Sensational sex? Yes, please!

Sexual health is the portal to people's health.

Lifestyle factors, such as overeating, excessive drinking and smoking, are wreaking havoc on our sex lives.

Sixty-seven percent of adult American men are overweight, with most of that weight falling right in the abdomen. “Abdomen fat is not the same as fat in any other part of the body,” explains Dr. Shabsigh. “It produces inflammation, which damages the blood vessels and coronary arteries. It also produces an enzyme called Aromatase, which converts testosterone into estrogen. This is why obese men suddenly develop breasts.”

 Middle-aged men with big bellies report symptoms such as low energy, low desire, erectile dysfunction, or small ejaculation volume.  All of these symptoms are due to low testosterone.  Smoking damages blood vessels. The penile artery is much smaller than the coronary artery. Smaller arteries are damaged quicker than larger arteries. It’s not uncommon for patients to experience erectile dysfunction for two to three years before they have heart disease.

 Alcohol, which many believe helps promote sex because it removes inhibition, actually works in reverse. It’s a depressant, which means that it is more likely to put your penis to sleep than to help you perform in the bedroom.

Don’t despair!

The good news is that changing these harmful patterns by dieting, exercising, quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake can improve sexual function. Achieving good heath and good sexual health may require effort for many, but surely the promise of sensational sex will serve as a powerful motivator.

Thirty million men in America have erectile dysfunction. Many others have additional sexual dysfunctions, such as low desire, ejaculation and orgasm problems and testosterone deficiency. The good news is that no matter how serious your problem, treatments are usually easy and effective.

"Sexual health is the portal to people's health," says Dr. Ridwan Shabsigh. “We often ignore serious health issues, such as stress and depression, which exact a serious physical toll on us. Teaching a man that erectile dysfunction is linked to cardiovascular health, diabetes and weight gain can help motivate him to make healthy lifestyle changes.”

Previously Director of Urology at Columbia University, Dr. Ridwan Shabsigh joined Maimonides Medical Center to expand the Division of Urology at this prominent institution. Emanating a unique perspective that resulted from years of research on the treatment of sexual dysfunction, Dr. Shabsigh hopes to better educate the public, and forever erase the commonly held belief that erectile dysfunction is a normal part of aging.

A frequent contributor to the medical press, Dr. Shabsigh has authored 156 original papers, abstracts, review articles, book chapters and editorials. Most recently, he published a comprehensive patient education book on sexual health and overall health, called Sensational Sex in 7 Easy Steps, with which the talented doctor hopes to enhance awareness and prevent future urologic problems.

An innovator of many important urologic advancements, Dr. Shabsigh invented and patented the use of the vascular endothelial growth factor in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Dedicated to improving people’s quality of life through his work in urology, Dr. Shabsigh demonstrates exemplary communication skills as he warmly assures patients of confidentiality and privacy, making them feel comfortable along the way.

Dr. Shabsigh speaks English, Arabic, German, Spanish and Circassion.

 Dr. Shabsigh’s tips to preventing male sexual dysfunction: 

- Exercise -- a sedentary lifestyle puts you at risk for multiple health problems

- Eat a balanced diet, including more vegetables and less pasta, bread, cake, cookies and bagels

- Avoid obesity, a risk factor for erectile dysfunction and testosterone deficiency

- Stop smoking, as it can damage the blood vessels and lead to erectile dysfunction

 - Limit alcohol intake because it provokes the desire but detracts from performance

 - Manage depression, stress and anxiety

- First and foremost in relationship health is communication, so set aside quality time to be with your partner exclusively

- To energize the connection, pursue your partner as if you’d just met. Courting stimulates your brain and gets your heart pumping.

Dr. Ridwan Shabsigh

Maimonides Medical Center,

Division of Urology

904 49th Street

Brooklyn, NY 11219

(718) 283-7746