Ed fixer. Overcoming Erectile Dysfunction: Natural Remedies and Effective Treatments
What are the most effective natural remedies for erectile dysfunction. How can lifestyle changes improve ED symptoms. Which medical treatments are available for erectile dysfunction. What are the main causes of ED in men.
Understanding Erectile Dysfunction: Causes and Risk Factors
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition affecting millions of men worldwide. It is characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. While ED can occur at any age, it becomes more prevalent as men grow older.
The causes of erectile dysfunction are multifaceted and can be attributed to both physical and psychological factors:
- Vascular issues (atherosclerosis, high blood pressure)
- Neurological disorders
- Diabetes
- Hormonal imbalances
- Prostate-related treatments or surgeries
- Medications (antidepressants, blood pressure drugs)
- Psychological factors (stress, anxiety, depression)
- Lifestyle choices (smoking, excessive alcohol consumption)
Is ED a sign of underlying health issues? In some cases, erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease. Up to 30% of men who consult their doctors about ED discover that they have undiagnosed cardiovascular problems.
Natural Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction: Lifestyle Changes That Make a Difference
While medical treatments are available, many men prefer to start with natural remedies to improve their erectile function. Here are some effective lifestyle changes that can help combat ED:
1. Regular Exercise
Can physical activity improve erectile function? Research suggests that regular exercise, particularly aerobic activities, can significantly reduce the risk of ED. A Harvard study found that just 30 minutes of daily walking was associated with a 41% decrease in ED risk. Moderate exercise has also been shown to help restore sexual performance in obese middle-aged men with erectile dysfunction.
2. Healthy Diet
How does diet affect erectile function? The Massachusetts Male Aging Study revealed that a diet rich in natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish, while low in red and processed meats and refined grains, can reduce the likelihood of developing ED. A Mediterranean-style diet, in particular, has been linked to better erectile function.
3. Weight Management
Does body weight impact erectile function? Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for preventing and managing ED. Studies have shown that men with a 42-inch waist are 50% more likely to experience ED compared to those with a 32-inch waist. Losing excess weight can improve vascular health, hormone balance, and overall sexual function.
4. Pelvic Floor Exercises
Can strengthening pelvic muscles improve erections? Kegel exercises, which target the pelvic floor muscles, can enhance rigidity during erections and help maintain blood flow in the penis. A British study found that combining Kegel exercises with lifestyle changes was more effective in treating ED than lifestyle modifications alone.
5. Stress Management
How does stress affect erectile function? Chronic stress can contribute to ED by increasing cortisol levels and reducing testosterone production. Implementing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help improve overall sexual health.
Medical Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction: When Natural Remedies Aren’t Enough
While lifestyle changes can be effective for many men, some may require medical intervention to address their ED. Here are some common medical treatments:
1. Oral Medications
What are the most popular ED medications? Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are the first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction. These include:
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Vardenafil (Levitra)
- Avanafil (Stendra)
These medications work by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, a natural chemical in the body that relaxes muscles in the penis, increasing blood flow and facilitating erections.
2. Intracavernosal Injections
How do penile injections work for ED? For men who don’t respond to oral medications, intracavernosal injections may be an option. These involve injecting a vasodilator directly into the penis to induce an erection. While effective, this method requires careful instruction and may cause side effects such as priapism (prolonged erection).
3. Vacuum Erection Devices
What are vacuum pumps, and how do they help with ED? Vacuum erection devices are mechanical pumps that create a vacuum around the penis, drawing blood into the shaft to produce an erection. A constriction ring is then placed at the base of the penis to maintain the erection.
4. Penile Implants
When are penile implants considered for ED treatment? For men with severe ED who have not responded to other treatments, penile implants may be an option. These surgically implanted devices allow men to achieve an erection on demand. There are two main types: inflatable implants and malleable rods.
The Role of Hormones in Erectile Dysfunction: Testosterone and Beyond
Hormonal imbalances can significantly impact erectile function. While testosterone is often the focus, other hormones also play a role in sexual health.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Can low testosterone cause ED? Low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) can contribute to erectile dysfunction. However, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is only recommended for men with confirmed low testosterone levels and symptoms of hypogonadism. It’s important to note that TRT is not a cure for ED and may not be effective for all men.
Other Hormonal Factors
Which other hormones affect erectile function? Besides testosterone, hormones such as thyroid hormones, prolactin, and cortisol can impact sexual function. Imbalances in these hormones may require specific treatments to address ED symptoms.
Psychological Aspects of Erectile Dysfunction: Addressing Mental Health
Erectile dysfunction is not always purely physical. Psychological factors can play a significant role in both causing and exacerbating ED.
Anxiety and Performance Issues
How does anxiety affect erectile function? Performance anxiety can create a vicious cycle of erectile difficulties. Fear of not being able to perform sexually can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can worsen ED symptoms.
Depression and ED
Is there a link between depression and erectile dysfunction? Depression can both cause and result from ED. The relationship is often bidirectional, with each condition potentially exacerbating the other. Treating depression may help improve erectile function, but it’s important to note that some antidepressants can also contribute to ED.
Relationship Issues
How do relationship problems impact sexual function? Unresolved conflicts, poor communication, and lack of intimacy in a relationship can all contribute to erectile difficulties. Couples therapy or sex therapy may be beneficial in addressing these issues.
Lifestyle Factors and Erectile Dysfunction: Habits That Help and Harm
Certain lifestyle choices can significantly impact erectile function. Understanding these factors can help men make informed decisions about their overall health and sexual well-being.
Smoking and ED
How does smoking affect erectile function? Smoking damages blood vessels and impairs blood flow throughout the body, including to the penis. Quitting smoking can lead to improved erectile function and overall cardiovascular health.
Alcohol Consumption
Can alcohol cause erectile dysfunction? While moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered safe, excessive drinking can lead to both short-term and long-term erectile problems. Alcohol can interfere with nerve function and hormone production, affecting sexual performance.
Sleep Quality
Is there a connection between sleep and erectile function? Poor sleep quality and sleep disorders like sleep apnea have been linked to an increased risk of ED. Improving sleep habits and addressing sleep disorders can have a positive impact on sexual health.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Erectile Dysfunction
While scientific evidence is limited for many alternative therapies, some men find relief from ED symptoms through these approaches:
Acupuncture
Can acupuncture help with ED? Some studies suggest that acupuncture may improve erectile function, particularly when combined with traditional treatments. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Herbal Supplements
Are there effective herbal remedies for ED? Certain herbs like ginseng, yohimbine, and maca have been traditionally used to treat erectile dysfunction. While some men report benefits, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider before using any supplements, as they can interact with medications and may have side effects.
Red Light Therapy
What is red light therapy, and can it improve erectile function? Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy, is an emerging treatment for ED. Some studies suggest it may improve erectile function by increasing nitric oxide production and promoting tissue repair. However, more research is needed to establish its efficacy and safety.
The Future of Erectile Dysfunction Treatment: Emerging Therapies and Research
As our understanding of erectile dysfunction continues to evolve, new treatments are being developed and studied. Here are some promising areas of research:
Stem Cell Therapy
How might stem cells be used to treat ED? Researchers are exploring the potential of stem cell therapy to regenerate damaged tissue and improve blood flow in the penis. While still experimental, early studies have shown promising results in animal models and small human trials.
Gene Therapy
Can gene therapy offer a long-term solution for ED? Gene therapy aims to modify or replace genes responsible for erectile function. This approach could potentially provide a more permanent solution for ED, but it is still in the early stages of research.
Shockwave Therapy
What is shockwave therapy for ED? Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to improve blood flow to the penis. Some studies have shown promising results, particularly for men with vasculogenic ED.
Erectile dysfunction is a complex condition that can significantly impact a man’s quality of life. While it can be challenging to address, there are numerous treatment options available, ranging from lifestyle modifications to medical interventions. By understanding the underlying causes and exploring various treatment approaches, many men can successfully manage their ED and regain a satisfying sex life. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on individual circumstances and overall health.
5 natural ways to overcome erectile dysfunction
Men’s Health
- Reviewed by
Howard E. LeWine, MD,Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing
If you’re a middle aged man, can you run as fast as you did when you were 20 years old? Hit a baseball as far as you once could? Bash a tennis ball with the same speed and spin?
Probably not.
But even as we age, there are still plenty of ways to stay in the game and enjoy it. That’s as true of sex as it is of sports.
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is trouble attaining and sustaining an erection sufficient for satisfying sexual intercourse. At least 25% of the time, the penis doesn’t get firm enough, or it gets firm but softens too soon.
Causes of erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction can occur for many reasons. Sometimes it is as simple as the side effect of a particular medication. Job stress, relationship problems, or depression can also contribute to ED.
But for roughly 75% of men, the cause is more complex. ED may result from vascular disease, neurological disease, diabetes, or prostate-related treatments or surgeries.
Often, the culprit behind ED is insufficient blood supply to the penis because of clogged arteries (atherosclerosis). In fact, in up to 30% of men who see their doctors about ED, the condition is the first hint that they have cardiovascular disease.
Erectile dysfunction self-care: 5 tips to use today
Whether you currently suffer from ED or are hoping to sidestep this condition, try these tips to overcome ED for better health and a better sex life.
- Start walking. According to one Harvard study, just 30 minutes of walking a day was linked with a 41% drop in risk for ED.
Other research suggests that moderate exercise can help restore sexual performance in obese middle-aged men with ED. - Eat right. In the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, eating a diet rich in natural foods like fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and fish — with less red and processed meat and refined grains — decreased the likelihood of ED.
- Pay attention to your vascular health. High blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and high triglycerides can all damage arteries in the heart (causing heart attack), in the brain (causing stroke), and leading to the penis (causing ED). An expanding waistline also contributes. Check with your doctor to find out whether your vascular system — and thus your heart, brain, and penis — is in good shape or needs a tune-up through lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medications.
- Size matters, so get slim and stay slim. A trim waistline is one good defense — a man with a 42-inch waist is 50% more likely to have ED than one with a 32-inch waist. Losing weight can help fight erectile dysfunction, so getting to a healthy weight and staying there is another good strategy for avoiding or fixing ED. Obesity raises risks for vascular disease and diabetes, two major causes of ED. And excess fat interferes with several hormones that may be part of the problem as well.
- Move a muscle, but we’re not talking about your biceps. A strong pelvic floor enhances rigidity during erections and helps keep blood from leaving the penis by pressing on a key vein. In a British trial, three months of twice-daily sets of Kegel exercises (which strengthen these muscles), combined with biofeedback and advice on lifestyle changes — quitting smoking, losing weight, limiting alcohol — worked far better than just advice on lifestyle changes.
Other research suggests that moderate exercise can help restore sexual performance in obese middle-aged men with ED.
Losing weight can help fight erectile dysfunction, so getting to a healthy weight and staying there is another good strategy for avoiding or fixing ED. Obesity raises risks for vascular disease and diabetes, two major causes of ED. And excess fat interferes with several hormones that may be part of the problem as well.
Image: © Darren Baker | Dreamstime.com
About the Reviewer
Howard E.
LeWine, MD,
Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing
Dr. Howard LeWine is a practicing internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Chief Medical Editor at Harvard Health Publishing, and editor in chief of Harvard Men’s Health Watch.
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9 Popular Ways to Treat Erectile Dysfunction
The number of men diagnosed with erectile dysfunction has skyrocketed ever since the little blue pill made it okay to talk about.
Fortunately, the number of treatment options has increased, too. So, which ones are worth a shot, and which are just hype?
Medically Reviewed
In the 14 years or so since Viagra was introduced in 1998, the number of men diagnosed with erectile dysfunction (ED) has increased by a whopping 250 percent. Men are realizing more and more that they’re not alone and that they have options. Aside from pills like Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis, for example, there are surgical, therapeutic, even do-it-yourself treatments that can bring back that lovin’ feeling. “Some older ED treatments are actually being used more than ever, especially for men who can’t take the pill,” says Michael Feloney, MD, a urologist at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Read on to find out about nine common remedies for ED, plus the truth about which ones live up to the hype and which fall flat.
Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis
For many of the 30 million Americans affected by erectile dysfunction, Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis are the first line of ED treatment — and they’re successful for about 80 percent of men.
These drugs, called phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and work by increasing blood flow to an erection. Common side effects include nasal congestion and headache. Note: If you take nitroglycerin pills for heart disease, you won’t be able to take ED pills, as they can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Penile Injections
Alprostadil is an FDA-approved erectile dysfunction drug that can be injected directly into the penis to trigger an automatic erection. “Penile injection is the most effective type of ED treatment for men who can’t take oral treatment,” says Nelson Bennett, MD, a urologist at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Mass. In fact, it has an 85 percent success rate. Possible side effects include a burning sensation and priapism, an erection that lasts more than four hours and requires medical treatment.
MUSE
“For men who are unwilling or unable to self-inject alprostadil, the FDA has approved this dissolvable pellet that can be inserted directly into the urethra, the opening of the penis,” says Dr.
Feloney. MUSE, with an inspiring name that actually stands for medicated urethral system for erection, will trigger an erection in about 10 minutes that may last as long as an hour. Using MUSE to treat ED can result in somewhat unpleasant side effects, however — including an aching sensation, burning, redness, and minor bleeding.
Vacuum Pump
Can’t or don’t want to take ED drugs? The vacuum pump method is the next most common choice among men with erectile dysfunction who pass on pills, says Dr. Bennett. To create an erection, you place a plastic cylinder over the penis and pump the air out of the cylinder to force blood to flow into the penis. An elastic ring that you slide onto the base of your penis holds the erection. This ED treatment device is effective for about 75 percent of men. Side effects include numbness, bruising, and weak ejaculation — and the ring must be removed after 30 minutes.
Surgical Implants
If you have a neurological disorder or spinal cord injury and other erectile dysfunction treatments aren’t effective, two types of surgical implants could offer solutions to your ED.
“An implantable pump can be used to manually create an erection by pumping fluid into cylinders placed inside the penis,” explains Feloney. “The other option is a malleable prosthesis that works like a gooseneck lamp to direct the penis into position for intercourse.” Risks for these ED treatments include infection and mechanical breakdown.
Sex Therapy
“Medications that create blood flow to the penis can’t help when an erection is blocked by the fear or anxiety of the fight-or-flight response,” says Feloney. “This type of erectile dysfunction probably has a lot to do with evolution — men didn’t need an erection when a dinosaur was chasing them.” The best way to treat erectile dysfunction caused by performance anxiety, depression, a poor relationship, or stress may be with a combination of ED drug treatment and sex therapy, individual therapy, or couples therapy from sexual health professionals.
Male Hormone Therapy
Commercials for drugs to improve “low T,” or testosterone, the male hormone, are now vying for airtime, but they address desire, not performance.
“Male hormone is not an approved treatment for erectile dysfunction,” notes Bennett. “It may be used to increase desire in men who have low testosterone, but it doesn’t improve blood flow to an erection.” A doctor can do a blood test to check you for low testosterone, but it is a rare cause of ED. Hormone therapy with injections, patches, or gels applied to the skin may improve mood and sex drive, but it likely won’t fix any mechanical issues. Also, testosterone drugs should not be used by men with prostate cancer. Side effects include acne, breast enlargement, prostate enlargement, and fluid retention.
Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements such as ginkgo biloba, saw palmetto, and yohimbe have been touted as sexual enhancers, and some men have been tempted to try them to treat erectile dysfunction. Bennett warns, however, that none has been approved by the FDA or even shown by any reliable studies to prevent, treat, or improve erectile dysfunction. Moreover, supplements are unregulated and can have many side effects or interfere with prescribed medications you’re already taking.
Don’t jeopardize your health by taking a supplement to treat erectile dysfunction without first talking with your doctor.
Shock Wave Therapy
The idea of using low-energy shock waves to treat erectile dysfunction comes from studies that show that these types of shocks help heart blood vessels regrow, a process called revascularization. Shock wave therapy may also work on the penis, and there have been some promising results, but it’s not currently an approved ED treatment. “It’s similar to the type of shock waves used to break up kidney stones, and it may cause revascularization,” says Bennett. “However, there are not yet any good controlled studies to recommend it to patients.”
The Future of ED Treatment
The next new treatments for erectile dysfunction will probably be improvements in some ED drugs already being used. “A dissolvable form of Levitra that you put under your tongue is coming that may work more quickly than the pills we have now,” says Feloney.
A new form of alprostadil may make it possible for you to rub it directly on the penis instead of inserting or injecting it. And newer phosphodiesterase inhibitors that last even longer and cause fewer side effects are being developed. Stay tuned!
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