Today, we take intravenous (IV) infusions for granted, but the field is pretty much a newcomer, medicinewise. The basic idea of using the veins to inject fluids into the body dates well back to the 1660s, when we see the first recorded attempt of a blood transfusion.
It wasn’t until the early 20th century that it was more forcefully pursued, with the devastating impact of the two world wars and the need to treat soldiers quickly. But it’s only been in the past 25 years that we’ve seen the largest advance in equipment, medication, and technique.
At Viva Health in Clifton and Clark, New Jersey, board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Aleksander J. Bodnar offers many types of IV therapy, from basic hydration to an energy boost to improve overall health and well-being.
A big bonus, though, is he can use IV therapy to help rev up your sex life. Here’s how.
Basic IV fluid infusion
The human body is about 60% water, making water an essential nutrient. You can become seriously dehydrated when you:
- Vomit
- Have diarrhea
- Exercise too much without drinking
- Be out in the sun without drinking
- Have a serious injury or suffer burns
IV infusions are best known to treat or prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. The IV allows for quick rehydration and chemical balance. There are two basic types of intravenous infusions:
1. Crystalloid solutions
Crystalloid solutions are the most common type of IV. They contain small, dissolved molecules that move easily from the delivery site in the bloodstream into the body’s tissues. These include normal saline (salt in water) and D5W (dextrose in water). Dextrose is a sugar.
Lactated Ringer’s is used for aggressive fluid replacement and contains sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and lactate.
2. Colloids
Colloid solutions contain large molecules that can’t pass easily through cell membranes, such as albumin (a protein) and hetastarch.
Development of the Myers’ cocktail
In the 1960s, physician Dr. John Myers pioneered adding vitamins and minerals to the IV as part of a patient’s overall treatment. In 2002, another physician, Dr. Alan R. Gaby, published Myers’ treatment and called it the Myers’ cocktail.
Both doctors used the Myers’ cocktail to treat a wide range of conditions, including migraine, upper respiratory tract infections, depression, seasonal allergic rhinitis, acute muscle spasm, chronic fatigue, and cardiovascular disease.
The Myers’ cocktail in use today is modified from the original and consists of minerals like magnesium and calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin C. Providers adjust the additives to the Myers’ recipe to target their patients’ specific problems.
One bonus of an IV infusion is that it bypasses the digestive tract. Anything that first has to go through the gut takes longer to work, and the acids may break down many substances before they can be used therapeutically by the body.
Another big bonus, as far as Dr. Bodnar is concerned, is that IV therapy can rev up your sex life, boosting your libido and performance.
Rev up your sex life with IV therapy
Advancing age and stress can negatively impact your sex drive, but IV therapy can enhance your performance on a cellular level. The components — antioxidants, B vitamins, vitamin C, and amino acids — are all proven to improve your sexual health.
B complex vitamins help increase blood flow, important for achieving an erection and experiencing heightened sensation. They also boost energy and decrease overall stress. Vitamin C helps manufacture sex hormones, including androgen, estrogen, and progesterone.
For men, Dr. Bodnar also adds carnitine to improve blood flow and increase sperm production, as well as taurine to increase testosterone levels and boost overall mood.
Is your libido less than you want it to be? IV therapy may be the answer. Call Viva Health at either of our locations to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Bodnar, or book your appointment online.