At Advanced Vitality HRT, we are providing a simple and straight forward approach to helping you restore vitality.

We specialize in female and male hormone replacement therapy, sexual health, medical weight loss, peptide therapy and anti-aging therapies. We offer the convenience and privacy of Telehealth and are partnered with US licensed pharmacies to ship therapies nationwide.

We look forward to helping you Advance Your Life!
“The state of being strong and active”

Can Women Take Sildenafil or Tadalafil?
A common question regarding sildenafil and tadalafil is whether these medications are suitable for women. It is important to note that both sildenafil and tadalafil are primarily designed and FDA-approved for treating erectile dysfunction in men. However, off-label use and clinical trials have explored their potential benefits and risks for women.

Potential benefits:

We know that in men, PDE5 inhibitors dilates blood vessels and increases the flow of blood to the penis. Women who take it might also have increased blood flow to the genitals. That may help increase sensitivity, arousal, and orgasmic function.

Studies on its effectiveness in women have had mixed results.

It helps to understand that sexual dysfunction in women is a complex issue. Often, there are multiple contributing factors.

One thing that can suppress libido is the use of certain antidepressants, specifically:

• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

A small, randomized controlled trial in 2008 involved women with depression who took these drugs and experienced sexual dysfunction. The study received funding by Pfizer, the maker of Viagra.

Results showed that Viagra may help reduce adverse sexual effects of SSRIs and SNRIs. The women who took Viagra reported better results than those who took a placebo.

There’s “inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence” for this, according to a 2015 article authored by Mayo Clinic doctors.

A 2014 review article noted a study of postmenopausal women with sexual arousal disorder. Some study participants experienced improved arousal, vaginal lubrication, and orgasm. But that wasn’t the case for women whose sexual arousal disorder is linked to neurological or vascular problems.

A randomized clinical trial in 2002 compared sildenafil to placebo in pre- and post-menopausal women. They found no significant difference.

Further research is necessary; however, given the low risk, a trial may be justified for women experiencing difficulty reaching orgasm.

Meet the Staff!

We are pleased to introduce you to our patient coordinator, Mariah Doll

Mariah went to Rock Valley College in Rockford, Illinois to graduate with her degree in Respiratory Therapy in 2019. She has worked as a respiratory therapist on night shift since 2018, working for Mercy Health in Rockford, Illinois for her whole career thus far. During her career she worked all over the hospital in all departments including the emergency room, pediatrics, Adult Critical Care, and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. As of 2022 she also became part of the Neonatal Transport Team.

While she loves her job as a respiratory therapist, she decided that even though she loves helping people, and being part of the team to heal patients; the hospital atmosphere is not where she wants to be every day. Becoming part of the Advanced Vitality team is something she is very passionate about because she is able to still help people achieve their personal health goals, all while having a more personable business to work for rather than a large hospital. Mariah currently lives in Rockton, Illinois on a farm with her husband and two children.

She tries to spend a lot of time outside caring for the animals, riding their horses, and just exploring their land with her kids. Most days are spent at home, or doing something new outside somewhere when the weather is nice. That is why she feels Advanced Vitality was a great fit for her because it allows her more time with her family and allows for a more normal schedule all while doing what she loves – helping others.

Microplastics Found in Human Testicles May Cause Male Infertility

Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic that come from the breakdown of larger plastic debris. Our landfills and oceans are so overwhelmed with plastic that floating islands of trash are now passing by Hawaii. These plastics degrade into microscopic particles, which can end up in our food and drinking water.

Recent studies have raised alarms as these tiny particles are now found in human tissues, including the bloodstream, lungs, lymph, brain, and even testicles. The latest research shows that microplastics in testicular tissue could impact human reproductive health, potentially affecting testosterone, sperm, and overall fertility.

To address these concerns, treatments include:
– Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
– Treatment for Premature Ejaculation

Prevalence of Microplastics in Testicular Tissue
Studies have discovered microplastics in every sample of human testicular tissue examined, indicating a widespread issue. These particles can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, and possibly skin absorption, accumulating in male reproductive organs and potentially affecting health.

Findings from the University of New Mexico:
– Human Samples:  Every sample contained microplastics, averaging 329.44 micrograms per gram of tissue.
– Canine Samples:  Lower concentration at 122.63 micrograms per gram of tissue.
– Types of Microplastics Identified:  Polyethylene, common in bottles and bags, was the most frequently found among the 12 types identified.

Sources of Microplastics in the Human Body
Microplastics are pervasive in the environment, leading to various sources of exposure:

1. Environmental Exposure:  Air, water, and soil pollution from car tires, synthetic textiles, city dust, industrial effluents, and agricultural practices.
2. Dietary Ingestion:  Seafood, drinking water, and food packaging materials.
3. Personal Care Products:  Items like facial scrubs, toothpastes, and shampoos containing microbeads.

Pathways to the Testicles
Microplastics can reach the testicles through:

– Bloodstream:  Via ingestion or inhalation, potentially crossing the blood-testis barrier.
– Lymphatic System:  Transporting particles throughout the body.
– Direct Exposure:  Contact with contaminated materials or occupational hazards.

Health Risks and Implications for Male Fertility
The presence of microplastics in testicular tissue raises several health concerns:

– Endocrine Disruption:  Potential interference with hormone function, affecting fertility.
– Sperm Quality:  Impact on sperm count, motility, and morphology.
– Inflammation:  Possible inflammation within testicular tissue affecting its function.

How to Treat Male Infertility
A systematic approach is used to diagnose and treat male infertility, including:

– Diagnostic Steps:  Medical history, physical examination, semen analysis, and hormonal tests.
– Treatments:  Medications, surgery, assisted reproductive techniques, and lifestyle changes.

Prevention of Microplastics in Testicles
To minimize microplastic exposure:

– Use high-quality water filters.
– Opt for glass or stainless steel bottles.
– Clean vegetables and fruits thoroughly.
– Avoid microwaving in plastic containers.
– Regularly clean to reduce household dust.
– Choose personal care products without microbeads.

Conclusion
Microplastics are a growing concern for both the environment and human health. Ongoing research aims to better understand their impact and develop effective strategies to mitigate their effects, particularly on male reproductive health.

Read the full article here:  https://academic.oup.com/toxsci/advance-article/doi/10.1093/toxsci/kfae060/7673133