Natural Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

What Is Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects as many as 30 million men in the United States. Almost half of men over age 75 experience ED, according to the National Institutes of Health.

ED is commonly called “impotence.” It’s a condition in which a man can’t achieve or maintain an erection during sexual performance. Symptoms may also include reduced sexual desire or libido.

These kinds of issues can happen at any time and to any man. Causes mainly include:

fatigue
stress
relationship issues
performance anxiety
alcohol consumption

Your doctor is likely to diagnose you with ED if the condition lasts for more than a few weeks or months.

Standard treatments include pharmaceutical medications, vacuum pumps, implants, and surgery, but many men prefer natural options. Research has found that some natural options can improve your ED symptoms.


What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

A number of factors can increase your risk of ED. Attaining an erection involves the brain, hormones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. A problem with any of these components can block the normal functioning of the penis.

Some common causes of ED include:

heart disease
diabetes
obesity
multiple sclerosis
tobacco use
Parkinson’s disease
enlarged prostate gland

One study found that persistent alcohol use induced ED as well. Seventy-two percent of men diagnosed with alcohol dependence syndrome were diagnosed with sexual dysfunction. This includes premature ejaculation and ED.


Why You Need to See Your Doctor

It’s important to check with your doctor because ED may be a sign of additional health problems. For example, if you have heart disease, you can take a number of steps that will likely improve both your heart health and your ED. This includes lowering your cholesterol, reducing your weight, or taking medications to unclog your blood vessels.

Your doctor will likely prescribe some common treatments if other health issues aren’t found to be the cause of your ED. However, you may also choose natural options.

Common Treatments for ED: Medications

Standard treatments for ED include lifestyle changes, such as:

exercising
losing weight
stopping smoking
curbing alcohol intake

Medications like Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra increase blood flow to the penis. But they can also cause side effects, including:

nasal congestion
headache
upset stomach
vision changes
facial flushing
dizziness

Men who have experienced a stroke or have uncontrolled diabetes or low blood pressure should not take ED medications.

Testosterone replacement and erection-inducing injections are also available. Side effects may include:

acne
breast enlargement
increased urination
aching in the penis
scarring
gum or mouth irritation

Common Treatments for ED: Non-Drug Options

Non-drug treatments for ED include penile vacuum pumps, penile implants, and blood vessel surgery. A pump is used right before intercourse to pull blood into the penis. However, this method can cause bruising. Implants must be surgically inserted into the penis. They can then be inflated when necessary. Risks include those typically associated with surgery, such as infections.

Blood vessel surgery is recommended only when leaking vessels cause ED. Even though all these methods may help some men, natural alternatives can be just as effective, but less invasive.

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