When a person with a penis is unable to get or sustain an erection, this is referred to as erectile dysfunction (ED). Around 30 million males in the United States are affected by the illness, which is more common in those who:

• are  old
• having a chronic illness such as diabetes or high blood pressure
• having suffered a spinal cord, penis, or pelvis damage
• antidepressants and blood pressure medications
• suffer from anxiety or stress
• are overweight
• smoke

What are some effective natural treatments for erectile dysfunction?

There are a plethora of natural ED treatments on the market. They might range from a change in diet and exercise to seeking mental health or relationship counselling.

Consult your doctor before starting a new therapy on your own. They can help you figure out what’s causing your ED and propose successful therapies, whether conventional, natural, or a combination of the two. He may give you medications such as cialis to rectify the problem.

Diet

A healthy diet can help you retain sexual function while also lowering your chances of having ED. According to a 2020 study, men who strictly followed a Mediterranean diet or the Alternative Healthy Eating had a decreased chance of developing ED. They ate less red and processed meat in particular, preferring instead to eat:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Legumes
• Nuts
• fish

Exercise

Studies have indicated that physical activity can help prevent and cure ED. It may be especially useful if your ED is caused, among other things, by obesity, inactivity, or cardiovascular disease. According to a review of studies, 40 minutes of moderate-to-intense aerobic exercise four times per week for six months reduced ED. Running, walking quickly, and riding a bicycle are examples of such activities.

Sleep

Getting adequate sleep each night is critical for your overall health. Sleeping on a consistent basis may also help your ED. Chronic stress, according to the research, can lower testosterone levels and cause sleep deprivation, both of which can contribute to ED.

Couples counseling or sex therapy

There are no identified risk factors in 10 to 25% of men with ED. Non-organic ED is a sexual dysfunction that can be caused by mental health conditions such as sadness or worry. Counseling with your partner to assist them understand your position and find ways to support you could be good.

Reduction of stress

ED is usually linked to mental health issues like anxiety and stress. Stress, along with anxiety and depression, was revealed to be one of the most important predictors of ED in a 2019 research. According to the study, chronic stress can drop testosterone levels and induce sleep deprivation, both of which can lead to ED.

Reduction of alcohol consumption

The effects of alcohol on ED have yielded varied outcomes in studies. According to studies, consuming light-to-moderate amounts of alcohol (less than 21 drinks per week) was linked to a decreased risk of ED. 

Quitting smoking

Smoking is another activity that may lead to ED. This might be because smoking narrows blood vessels, preventing enough blood from reaching the penis to cause an erection. Tobacco smoking may also lower the body’s synthesis of nitric oxide, which is required for involuntary muscle relaxation and increased blood flow, both of which aid in erections.

Individual studies of herbal remedies and other supplements such as tadalafil for ED are needed. If you do decide to try one, make an appointment with your doctor first. They’ll be able to inform you if the therapy is likely to be safe and whether it will interact with any drugs you’re already taking.

About Author

Dr. Carlos Bejar , MD

Internal Medicine, Nephrology