Resources

Reprinted from Daily Mail, Tuesday, September 6, 2005

CREAM GAVE ME MY LIBIDO BACK

Two new testosterone creams could offer a more effective treatment for male impotence. Trial results for the first of these creams, Polypharmacy, showed that half of the men who used it overcame their sexual problems within weeks.

A second cream, which is already available in Britain and has been used on nearly 200 men here, is having similar results, as well as reducing other symptoms of low levels of testosterone.

Impotence is estimated to affect one in ten men in Britain. Although it is linked to a number of disorders and diseases, including diabetes and heart disease, it
is also associated with low levels of the male hormone testosterone, which declines with age.

back to top

According to the American Urological Association, about 5 per cent of erectile dysfunction may be directly linked to low levels of testosterone. Current treatments include patches, injections and oral capsules, but the new creams are said to be more effective, as they are applied directly to the genital areas.

The Polypharmacy cream - not yet available in this country also contains compounds that increase blood flow to the erectile tissue. A trial of the cream, led by researchers 'from Assiut University in Egypt, showed that more than 70 per cent of men saw an increase in their libido after two months.

In the trial of about 100 men, testosterone levels in men using the- cream increased by an average of 50 per cent after only two weeks.

A similar genital-applied cream made available in the UK in the past few months is also showing promising results.

At The Andropause Centre, a men's health centre in London's Harley Street, about 200 men have been treated with the prescription- only cream, which costs £20 to £40 for a month's supply. The, cream contains testosterone and a natural oil, and is applied every morning.

back to top

One of those who has benefited from this treatment is Reg Eagle, 60, who runs his own TV production company in London. He previously had a testosterone pellet implanted in his lower back to combat his low levels of the hormone, but has now switched to the cream.

'I was diagnosed about nine years ago,' says-Reg. -'I was told that I had-the testosterone levels of a 70-year-old man. 1 had lost all interest in sex. I felt really depressed and my partner didn1 know what was happening.

I had night sweats, I was irritable, and I had all the sort of symptoms you normally associate with menopausal women. My memory was poor and my immune system wasn1 working very well.

The testosterone pellets lasted for six months but, towards the end, the amount of testosterone it gave out tapered off, so I got a peak-and-trough effect.
The cream avoids all that. I have found it more effective. A dab, of cream a day makes me feel like a new, younger man.'

back to top

'We are still analysing the figures, but our results so far are showing, that it is very effective indeed,' says Dr Malcolm Carruthers, The Andropause Centre's director.

'Not only does it seem to boost libido and help with erectile dysfunction, it also appeared to, tackle low energy levels. Unlike other products such as patches, implants and injections, it mimics the natural testosterone cycle. Our patients like it because it is non-invasive, non- obtrusive, and does the job.

There are other gels available, but they are not designed to be applied to the genital area. It is the only cream of its kind available in the UK.'

back to top