Erectile dysfunction is a common medical condition that affects about 52 percent of men worldwide. If left untreated, it can cause both physical and psychological distress and ultimately disrupt relationships. The good news is that there are several treatments and natural remedies for erectile dysfunction that can help combat the symptoms and improve sexual performance. In this guide, we share the top remedies and tips that have proven effective for most men with the condition.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition in which a man is unable to achieve and keep a strong erection for penetrative sex. It affects men of various ages, impairing their self-esteem, relationships, and overall quality of life if left untreated. While the condition can affect younger people, the risk of experiencing it generally increases with age.
It is worth noting that experiencing erection problems occasionally does not mean that a person has ED. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it is considered normal if difficulty getting an erection is experienced in about 20% of sexual encounters. However, being unable to achieve an erection 50% of the time may be an indication of ED [1].
What Are the Symptoms and Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
To get an effective solution to ED, it is important to understand its symptoms and causes. Here are the most common symptoms of the condition [2]:
- Difficulty achieving an erection;
- Trouble maintaining an erection;
- Decreased libido.
While experiencing one or more of these symptoms could be an indication that you have ED, it is advisable to consult a doctor to help you confirm it, determine the underlying cause, and recommend a suitable treatment for you.
This brings us to the cause of ED. The causes are divided into 3 categories that include physical factors, psychological factors, and lifestyle factors [3]. Below are some of the physical causes of ED:
- Cardiovascular conditions: Because ED is often caused by problems with blood flow to the penis, conditions that affect the heart and blood flow can cause it. This includes hypertension, atherosclerosis, and stroke, among others;
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can cause damage to blood vessels that carry blood to the penis and nerves that control functions required to trigger and sustain an erection;
- Neurological disorders: Nerves play an important part in achieving and sustaining an erection, as they send signals required for it. Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and other medical conditions that affect nerves can interfere with these signals and ultimately result in ED;
- Hormonal imbalances: Having low levels of testosterone, the main sex hormone in men, can affect libido, contribute to ED, and impair overall sexual function;
- Peyronie’s disease: The condition is characterized by the development of scar tissues within the penis. It sometimes causes the penis to curve and results in pain whenever an erection occurs. This can affect libido, reduce sexual confidence, and over time lead to ED.
Psychological causes of ED include:
- Depression: It can reduce libido and trigger physical changes in the body that can make it difficult to achieve and keep an erection;
- Stress and anxiety: Both states can cause the release of stress hormones that interfere with blood vessels in ways that can affect erection;
- Relationship problems: Lack of a strong bond or emotional connection, conflicts, and communication problems with a partner can reduce libido and ultimately affect sexual function;
- Performance anxiety: Many men’s ED stems from worrying excessively about whether or not they would be able to satisfy their partners. The fear of underperforming often creates psychological barriers that make it difficult for them to achieve and sustain an erection at all or long enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse.
The following lifestyle factors can cause ED:
- Smoking: Smoking nicotine and other chemicals can damage the blood vessels over time, making it difficult for enough blood to flow to the penis, which increases the risk of ED;
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Taking too much alcohol can lower testosterone levels, impair the function of nerves required to trigger erections, and reduce blood flow to the penis;
- Poor diet: Eating sugary foods, unhealthy fats, and processed foods can bring about the physical risk factors of ED such as obesity and diabetes, among others;
- Sedentary lifestyle: Sedentary behavior and physical inactivity can lead to cardiovascular problems, obesity, and other medical conditions that can increase the risk of ED.
It is worth noting that these causes of ED can sometimes be intertwined. For instance, men’s health problems like obesity can lead to other conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, which may then cause ED. What’s more, the psychological causes of the sexual problem can worsen the physical causes and vice versa, creating a vicious cycle that worsens the condition over time. Talk to your doctor if you feel you have ED.
ED Diagnosis and Basic Treatment
Diagnosing ED usually starts with a doctor asking questions about your erection problem. They check your medical history, discuss your symptoms with you, and conduct necessary tests, such as an overnight erection test or a Doppler ultrasound test, to determine the underlying cause and recommend an effective treatment. In some cases, the doctor may conduct a physical examination to help in their diagnosis.
Some of the basic treatments may involve psychological counseling, lifestyle modifications, or the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors such as Cialis. The required treatment may vary from person to person based on their condition and response to previous treatment approaches. It is advisable to consult a doctor before trying out any med or making any serious lifestyle changes.
The Best Natural Erectile Dysfunction Remedies and Treatments for Men
There are many natural remedies and treatments for ED; however, some of the best ones available in 2023 are given below [4].
Healthy Diet
The importance of eating healthily cannot be overemphasized. Incorporating fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, lean proteins, and whole grains into your daily meals can improve your cardiovascular health and ultimately reduce the risk of ED.
Limiting Alcohol and Smoking
As mentioned earlier, smoking and drinking excessively are well-known habits that can cause or worsen ED. Consequently, quitting smoking and cutting down alcohol consumption brings about better blood circulation, which is essential for a normal erection.
Regular Exercise
Exercising regularly reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and some other health factors that affect blood vessels and circulation. It can increase libido, boost erectile function, and bring about satisfaction in relationships, which can in turn increase sexual confidence and performance. Exercises such as taking walks, jogging, cycling, or swimming are great cardiovascular exercises to engage in.
Reducing Stress
Stress and anxiety can affect physical and mental well-being, which in turn impairs sexual function. By being mindful and avoiding things that cause you stress, you can alleviate anxiety and ultimately improve your sexual performance and overall health. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as yoga and meditation can go a long way.
Weight Loss
Men with ED who are obese or overweight can achieve significant improvement in their conditions by shedding excess weight. Besides improving circulation, which is important for erection, weight loss also boosts self-confidence, which is an important factor in sexual performance.
Supplements and Herbal Remedies
Some supplements and herbal products have the potential to improve ED. For instance, supplements such as L-arginine and yohimbe are thought to improve circulation, including blood flow to the penis. Horny goat weed, ginseng, and some other traditional herbs have also proven effective in helping men perform better during sexual intercourse.
What’s more, Cialis, one of the most popular PDE5 medications, is also effective in treating ED. It has a high success rate, meaning that it has a high likelihood of working for most users. Many have reported noticing a remarkable improvement in erection and sexual performance after taking it.
Cialis starts working after 30 minutes of taking it and can last for up to 36 hours. However, it is worth noting that like all meds, it can cause side effects, especially if used incorrectly. There’s also a risk of interaction. For instance, Cialis and poppers can interact in a way that may increase the risk of side effects or worsen them. This is why it is always important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any ED medication.
When to See a Doctor
As mentioned above, if you experience difficulty achieving and keeping an erection in up to 50% of your sexual endeavors, it may indicate that you have ED. You may start by trying out some of the remedies and treatments mentioned above: exercise frequently, eat healthily, reduce alcohol intake, and quit smoking. If these do not help enough, you may then consider trying natural supplements such as L-arginine and ginseng or medications such as Cialis. Always remember that it is important to first consult a doctor or healthcare provider before taking any medication.
If none of the above remedies prove effective, then it may be time to see your healthcare provider. Note that it is completely OK to see your doctor once you suspect you may have ED. The sooner you consult a medical specialist to talk about your problem, the earlier you’ll be able to treat your ED and improve your erection.
Resume: Is Natural Treatment for ED Real?
Yes, some natural treatments really work for ED. Many have reported experiencing remarkable improvement in erectile function and overall sexual performance after taking some supplements and vitamins. However, it is important to approach these remedies with a balanced perspective, as people respond to treatments in different ways. While some individuals may achieve positive results from L-arginine and ginseng, to mention a few, others might require medical treatments like Cialis to achieve the needed results.
Regardless, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for guidance, as they can recommend a suitable treatment based on your situation.