The male sex hormone, testosterone stimulates the male sexual drive. If testosterone level is lowered, your sexual interest and capacity for arousal are likely to decrease. From what you have explained, the loss of sexual desire is most probably due to fatigue or stress you are experiencing.

Damiana, horny goat weed, ginseng, ginkgo, withania, puncture vine and muira puama are some traditional remedies widely used by both women and men to improve libido and alleviate fatigue. Damiana has long been reported in herbal lore to stimulate sexual desire while horny goat weed is used to allay fatigue. Ginkgo has been shown to improve sexual functioning by its influence on blood circulation. On the other hand, ginseng can increase blood flow to the genital tissues, bind to hormone receptors and thus enhance sexual stimulation. Withania, puncture vine and muira puama are remarkable herbs used to improve libido. Besides improving sexual desire, withania also increases the body's ability to fight stress and debility.

A healthy diet and regular exercise is equally important. The following tips may help you cope with stress and maintain healthy libido:
• take a healthy, balanced diet with regular exercise
• avoid overindulgence in food or alcohol
• incorporate relaxation exercises into your daily routine to reduce stress

Partners who have been together for many years may easily fall into a routine sex pattern. Thus, changing the routine and trying new ways will also increase your libido and restore sexual fire.

 

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the repeated inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse and it is a common problem among men who have diabetes. According to National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 35% to 75% of men with diabetes experience ED.

The causes of ED in men with diabetes involve impairment of nerves, blood vessels and muscle function. Excess sugar in blood can damage blood vessels and nerves responsible for erection and inhibit the release of nitric oxide which may hamper blood flow to the penis. Hence, one may not be able to achieve a firm erection although he has normal amounts of hormone and have sexual desires. You are advised to seek medical help for ED.

Horny goat weed, ginkgo, ginseng, puncture vine, muira puama, withania and damiana are traditional herbs shown to be effective in improving erectile function. The combination of these herbs helps to enhance sexual performance by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the genital areas as well as improves the release of nitric oxide and maintenance of an erection.

Healthy nutrition and lifestyle with good blood sugar control are important measures in the management of ED. Include more whole-grains, fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Other nutrients like alpha lipoic acid may help reduce nerve damage due to chronic elevated blood sugar in the body.

You may be experiencing symptoms that may be associated with what is known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). This is the enlargement of prostate gland and happens naturally as you age.  Prostate enlargement is a widespread problem that increases with age and it is often associated with hormonal changes. Normally, the prostate is about the size of a walnut that sits below the bladder but as men age, the gland becomes enlarged. When this happens, the prostate compresses the urethra, obstructing the flow of urine and causing urinary problems such as frequent urination. Many men over 40 years old suffer at least some degree of prostate enlargement and when the condition deteriorates, post-void dribbling and urinary incontinence may occur.
 

The herbs, saw palmetto and pumpkin seed are well known for their ability to improve prostate health. Saw palmetto contains plant sterols that have been shown to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that play a role in the enlargement of prostate. In Germany, the use of saw palmetto is recognised as part of the treatment for prostate enlargement. On the other hand, the effectiveness of pumpkin seed is thought to be due to its high content of essential fatty acids, zinc and plant sterols. A formulation that contains saw palmetto and pumpkin seed is demonstrated to be effective in regulating urination.

You may also want to take a zinc supplement along with the aforementioned herbs for better clinical effect. Prostate tissue contains a higher concentration of zinc compared to other tissues in the body and a deficiency in zinc is linked to prostate enlargement. Lastly, cut down on alcohol and excessive meat or animal fat intake.