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Sex drug hope over rotten egg gas Sex drug hope over rotten egg gas
(about 8 hours later)
The gas responsible for the foul odour of rotten eggs could hold the key to a new impotence drug, experts believe.The gas responsible for the foul odour of rotten eggs could hold the key to a new impotence drug, experts believe.
A team from the University of Naples Federico II in Italy found the release of hydrogen sulphide in the penis plays a role in creating an erection.A team from the University of Naples Federico II in Italy found the release of hydrogen sulphide in the penis plays a role in creating an erection.
Researchers said the study could lead to an alternative to Viagra, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science journal reported.Researchers said the study could lead to an alternative to Viagra, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science journal reported.
About a third of men with erection problems do not respond to the drug. Erection problems affect about one in 10 men.
This may help to unravel the complex mechanisms underlying the physiology of human penile erection Professor Giuseppe Cirino, lead researcherThis may help to unravel the complex mechanisms underlying the physiology of human penile erection Professor Giuseppe Cirino, lead researcher
It has been suggested that hydrogen sulphide, which is also found in car exhaust fumes, helps relax nerve cells in the penis to stimulate blood flow.It has been suggested that hydrogen sulphide, which is also found in car exhaust fumes, helps relax nerve cells in the penis to stimulate blood flow.
The process mirrors the earlier discovery of the role played by nitric oxide on a slightly different area of the penis, which eventually led to the development of Viagra.The process mirrors the earlier discovery of the role played by nitric oxide on a slightly different area of the penis, which eventually led to the development of Viagra.
The researchers tested this theory by injecting the gas into intact erectile tissue from eight men who had undergone sex changes surgery as well as carrying out tests on rats.The researchers tested this theory by injecting the gas into intact erectile tissue from eight men who had undergone sex changes surgery as well as carrying out tests on rats.
Lead researcher Professor Giuseppe Cirino said it seemed certain that the gas was partly responsible for the erection process and this could lead to a new drug.Lead researcher Professor Giuseppe Cirino said it seemed certain that the gas was partly responsible for the erection process and this could lead to a new drug.
He added: "This may help to unravel the complex mechanisms underlying the physiology of human penile erection and may lead to the development of therapeutic approaches in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and sexual arousal disorders."He added: "This may help to unravel the complex mechanisms underlying the physiology of human penile erection and may lead to the development of therapeutic approaches in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and sexual arousal disorders."
Erectile dysfunction affects at least one in every 10 men, meaning over 2m men in the UK could be suffering from problems. Dr Graham Jackson, chairman of the Sexual Dysfunction Association, said the development of a new impotence drug would be welcome.
Only about 10% receive any form of treatment, the most common of which is Viagra. "There is certainly a need for an alternative to Viagra. It is only about 60% effective in people with diabetes and 80% to 85% effective for the general population."