As a matter of fact, men today, regardless of their age, live with a problem of erectile dysfunction. Many have become stressed, lost confidence and others have gone close to committing suicide. Erectile dysfunction is attributed to many factors including health condition, emotional or relationship problems, smoking, alcohol, and more. But can we cure erectile dysfunction naturally?
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is the persistent inability to achieve and keep an erection sufficient for sex. If you are struggling to get and maintain an erection, you are not alone and that is not the end of the world. The good news is that erectile dysfunction can easily be treated and cured naturally.
To cure erectile dysfunction naturally: Make lifestyle changes, make dietary changes, use herbs and supplements, go for counseling (sexual therapy), exercise regularly, and try acupuncture.
Before we look at how to cure erectile dysfunction naturally, let us first look at the causes of erectile dysfunction
What causes erectile dysfunction?
Sexual arousal is a combination of body processes and organs. It involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. A problem with any of these or a combination of physical and psychological issues may result in erectile dysfunction.
The common causes of erectile dysfunction include;
- Cardiovascular disease
- Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Drug use and alcoholism
How do you know you have erectile dysfunction?
One can confirm that they have erectile dysfunction if they have any of the following symptoms
- Trouble getting an erection
- Finding a challenge to keep an erection
- Zero or low sexual desire
- Premature ejaculation
- Taking long to ejaculate
How can we cure erectile dysfunction naturally?
Like we explained above, erectile dysfunction is attributed to factors more than just listed above; likewise, many treatments can be done to treat the symptoms. Different treatments may or may not work for you depending on your condition. Always talk to your doctor and discuss a treatment regimen that suits you. Below is how we can cure erectile dysfunction naturally.
1. Counseling (sexual therapy)
Erectile dysfunction caused by stress and relationship tension may require the victims to visit a psychologist or counselor to talk about the problem and maybe advise you accordingly.
2. Acupuncture
This is an ancient Chinese medical technique where very tiny needles are inserted in specific points of the body to release tension and stimulate energy flow. Acupuncture is an effective procedure when carried out by a skilled practitioner.
According to a 2003 clinical study, it was established that 21% of patients struggling with erectile had improvement in their erections after a course of acupuncture treatments.
3. Lifestyle changes
In most cases, the lifestyle choices we make cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. Therefore, if we attempt to change our lifestyles for better and healthy choices, we can treat erectile dysfunction. Below are some of the changes you can consider if you want to cure erectile dysfunction due to lifestyle.
- Quit smoking. Smoking interferes with blood circulation by narrowing by blood vessels. Smoking is also linked to lung cancer and other health problems which may impair normal erection
- Reduce alcohol consumption. Alcohol interferes with the nervous system, which makes it harder to achieve sexual arousal
- Be active. Regular body exercise increases testosterone and improves blood flow by increasing nitric acid in the body.
- Get enough sleep. Quality sleep sets off the release of testosterone and related hormones that improve sexual function. Sleep speeds up the metabolism which promotes a healthy weight.
- Lose weight. Overweight or obesity can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.
- Engage in sexual activities. Participating in sexual activities for example naked dances, watching romantic movies and more may have a positive impact on ED.
- Reduce stress. People normally find it hard to get an erection if they are stressed. Stress comes from many avenues including work, finances, and relationship troubles. Taking part in stress-relieving activities may help erectile dysfunction.
4. Make dietary changes
Heart diseases, clogged arteries, obesity, and diabetes are significant factors that contribute to erectile dysfunction. If we make changes to our diet, we can alleviate the symptoms of ED and achieve consistent erections.
Some of the foods that help erectile dysfunction include;
Leafy green vegetables
Vegetables such as celery and spinach can increase blood circulation due to their high concentration of nitrates. Nitrates open up blood vessels and increase blood flow to the penis and therefore increase chances of getting an erection
Chocolate
This contains flavonoids that improve blood flow. Flavonoids protect the body from toxins and help repair cell damage. They lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both of which contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Pistachio nuts
These contain a protein called arginine, which may help relax blood vessels. This still improves blood circulation which is good for sexual health. One study showed that people who ate pistachio every day for three weeks improved significantly in their sexual issues, including ED, sexual desire, and overall sexual satisfaction
Watermelon
Watermelon is rich in phytonutrients. These are antioxidants that relax blood vessels that supply an erection. This greatly contributes to your sexual enjoyment.
Tomatoes and pink grapefruits
These contain phytonutrients called Lycopene; which is good for circulation and sexual issues. Lycopene works well when mixed with oily foods such as olive oil and avocado. Research also shows that antioxidants like lycopene help fight male infertility and prostate cancer.
Oysters
Oysters are high mineral zinc, which important in the production of the male hormone testosterone. As we all know from previous paragraphs that low levels of testosterone could be the reason behind your erectile dysfunction.
5. Herbs and supplements
Herbs and supplements have been used in other cultures as a treatment for erectile dysfunction for many years.
Examples of supplements include;
Arginine
L-arginine is an amino acid that increases the body’s production of nitric oxide. This nitric oxide dilates blood vessels, which in turn increases blood flow to the penis, thereby facilitating erection. One research showed that 31% of men with erectile dysfunction saw improvement in a sexual performance when taking an oral supplement of L-arginine.
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
DHEA is an over-the-counter supplement that the body converts into both estrogen and testosterone. Increasing testosterone can potentially help alleviate erectile dysfunction symptoms.
Propionyl-L-carnitine
Studies show that a combination of propionyl-L-carnitine with Viagra, improve erectile function better than Viagra alone.
Examples of herbs for erectile dysfunction are;
Ginseng
Ginseng has been used for centuries to treat impotence and male sexual function. It exists in many forms but many of them show a positive effect on erectile dysfunction.
Yohimbe
Yohimbe is an extract from the bark of the African Yohimbe tree. It is believed that Yohimbe can improve a type of sexual dysfunction that is linked with a drug used to treat depression. Yohimbe comes with side effects like; anxiety, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat.
Horny Goat Weed
Horny goat weed to has been used for years to treat sexual dysfunction. The component “icariin” works similarly to Viagra. It allows blood to fill the arteries of the penis, thereby triggering erections.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo increases sexual desire and ED. This is done by increasing blood flow to the penis. However, Ginkgo may lead to bleeding for People taking blood thinners or who have bleeding disorders.
Here is a researched source of herbs that cure infertility for both men and women.
What are the best exercises for erectile dysfunction?
There are a few exercises that can fight ED. Not only do these exercises eliminate ED, but they also promote an overall healthier lifestyle. These include;
1. Kegel Exercises
Kegels are the most common exercise that tones the pelvic floor muscles to combat the effects of ED. When Kegels are practiced correctly, they can treat ED permanently.
In men, Kegels strengthen the bulbospongiosus muscle. This allows the penis to fill with blood during an erection, pump during ejaculation, and empty the urethra after urination.
2. Pilates Exercises
Practicing regular Pilates is a great way to fight ED. Pilates engages the pelvic floor muscles which play a very big role when it comes to sexual arousal.
Pilate exercises include;
- Knee fallouts
- Foot raises
- Pelvic curls
3. Aerobic Exercises
According to a 2018 study on the impact of physical activity on ED, it was established that aerobic exercises fight the effects of ED if carried out for 40 minutes four times a week for six months. Some aerobic exercises include;
- Boxing
- Rowing
- Cycling
- Running
Aerobic exercises not only help ED, but also improve the risk factors associated with erectile dysfunction like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
What’s the most effective treatment for erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is attributed to so many factors. This means that what causes erectile dysfunction in one individual may differ from the cause in another. This calls for different approaches or treatments in both cases. Plus what may work for you may not work for me.
Visit your healthcare provider before trying any new treatment option; even though you decide to use prescribed medications or natural remedies.
Bottom line
Like many medical conditions, there are many ways to cure or treat the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. It is therefore important for anyone with ED to consider lifestyle changes, dietary changes, body activity, or talk to a doctor before starting new medications or herbal remedies.
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