Erectile Dysfunction Treatment – 12 Natural Cures You Never Heard About
If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction, you can take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. There may be as many as 30 million men in the US alone dealing with this condition and situation, but there is good news – natural cures may help get you back to your old, amorous self once again.
Your age has a lot to do with how well your erectile functions perform. Roughly half of all men over the age of seventy-five have erectile dysfunction in some way. Impotence, as it is often called, is described as an inability to achieve or maintain an erection during sexual performance. For some males, ED takes away their morning erections. Others find it hard to feel desire or arousal. There are some men who achieve an erection but then having difficulty reaching climax.
Erectile dysfunction is highly personal. It can redefine how you view your masculinity, self-image, and well-being. There are also many causes of ED, and some of them are controllable while others are not. The good news is that most forms of erectile dysfunction are treatable. Some men may require medications, such as testosterone or human growth hormone therapy. Others may only need to make changes to their diet or exercise. A doctor specializing in hormone replacement can help you get to the root of your ED cause and assist you with finding the right treatment or combination of natural cures to turn the situation around. Do not attempt to self-treat ED without doctor guidance.
What is Causing Your Erectile Dysfunction?
Getting to the root of the problem is always the best starting place. Some people know right off the bat what is the cause of their erectile dysfunction. Some of the most common reasons are listed below:
- Hormonal deficiency or imbalance
- Relationship issues
- Fatigue
- Obesity
- Anxiety or stress
- Substance abuse – alcohol or drugs
- Tobacco use
- Prescription medications
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Enlarged prostate gland
- Illness, brain or testicular tumor, brain or testicular injury
- Work issues
- Changes in sexual orientation
- Performance anxiety
Each of these issues can be treated once addressed. If you are under stress or are dealing with problems in a relationship, speaking with a psychologist or family counselor may help alleviate the concerns. A medical doctor can help when the situation is based on illness, injury, or hormones. No matter what, there is help – you just need to be willing to open up to a professional to get the help that you need.
Natural Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction
Depending on the cause of your ED, you have natural treatment options for erectile dysfunction. The top choices are listed below:
- Get Your Body Moving
Exercise is essential because it improves blood flow – without proper blood flow to the penis, you will not be able to achieve and maintain an erection. Weight-bearing exercises help to increase natural testosterone production, which is important for sex drive and erectile strength.
Walking two miles a day (cumulative) can help you lose excess fat that can be contributing to erectile dysfunction. Obesity interferes with erections, so losing weight through exercise and diet will be a tremendous help.
Pelvic exercises (Kegels) help strengthen the bulbocavernosus muscle that enables the penis to engorge with blood during an erection and then pumps during ejaculation.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
For many men diagnosed with low testosterone or growth hormone deficiency, the right treatment prescribed by a hormone replacement therapy specialist can rapidly improve erectile functions.
- Eat Right
A balanced diet is crucial for proper erectile functions. Cut back on red meat and refined grains and opt instead for more fish, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Increase intake of nuts and seeds, heart-healthy olive and coconut oils, and decrease sugar consumption.
- Sleep
Your body requires between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night for crucial hormone production – both testosterone and growth hormone – that will help improve erectile functions.
- Try Acupuncture
Targeted acupuncture may improve the quality of an erection while also relieving stress and pain.
- Supplement
Supplements such as red ginseng, zinc, vitamin D, L-arginine, fenugreek, and Tribulus Terrestris, are some potential options to improve erectile functions. Do not begin using herbal supplements without first speaking with a doctor as there may be harmful interactions with certain drugs or medical conditions.
- Watermelon Juice and Pomegranate Juice
Watermelon juice has been termed “nature’s Viagra” for its ability to improve erectile function. Since high concentrations are necessary, you may need to take L-citrulline supplements if eating a slice of watermelon a day does not help. Drinking a glass of pomegranate juice each day may also help as it is an antioxidant and aids in the prevention of atherosclerosis.
- Quit the Habit
Smoking can lead to the narrowing of critical blood vessels that can cause narrowing of the arteries which hinders the blood supply to the penis. Quit smoking to improve your erectile functions.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption
Heavy alcohol consumption depresses the central nervous system which then decreases the release of nitric oxide that is necessary for a strong erection. Limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink a few times a week.
- Loosen Up
Your pants, that is. Tight pants and underwear can hinder erectile functions.
- Monitor Your Medications
Some prescription medications can interfere with erections such as antidepressants, diuretics, high blood pressure meds, beta-blockers, corticosteroids, and more. Speak with your doctor and pharmacist about the medications you are taking.
- Stay Out of Hot Tubs
Overheating can also affect testosterone levels and erectile performance so avoid hot tubs whenever possible.
If you are experiencing problems in the area of erectile functions, contact a doctor to discuss the situation. A good starting place for men over thirty is a hormone specialist who can help you discover if your own body is working against you. Safe and affordable treatment options are available.
- MAYO CLINIC
- Urology Care Foundation
- Hormone Health Network
- American Sexual Health Association
- Michigan Medicine
- Burnett A. Evaluation and management of erectile dysfunction. In: Wein AJ, Kavoussi LR, Partin AW, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 27. Qaseem A, Snow V, Denberg TD, et al. Hormonal testing and pharmacologic treatment of erectile dysfunction: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2009;151:639-49.
- Swerdloff RS, Wang C. The testis and male hypogonadism, infertility, and sexual dysfunction. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman’s Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016: chap 234