The occurrence of kidney stones is an unfortunately common condition. Anybody who has experienced it can testify that it is excruciatingly painful. In fact, it is said that the pain caused by a kidney stone is only second to that of child birth.
Kidney stones are solid pieces of material which form when minerals in the kidneys become very concentrated. Often, patients might pass out small stones without even knowing it but the large ones can block the urinary tract and cause immense pain.
While they are common, nobody has been able to exactly pinpoint the cause of kidney stones. There are a host of conditions which seem to contribute to their formation ranging from genetic factors to low intake of water to urinary tract infections and so on. It is clear that diet and lifestyle also have an impact but the exact nature and correlation are not entirely clear. Treatments vary from vast intake of fluids to medications to lithotripsy (shock waves) to laparoscopic surgery.
This is the condition wherein a man is unable to attain and maintain an erection which is firm enough for sexual intercourse. While the occasional trouble with erection is not a cause for concern, it needs to be investigated if it is an ongoing problem. It can erode self-confidence, lead to relationship trouble, increase stress and, far worse, could be the indicator of a worse underlying health condition.
The process of male arousal is extremely complex, involving the brain, emotions, hormones, nervous system, muscles, blood vessels and so on. A problem with any of these may result in it. There are also psychological issues which can cause it. Some of the common causes of erectile dysfunction include heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, alcoholism, use of tobacco, prescription medications, depression, anxiety and so on. Treatment can vary from medication to psychiatric therapy to injections, blood vessel surgery and surgical penile implants.
