When a person with a penis is unable to get or sustain an erection, he or she is said to have erectile dysfunction (ED). People who are more likely to have the disorder are those who:
- Are older
- Having a chronic illness such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- Having suffered a spinal cord, penis, or pelvic injury
- Use antidepressants or blood pressure medication
- Suffer from anxiety or stress
- Are obese
- Smoke
The treatment for Erectile Dysfunction is determined based on the underlying cause. Certain prescription drugs, a vacuum device, or even surgery may be used. However, lifestyle modifications and other natural remedies can also aid in the treatment of ED.
Before attempting a new treatment on your own, speak with your doctor. They can help you figure out what's causing your ED and suggest successful ED treatments, whether conventional, natural, or a combination of the two.
1. Exercise
Exercise and a well-balanced diet can help you lose weight and improve your Erectile Dysfunction if your weight is a factor.
Physical activity should be a part of your everyday routine. Exercise can assist with underlying issues that contribute to erectile dysfunction in a variety of ways, including stress reduction, weight loss, raising testosterone levels, and improved blood flow.
According to a review of studies published in 2018, 40 minutes of moderate-to-intense aerobic activity four times per week for six months helped lessen Erectile Dysfunction.
Source- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5960035/
This covers activities such as:
- Jogging
- Brisk walking
- Bicycling
- Swimming
2. Balanced Diet
Eating a well-balanced diet will help you retain sexual function while also lowering your chances of developing Erectile Dysfunction.
According to research conducted in 2020, males who adhered to a Mediterranean or Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 diet had a decreased risk of getting Erectile Dysfunction. (source- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2772916 ) They ate less red and processed meat in particular, preferring instead to eat:
- Fruits
- Veggies
- Legumes
- Nuts
- Fish
Men aged 18 to 40 who ate more fruits, vegetables, and flavonoids (compounds found in produce, coffee, and other foods) had a decreased risk of Erectile Dysfunction, according to a 2017 study.
Source- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1743609517318829
3. Stop Smoking
Quit smoking if you're a smoker. If you're having problems stopping, get assistance. Attempt nicotine replacement, such as over-the-counter gum or lozenges, or speak with your doctor about a prescription drug that can assist you in quitting. Quitting smoking is important in treating Erectile Dysfunction because it harms blood vessels, which prevents enough blood from reaching the penis to generate an erection.
Smoking may also diminish the body's supply of nitric oxide, which is required for involuntary muscle relaxation and increased blood flow, both of which contribute to erections.
According to a 2015 analysis, more frequent smoking was linked to a higher likelihood of having Erectile Dysfunction, as well as a more severe form of the disease.
Source- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4485976/
Some of the harm caused by smoking may be irreversible. Nonetheless, the study found that stopping smoking, particularly for males under the age of 50, may assist to improve Erectile Dysfunction.
4. Limit or Eliminate Alcohol Intake
Get help if you're having trouble with alcohol or drugs. Drinking excessively or abusing certain illicit drugs can exacerbate erectile dysfunction, either directly or indirectly, by producing long-term health issues. Studies have connected alcohol consumption to ED. Sexual dysfunction, particularly ED, was shown to be frequent in patients with alcohol dependency syndrome, according to a 2018 study. Source- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5914267/
Alcohol was also recognised as a risk factor for ED in a 2020 study review.
Source- https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(20)30930-9/fulltext
Men should have two or fewer alcoholic beverages per day, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
5. Counselling
Your doctor may recommend that you, or you and your spouse, see a psychologist or counsellor if your erectile dysfunction is caused by stress, anxiety, or depression, or if the condition is causing stress and relationship conflict. Erectile Dysfunction can be caused by a mix of physical and psychological problems. Fear of failure, religious beliefs, and sexual trauma are just a few examples.
As a result, Erectile Dysfunction can lead to other mental health disorders, such as emotional discomfort and poor self-esteem, which can exacerbate the condition. Therapy may be able to help you address these difficulties and improve your Erectile Dysfunction.
Approximately ten to twenty-five percent of males with Erectile Dysfunction have no identified risk factors. Non-organic Erectile Dysfunction is a disorder that can be induced by mental health concerns such as sadness or anxiety when having sex.
In a short study published in 2020, researchers discovered that cognitive behaviour sex therapy (CBST) or cognitive behavioural therapy and medicine were both successful in treating non-organic ED on their own. Furthermore, CBST was more successful at reducing anxiety in the participants of the trial. Source- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2050116120300702
Attending counselling with your spouse to help them understand your situation and explore methods to support you may also be beneficial. According to research published in 2016, ED is a shared health concern for sexual partners, and couples can seek education, counselling, and treatment jointly.
6. Prioritize Sleep
Getting adequate sleep each night is critical for your overall health. Sleeping on a regular basis may also help your Erectile Dysfunction.
According to a 2017 study, males working night shifts who reported poor sleep quality were more likely to develop the condition.
Source- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0090429516309062
Research published in 2015 found that those who have a sleep disturbance are more likely to get Erectile Dysfunction.
Source- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ijcp.12629
Another study has connected obstructive sleep apnea to an increased risk of Erectile Dysfunction.
Sleep deprivation can diminish testosterone levels, which may lead to Erectile Dysfunction. Long-term sleep deprivation has also been linked to ED-related illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Stress was shown to be one of the key predictors of Erectile Dysfunction in a 2019 study, with anxiety and depression also being linked to the illness. Chronic stress, according to the study, may influence testosterone or create sleep deprivation, both of which may lead to Erectile Dysfunction.
ED is a prevalent disorder that may have a negative impact on men's self-esteem, relationships, and overall quality of life. The best treatment for your Erectile Dysfunction is determined based on the cause. Natural treatments have the benefit of not only improving your ED but also your general health.
It's advisable to discuss your Erectile Dysfunction with your doctor to determine which treatments are most likely to be effective.
Keep in mind that treatments, especially lifestyle changes such as decreasing weight or increasing exercise, might take time. Consult your doctor or a health expert to determine the best treatment or combination of treatments for you.
At the end of the day, it is important to note that regular exercise and a healthy diet are the best way of preventing and treating countless illnesses and medical issues. Incorporating a fitness routine into your daily life is the best thing you can do for your health and wellness.
To take the first step towards a healthier you, contact us on +91 932159167 to get your program under the guidance of Coach Juily Wagle today!
Our programs aim to help busy people stay healthy and fit scientifically and sustainably. The Metabolix HomeFit programme is a comprehensive home workout programme that is tailored to your specific needs. The Metabolix EatFit programme is a personalised nutrition plan created after taking into account a variety of important criteria such as your medical condition, career, age, and so on.
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