What Can You Do About Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is sometimes known as impotence. If you’ve ever wondered “what is erectile dysfunction?”, the condition is where a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection during sex.

Other symptoms may be reduced libido or sexual desire. If you have this condition for months, or maybe even a few weeks, you may be diagnosed with ED. Up to 30 million men in the U.S. are affected by it.

There can be many reasons for erectile dysfunction. It could simply be the side effect of a specific medication.

Approximately, for three in four men, however, there’s a more complex reason behind it. It could come from diabetes, neurological disease, vascular disease, or prostate-related treatments or surgeries.

Whether you’re looking to prevent ED or you suffer from it currently, here are a few things you can do to improve your health and sex life.

Eat Right

According to the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, a diet rich in such natural foods as fruit, vegetables, fish, and whole grains- with fewer refined grains and less processed meat- reduced the chances of ED.

Start Walking

A Harvard study asserted that 30 minutes walking per day was linked with a 41 per cent reduction in the chances of ED. Other research suggested that sexual performance in obese middle-aged males with ED can be restored with moderate exercise.

Move the Right Muscle

A strong pelvic floor improves rigidity during an erection and helps blood to stay in the penis by pressing down on an important vein.

A trial that took place in Britain saw its test subjects perform Kegel exercises twice per day for three months, combined with biofeedback and lifestyle advice- limiting alcohol, losing weight, and quitting smoking.

The trial concluded that all this was far more successful than lifestyle changes alone.

Take Care of Your Vascular Health

High triglycerides, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure are all capable of damaging arteries in your brain, resulting in a stroke; your heart, resulting in a heart attack; and leading to the penis, resulting in ED. Obesity also plays a part.

Speak with your doctor to ascertain whether your vascular system- and thus your brain, heart, and penis- is healthy or whether you need to apply some lifestyle changes, and possibly medications.

Slim Down and Stay That Way

A small waistline is one way to defend yourself against ED. A man with a 42-inch waist is 50 per cent more likely to suffer from ED than a man with a 32-inch waist.

Weight loss can contribute towards the fight against erectile dysfunction, so being at a healthy weight and ensuring you stay that way is a nice way of fixing or avoiding ED.

Obesity increases the chances of diabetes and vascular disease, both major causes of ED. Not only that, but excess fat interferes with multiple hormones that could be contributing to the issue as well.

The Natural Way

Standard treatments for ED include surgery, implants, vacuum pumps, and prescription medications. However, many men look to natural options instead. Research has discovered that symptoms of ED have been improved by some natural treatments.

Here are a few that have been backed up by research.

Panax ginseng

This natural treatment- also known as the herbal Viagra, has some solid research to back it up. Seven studies of ED and red ginseng were reviewed by researchers. The conclusion revealed that suggestive evidence existed verifying the effectiveness of the treatment in ED.

Panax ginseng seems to work best for people with high lipids in their metabolic syndrome and blood. The herb improves blood flow in other diseases, enhances lung function, and has anti-inflammatory action. All these are traits that can reduce ED.

Rhodiola rosea

A small study suggested that Rhodiola can help. Twenty-six of 35 men were administered 150 to 200 mg a day over a three-month period.

They experienced a significant improvement in sexual function. The herb has proven to reduce fatigue and enhance energy. Further research is needed to ensure safety and understand action.

DHEA

The natural hormone Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is produced by your adrenal glands. The body can convert it to both testosterone and estrogen. The dietary supplement is made by scientists from soy and wild yam.

DHEA has been recognized as a treatment for those with both ED and diabetes. These men are commonly affected by ED due to hormonal issues, in addition to diabetes complications that interfere with blood flow to organs.

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