Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when you’re unable to either get or maintain an erection long enough to engage in sexual intercourse. It’s fairly common amongst men of all ages and is usually easily reversed. In fact, almost every man will experience at least one occurrence of erectile dysfunction in their lifetimes—whether it be during periods of stress, while inebriated, or due to an underlying health problem. This is nothing to be concerned about. The problem happens when ED becomes regular and frequent, as this could be a sign that something’s wrong. In this article, we’ll explore some ways on how to fight the effects of erectile dysfunction, including when to see a doctor.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
The process of getting and maintaining an erection is related to your body’s blood flow. When blood flow is stimulated in the penis, an erection is your body’s natural response. In some instances, the blood flow is disrupted and thus, erectile dysfunction occurs. There are a number of different causes of erectile dysfunction, some of which include the following:4
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- High Cholesterol
- Obesity
- Kidney Disease
- Stress or Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship Problems
- Certain Medications
- Sleeping Disorders
- Drug or Alcohol Use
- Peyronie’s Disease
- Pelvic Damage
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Ways to Reverse Erectile Dysfunction
If you’re experiencing signs of erectile dysfunction, make sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor. While there are some lifestyle habits that contribute to or worsen ED, it could be a symptom of a more serious, underlying cause. In the meantime, here are some effective ways to reverse erectile dysfunction.
Boost Your Heart Health
If you’re having problems with your heart health, certain parts of your body aren’t going to get enough blood flow. Poor heart health leads to poor circulation, so taking the steps to stay healthy is a great first step to fighting the effects of erectile dysfunction. For starters, schedule an appointment with your doctor and get a checkup. See how your blood pressure is and what your cholesterol levels are. Getting evaluated is the best way to develop a starting baseline so that you can work on improving your heart health over time. Before taking any supplements or over-the-counter medications for heart health, talk to your doctor.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Another major contribution to both poor cardiovascular health and erectile dysfunction is excessive alcohol consumption. Drinking is one of the main causes of erectile dysfunction that can be easily reversed. If you’re struggling to quit drinking, or think you may have a problem, talk to your doctor about getting help. Even if you don’t notice signs of erectile dysfunction while drinking, chronic alcohol abuse can lead to long-term problems that will eventually cause ED.
Quit Smoking
If you smoke, quit. Smoking has a direct impact on your ability to get and maintain an erection amongst other health ailments. Smoking is also contributed to a number of urologic problems, which then lead to a greater chance of experiencing erectile dysfunction. If you are having trouble quitting, talk to your doctor today. There are a number of cessation aids that can help you quit for good.
Eat Well
You hear doctors say it all the time, regardless of the problem, but living a healthy lifestyle means making long-term changes to your everyday habits. This includes eating whole, nutritious meals that help you maintain a healthy weight. Eating well will also contribute to better heart health and can lead to stronger mental health. For the best results, eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish while limiting red meat, processed foods, and refined grains.1 You should also take the proper measures to stay hydrated.
Get Active
In combination with a healthy diet, getting active can fight the effects of erectile dysfunction. It helps to boost circulation, strengthen your heart, and results in a healthier overall weight. Studies have shown that a man with a 42-inch waistline is 50% more likely to have erectile dysfunction than a man with a 32-inch waistline, so your size does have a direct impact on the likelihood of developing erectile dysfunction.1 Shedding unwanted pounds means that you’ll also be less likely of developing heart disease and diabetes, which are major contributors of ED.1 In addition to staying active, try incorporating some pelvic floor exercises to help enhance rigidity during erections.1
Boost Testosterone
In certain instances, erectile dysfunction is caused by low levels of testosterone. When you boost your levels of testosterone naturally, you’ll help fight the effects of ED. If you notice any signs of low testosterone, it’s important to first talk to your doctor to make sure that everything is in order. Losing weight and exercising regularly will help naturally raise your testosterone levels. You should also take measures the reduce your stress load as chronic stress can make erectile dysfunction worse.
Get Enough Sleep
A lot of people underestimate the power of sleep, but it’s an essential daily activity that our body needs to thrive. Getting enough sleep will help you fight effects of erectile dysfunction and improve your overall sexual performance.2 Aim for about 7 to 9 hours each night and if you think you might have a sleeping disorder, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. Sleep apnea is a serious sleeping disorder that leads to more problems than ED and should be addressed to help improve your overall health.
Have More Sex
While this might seem difficult if you experience severe erectile dysfunction, increasing your sexual activity can help improve your performance.2 In fact, in a recent study it was found that men who had sex less than once a week were twice as likely to develop occasional instances of ED.2 The more you have sex, the less you’ll experience ED. If erectile dysfunction is interrupting your sex life, talk to your doctor about supplemental ways to diminish ED.
Get a Comfortable Bicycle Seat
If you ride a bicycle, investigate your seat. Bicycle seats can strain the nerves and put pressure on blood vessels in your pelvic region—the same ones that are needed to maintain an erection.2 There are specific seats designed to reduce this pressure, so it’s worth checking out if you cycle often and are experiencing recurring instances of ED.
Prioritize Mental Health
Your mental health has just as much of an impact on ED as your physical health, so don’t neglect your psyche. If you are having performance anxiety, relationship problems, or are feeling depressed, talk to a mental health professional today. Addressing the underlying causes of ED can help you to reverse the effects without any supplemental medications.
Double Check Medications
If you’re currently taking medications, talk to your doctor about ED as a side effect. There are a number of medications that can contribute to an increase in frequency of erectile dysfunction and many alternatives that don’t cause the same side effects. If you think you’re suffering from ED due to a medication, call your doctor. There are also medications available that you can take to reverse the effects of erectile dysfunction.
Ask About Surgical Options
If nothing seems to work, talk to your doctor about surgical options. These treatments are often a last resort but can be effective in fighting the effects of erectile dysfunction. A popular surgical option is getting penile implants, which is a surgery that places devices into both sides of the penis that allow you to control when and how long you have an erection.3 Like we said, this is usually a last resort method, so your doctor will likely work through other treatments before discussing penile implants.
Conclusion
Many men struggle with the occasional instance of erectile dysfunction and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. The important thing is finding out what’s causing your ED and addressing the problems. Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction and take the steps necessary to make healthy, long-term lifestyle changes. If you need any urological supplies or educational resources, visit our educational support page or our product selection guide. Byram Healthcare is proud to offer full-service urological care and we have all the high-quality urological supplies that you need. If you need to order any urological supplies, all of your orders can be discreetly delivered to your home, at any time of the day. If you have any urological questions or need personalized, confidential services, our teams of knowledgeable urological customer service specialists are here to help.
Sources:
1 https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/5-natural-ways-to-overcome-erectile-dysfunction
2 https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/can-ed-be-reversed#medical-causes
3 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355782
4 https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction#treatment
