Scientists at the Columbia University Medical Center announced that a class of medications called retinoic acid receptor antagonists (RARAs) might constitute the first non-steroid-based male birth control pill ever made.

Retinoic acid is a metabolite of vitamin A, one that is critical to numerous cellular processes in the body. Doctors have long known that vitamin A deficiencies can result in male sterility, but only recently has this phenomenon been harnessed in a targeted way.

Rather than preventing the body from absorbing vitamin A, which would be physically disastrous, RARAs can prevent the uptake of the nutrient only in targeted areas, resulting in the cessation of sperm production. The team happily noted that when RARAs were discontinued in the lab, sperm production quickly went back to normal.

For men who want to ensure the opposite – namely, the fertile production of sperm – consuming a healthy diet and taking a daily vitamin supplement may be a good start.

Research appearing in the Journal of Sexual Medicine indicates that 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors—a group of pharmaceuticals prescribed for BPH and hair loss—resulted in low libido among more than 4 percent of men taking them.

Some patients taking the prescription also reported experiencing some of the symptoms of depression.

The study's authors concluded that trading sexual function for prostate function is not a swap that many men are willing to make. They noted that increased prescription of this class of medications may cause libido problems in thousands of American men.

In addition to using traditional medicine to overcome prostate enlargement, men may consider taking herbal supplements like saw palmetto extract to naturally reduce age-related swelling of the gland.

Cecilia Tregear, a physician and aging specialist provided the new source the list. First of all, she recommended that individuals who suffer from the condition cut out as much drinking and smoking as possible while getting plenty of sleep each night. Likewise, numerous healthcare professionals have noted that a sedentary lifestyle, complete with little or no exercise, can take its toll on libido, as well and heart and bone health.

Tregear said that eating plenty of protein, which is composed of amino acids can help the body produce dopamine, one of its primary pleasure hormones. She recommended consuming fresh produce, which also contains vitamins A and C.

Other studies have associated vitamin D intake, whether from moderate sun exposure, diet or supplements, with boosted libido.

A number of natural supplements may improve libido, too, including zinc, ginkgo biloba and ginseng, which can also increase physical vigor and alertness. Taking a daily herbal supplement or vitamin tablet may have a number of health benefits, in and out of bed.

That's right. According to a study published in the journal Human Reproduction, men who took vitamin D tended to have more motile – or viable and moving – spermatozoa.

The Dutch team came to this conclusion after analyzing samples taken from 300 healthy men, none of whom were known to have fertility issues. Scientists noted that higher blood serum levels of the vitamin appeared to correlate with increased motility.

While the group noted that it is unclear whether or not vitamin D actually speeds up sperm, they did suggest that the nutrient is vital for reproductive health. The team added that further research may determine if dietary supplements may benefit men who are having reproductive problems.

Previous studies have shown that improving levels of calcium and vitamin D in the blood can improve fertility in vitamin-deficient male laboratory rodents.

Oysters and chocolate received top billing. These foods have been cited for centuries as being good for a passionate relationship. The news source said that consuming chocolate can trigger the release of pleasure hormones called endorphins in the brain.

And oysters? According to Self Nutrition Data, they are an excellent source of iron, zinc and vitamin B12.

Other foods that made the list include bananas, avocados, asparagus and almonds, each of which contains vital nutrients essential for good heart health and energy.
Studies have shown that certain naturally derived products may help increase libido. Research published in the journal Sex and Marital Therapy indicated that gingko biloba extract may have a positive effect on arousal. Likewise, ginseng may have similar properties, the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences reported.

In a study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma, the team stated that a specific form of acupressure called Jin Shin appears to increase memory in patients with non-life-threatening brain injuries.

To test the efficacy of acupressure, scientists divided participants into two groups, one of which received traditional Jin Shin as it has been practiced since the 1970s. The other group also received what appeared to be acupressure, though it did not focus on any of the accepted pressure points.

Those who received Jin Shin tended to be able to repeat back longer strings of random numbers, as well as to be able to perform well on a standardized psychological test, compared to their peers.

Researchers concluded that acupressure may be a viable treatment option for veterans returning from combat, should they have mild brain trauma.

Numerous studies have already shown that acupressure can be an effective treatment for nausea and morning sickness.

A study appearing in the Journal of Biological Chemistry determined that vitamin A, whose most common food-borne form is retinol, activates the nuclear receptor TR4, which in turn initiates the production of spermatozoa in the body.

The so-called "orphan" receptor is also responsible the development of central nervous system cells. Researcher Edward Zhou stated that this knowledge may help improve certain health treatments.

"Recent evidence has shown that orphan nuclear receptors are required for many essential physiological functions in the human body, and can be used to help discover drug targets for human diseases," he noted.

Individuals who worry that they do not consume enough vitamin A may consider taking herbal supplements or a daily vitamin, as well as eating a healthy diet.

Family medicine practitioner Jeffry Life, M.D., wrote that the basic problem underpinning all ED is a lack of proper blood flow. This can develop with age or in response to certain medical conditions, such as arteriosclerosis.

Taking a prescription pill is not necessarily the answer. For men in an otherwise healthy condition, Life recommended several simple remedies. The first is Kegel exercises, which can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and lead to improved activity.

Other improvements may be made by exercising the entire body, getting plenty of rest and indulging in a little dark chocolate, which contains antioxidants and flavonoids that benefit the circulatory system.

A study published in the journal Phytochemistry also found that certain naturally derived compounds may one day have the same effect as prescription ED medications, though to date this breakthrough has not yet occurred.

A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men who use cannabis are more likely to suffer from sexual dysfunction.

The study's author said that previous investigations came to mixed conclusions when it came to the effects of marijuana's active ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol, on male performance.

In the latest experiment, researchers gave laboratory rodents doses of cannabis and then monitored their sexual activity.

Lead author Rany Shamloul noted that marijuana is the most widely abused illegal drug in the world, adding that consumption of the substance does not appear to have any positive effect on male libido, contrary to some previous findings.

In the U.S., more than 6 percent of individuals 12 and older report having smoked cannabis in the previous month, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Rather than looking to illegal substances for relief, individuals who suffer from low libido or prostate problems may do better by investigating the effects of natural herbal supplements, multivitamins and saw palmetto.

The antiviral properties of the herb may make it an effective treatment for oral and genital herpes, according to a study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research.

An international team of scientists came to this conclusion after breaking down the plant's extracts an analyzing each separated compound for its ability to fight viral infections.

Two in particular, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid and axillarin, showed the most promise as effective antiviral agents.

The study focused on tansy's roots and aerial stalks, which have already seen centuries of use as part of natural insect repellents and insecticides.

Its authors concluded that tansy may one day play in integral role in all-natural therapies for herpes lesions.

In the U.S., genital herpes is relatively widespread. An estimated one in every six Americans between the ages of 14 and 49 has the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.