Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is one of the most common sexual problems in men. It affects about one in 10 men at some time in their lives.
It is often caused by a combination of physical and psychological issues. These include a minor physical condition that slows the body’s response to sex; a mental health problem, like anxiety or depression; or a medical condition such as heart disease.
1. Physical Activity
Regular exercise has long been known to improve health, including sexual function. It also has many other benefits, from reducing obesity and belly fat to boosting your energy levels.
It can also help you combat stress, anxiety and depression, which can all contribute to erectile dysfunction. Exercising regularly can also improve your overall health, particularly if you have high blood pressure or diabetes. Vidalista 20 and Vidalista 60 are best medicines to treat erectile dysfunction in men.
2. Stress Management
Stress can interfere with how your brain sends signals to your penis that allow blood flow to sustain an erection.
It can also affect how you react to sexual situations. If you have ED due to anxiety, for example, it’s important to get help reducing the anxiety and improving your coping skills.
Studies show that men who practice stress management improve their erectile function. It usually includes diaphragmatic breathing exercises, supportive group sessions and muscle relaxation techniques.
3. Diet
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fatty fish and other lean protein is linked to a decreased risk of developing ED. Eating a healthy diet can also help prevent obesity and maintain a healthy body weight.
Some studies have shown that men who eat a Mediterranean diet, which is high in olive oil and red wine, are less likely to develop ED. The nutrient-rich diet promotes heart health and helps men lose weight.
4. Supplements
There are a number of supplements that can help improve erectile function. These include red ginseng, L-arginine, and citrulline.
However, many vitamins and supplements are not FDA-approved or regulated, so they aren’t always safe to take.
Vitamin D, for instance, has been shown to improve erectile function in men with low levels of this vitamin. It also increases total testosterone and free testosterone levels.
5. Medications
Medications that help blood flow into the penis can be used to treat erectile dysfunction. They may be taken as an oral pill or suppository.
These medications, including sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra), are most effective when taken one hour before sexual stimulation. They also work better when taken on an empty stomach.
6. Exercise
Exercise is a great treatment for ED because it improves blood flow and helps strengthen the blood vessels, which are the main factors responsible for erectile dysfunction.
Moreover, it also reduces stress levels and testosterone, which are key hormones for sexual performance. Regular exercise of moderate to high intensity is recommended for ED patients.
7. Sex Therapy
Sex therapy is a type of talk therapy that can help you overcome physical and emotional challenges to enjoy your sexual life.
Often a therapist will ask you about your mental health and any other factors that may be contributing to erectile dysfunction. They will also help you reframe your situation and find a healthier way of responding to sex.
8. Mental Health
While most cases of erectile dysfunction have a physical cause, such as heart disease or diabetes, sometimes mental health issues can contribute to the problem.
Depression is one such condition that may lead to erectile dysfunction. Men with depression are three times more likely to have erectile dysfunction.
The good news is that most men who suffer from depression will improve and resolve their ED problems when treated properly.
9. Surgery
Surgical treatment is usually an option for men who have tried medications and pump devices, but who continue to have trouble getting an erection. The surgery most commonly involves insertion of a penile implant, also known as a prosthesis.
This procedure carries risks, but is considered successful and satisfying for most patients. A penile implant is an alternative to a pump device and can result in long-lasting, durable, and reliable erections.
10. Alternative Medicines
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a variety of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. It can also be a side effect of medications such as heartburn medicines, nitrate drugs for chest pain and some antidepressants.
A healthy diet, incorporating more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and fish and avoiding red meats and refined grains, has been shown to decrease the risk of ED. Exercise also helps increase blood flow, and can improve sex drive and sexual desire.