimate encounters.
Not so fast, neurologist Dr. Simone Kühn notes in a 2013 Telegraph article about her study on the subject. At this point in the research “It’s not clear whether watching porn leads to brain changes or whether people born with certain brain types watch more porn.”
More recent studies show that healthy young men with a porn addiction experience less ED while using porn than during sex with a partner. See this 2021 study A web-based survey of men with “problematic” pornography consumption concluded that “prevalence of ED in young men is alarmingly high, and the results of this study suggest a significant association with problematic pornography consumption.”
What Are Some Reasons For Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men?
While the consumption of pornography has increased since the advent of the internet, other changes have also taken place in the last quarter century which could also affect male sexual health.
Young people have seen a rise in instances of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and other health problems associated with ED. Stress has also increased among young people, and attention spans are growing shorter. For young men experiencing erectile difficulties, these risk factors should all be considered by a doctor.
What Can Young Men Do To Treat ED?
Yes, the brain can be impacted by pornography. And yes, the brain is one of many factors considered when treating erectile dysfunction. But there is no conclusive evidence linking the two. While it may be worth considering for some individuals with certain brain types, every man is different. Potential causes for erectile dysfunction in young men vary greatly.
Before running to a doctor for a quick-fix prescription or trying to self-diagnose the reasons for your ED, see a men’s health specialist for an evaluation. Doctors who specifically treat erectile dysfunction are experts in physiological and psychological risk factors and will take your whole health into consideration when creating a treatment plan.
If you live close to Toronto and the GTA, FullMast Clinics are a great resource for any man dealing with ED. To get started, contact us online or call 1-844-500-1177.
Prescription pills, such as Cialis and Viagra, are among the most commonly used treatments for erectile dysfunction.
How do pills like Viagra and Cialis work? Are these pills an effective long-term solution? Which pill, if any, is right for me?
As a Men’s Health Clinic, we hear questions like these all the time. It is important to understand how erectile dysfunction pills work before deciding to take them. Here are are some of our answers to the most common queries.
How do Erectile Dysfunction Pills Work?
To understand how these pills work, we have to first understand how erections work.
The brain, upon becoming sexually aroused, will send signals to a man’s penis to fill with blood and become erect. Seems easy enough, right?
Here’s the catch: the muscle of the penis must relax to allow for that inflow of blood. Drugs like Cialis and Viagra, also known as “PDE5 inhibitors,” help with that relaxation. They do this by temporarily “inhibiting” an enzyme that can get in the way of this process. This allows blood to flow into the penis, which can make it easier to get and maintain an erection.
Although they may seem quite similar, the differences between PDE5 inhibitors can be vast. For example, the half-life of Viagra is 4 hours, while Cialis has a 17.5 hour half-life. That means the effects of Cialis can last up to 36 hours! This is something which should definitely be considered when choosing which medication to use. It’s important to discuss any potential prescription with a doctor who has in-depth knowledge of all the differences between available pills. ED specialists at clinics like FullMast are informed about the different molecular structures of pills like Cialis and Viagra, and can advise whether any of these are a good choice for you.
Positive Effects of Sex
In January 2023 the results of a large scale study were published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
The study showed that men with ED who used PDE-5i pills had fewer heart problems and live longer than non-users. And, the study found, the more of these pills men take the longer they live.
The study, which looked at men over a fourteen year period in the United States, is known as “retrospective” which does not untangle the reasons for the benefits. Are the improved health outcomes a direct result of the medication on the cardiovascular system or because the men who are using the pills are having sex which has proven health benefits?
Our strong hunch is that the benefits of the pills are because the men that use them are having sex more often than those who do not, and it is well proven that intimate relations relieve stress and give the heart a workout.
Having sex creates a positive feedback loop. Sex makes one feel good and encourages one to undertake other exercise. Exercise and healthy living make a man more appealing to their partner, which in turn strengthens their relationship.
At FullMast we are strong advocates for having supportive intimate relations and it is necessary to attain erections hard enough for satisfying intercourse. Pills can play their part so too can Dual-Action SONICWAVE.
Men who take ED pills live longer – likely because they enjoy the health benefits of loving sexual relationships.
What are the Side-Effects of ED Pills?
Erectile dysfunction is a health issue, so you should approach treatment in a health-centered way. That means understanding everything you can about the drugs you’re taking, speaking with a specialist, and making sure any treatments are compatible with your medical history.
In the case of PDE5 inhibitors, that medical history is a critical factor. Some of the same issues which can cause erectile dysfunction, such as heart issues and blood pressure, could interact badly with these medications. Mixing these drugs with nitrates (nitroglycerin tablets or patches) can also make these drugs a dangerous choice for men.
Side effects of PDE5 inhibitors include vision loss, headaches, body pains (especially in the lower back), stuffy nose, gastrointestinal issues (such a diarrhea and indigestion), and a flushing of the face. If you take these drugs, any side effects should be reported to a doctor immediately.
By looking at the root cause of your ED, examining your medical history, and paying attention to any potential side effects, a specialist can decide whether they a PDE5 inhibitor should be considered as a part of your treatment plan.
Are Pills Like Cialis and Viagra Good Treatments for ED?
Many men have reservations about leaving their love life to a prescription. They’re right to be cautious. Taking a pill like Viagra or Cialis will not address the critical underlying causes of ED, many of which are central to a patient’s overall health.
Beyond that, it can be a stressful solution: Having to schedule sex around a pill can take some of the spark and spontaneity out of a relationship, and depending on pills like Viagara and Cialis can be expensive and inconvenient over time.
Many men prefer to pursue long-term treatments which improve performance for the rest of their lives, rather than just a night or two. That’s why we take a multimodal and health-centered approach at FullMast by prescribing these drugs not necessarily as a long-term solution, but as a tool to improve the efficacy of more permanent treatments, such as SONICWAVE™ therapy.
A consultation with a trained ED specialist is the best way to decide which treatment is best for you. There are many different solutions which can work together to help you reclaim your sex life.
If you’re in the Toronto or Vancouver area and want to know what treatment option is right for you, call 1-844-500-1177 or contact us online today!
Note that in the context of this article “specialist” is used to denote a clinical focus, not a medical specialist such as an urologist.
After 12 years riding the same bike seat, on average of 20 kms a day, George began to notice gradual erectile dysfunction issues in the past five years. “My first thought was that it was related to cycling.” He didn’t experience numbness, as a precursor, but instead, it just wasn’t working in the bedroom.
His story is common. In fact, hardly a day goes by that Duke’s Cycle in Toronto doesn’t have a customer come in asking for a new seat. “Numbness is a common problem, but they don’t often go into more detail than that,” says Lisa Stockus, a sales representative.
In 1997 a study from the Massachusetts Male Aging study, which looked at over 1,700 recreational riders between the ages of 40 and 70, blamed cycling for erectile dysfunction. One of the authors, Dr. Irwin Goldstein, proclaimed: “there are only two kinds of male cyclists – those who are impotent and those who will be impotent.”
Since that study, the following research is saying that instead of ditching the bike, find a new saddle instead. There is hope for riders who want to have healthy and active sex lives.
What is happening down there?
Your penis doesn’t have to be directly on the saddle to feel the effects of numbness. In fact, the soft tissue area between the anus and the penis, the perineum, is loaded with blood vessels and nerves. The erectile tissue extends from the tip of the penis back towards the anus. If riders are resting their body weight on this area, and not your sit bones located in your glutes, then the blood flow is not only restricted, the vessels can collapse, or worse, build up scar tissue that can block blood flow needed for an erection.
The sit bones, or ischial tuberosities, have no organs, and the nerves and arteries are surrounded by the fat and muscle of your bum, therefore we can sit for hours without pain.
But, the research is revealing that yes, cycling will cause numbness, and yes this can lead to erectile dysfunction. The MMAS study revealed that spending three hours or more a week on the saddle carries a risk ratio of 1.72 (anything over 1.5 is defined as a health risk) of long term arterial damage.
And while the research since the studies in the early 2000s haven’t produced any new findings, more research has been done on saddles and ways to mitigate the numbness and pressure on the perineum.
Not everyone who rides will experience numbness or ED. But as the creator of Spongy, a dual seat saddle that removes the pressure from the perineum, Jeff Dixon says, “It’s like a smoker—you might not get cancer, but it’s a risk. With cycling, it’s the same thing, unless you remove the risk: the traditional saddle.”
Saddles that are designed to spread the pressure to the buttocks without a hard, narrow nose have been shown to alleviate the problem. After complaints and the health concerns of bicycling police officers who spend most of the day on a bike saddle, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a study that looked at 91 police riders before using an alternative nose-less saddle.
“There were reports of genital numbness, but the sensitivity was removed and they found the erectile dysfunction was diminished,” says Steven Schrader, a reproductive health expert, and one of the study’s leading authors.
“We determined that about 20 to 25% of their body weight was being put on the nose of the saddle. With the nose-less saddle you remove that weight on the soft tissue.” After the study, only three officers returned to the regular saddles.
This was the thinking behind one of the most unconventional, but popular bike seats available. The Spongy Wonder (made in New Brunswick) uses two platforms – one for each sit bone, without a nose.
Within the athletic cycling community, one brand of saddle stands out. The Power series of saddles from Specialized that shift body weight onto the sit bones avoiding putting pressure on the perineum.
As far as gel seats or cut outs, Schrader says to avoid both. Both alternatives only transfer the weight and put more pressure on the perineum.
The type of biking makes a difference
A 2004 study of 33 bikers revealed that a traditional sport race bike saddles, put twice the pressure on your perineum than other styles of bike saddles.
“Road cycling and cycle touring are big culprits, but it’s less about body position and more about the fact that it is a long time on the bike and in a position that is static and you don’t move around on the saddle,” says Andrew McGregor, the sports marketing sales rep for Specialized Bicycle Components.
“Triathletes are poster childs for this as they are in a fixed position while roadies (road cyclists) move around a bit; mountain bike (is the best scenario) because it is a dynamic sport where you’re up and down out of the saddle often.”
Measure your sit bones
Your weight has no bearing on the width of your sit bones, meaning, you can be heavier and have a smaller distance between your sit bones. Before finding a perfect fitting bike saddle, experts suggest getting a fitting and that begins with this all-important measurement.
A profile photo of a rider with a saddle too small for his sit bones reveals a curved spine and his body weight shifted forward. With a correctly fitting saddle, his back straightens and his weight shifts back onto his sit bones.
“If the saddle isn’t the right width, the body will always adapt to find a way – you might shift body by lifting one leg and shifting your bodyweight to adapt. It might cause back pain or travel up your arm. But this is all fixed with the right bike saddle,” says McGregor.
And when all else fails, McGregor says just lift your bum for some relief. “As soon as you get up problem resolved—even on a bad saddle.”