Erectile Dysfunction (or impotence) is the inability to get or keep an erection long enough to have sex. It’s very common in men, especially as you get older. Here are 5 natural remedies that can help your ED.
To understand treatments for Erectile Dysfunction, you first need to get to the root cause of the issue. ED happens when enough blood either doesn’t flow to the penis, or it doesn’t stay inside the penis long enough to do the job.
If the reason is physical – you’ve injured your penis, had surgery on your bladder or prostate, or suffer from a disease like MS or diabetes – medical treatment is your best option. Learn more about common treatments for erectile dysfunction, including medication, penis pumps, LIST therapy and surgery.
Erectile Dysfunction can also be caused by emotional issues like stress, anxiety or depression - or lifestyle-related like smoking, drinking and inactivity. These often respond well to natural treatment. Also read: How to tell if you have erectile dysfunction
If you've been experiencing ED for more than three weeks, it's important to consult a GP as it can sometimes be linked to serious health issues. You can discreetly speak to a doctor through our online GP service.
If you're looking for ways to cure erectile dysfunction (ED) naturally, lifestyle changes and holistic remedies can make a big difference. Below are 5 tips to help you address ED without medication.
Exercise is probably the most effective natural remedy for Erectile Dysfunction. Not only does exercise improve your body’s overall blood flow, but it increases nitric oxide in your blood vessels (like erectile dysfunction medication does) to manage your blood pressure. Several studies have shown that certain exercises like HIIT and weightlifting can also increase your body’s levels of testosterone.
The cause of erectile dysfunction might be in your jeans. Specifically, in the waistband of your jeans. Men with a waist size higher than 42 inches are 50% more likely to experience erectile dysfunction than men with a 32-inch waist. Larger lads are also more likely to suffer from diabetes, which is another factor in erectile dysfunction.
Swap comfort eating for a Mediterranean style diet, rich in fruit, fresh vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats like olive oil. A 2021 study found this diet was extremely effective in improving the sexual performance of middle-aged men suffering from erectile dysfunction. Scientists are even beginning to believe that adopting a healthy diet early on might protect against erectile dysfunction in later life.
Smoking is public enemy number one as it damages blood vessels, hindering erectile function. The longer you smoke, the more likely you are to suffer from erectile dysfunction. Quitting can help. A study published in BUJI found that 25% of men with ED experienced improvement after a year of giving up smoking. But you must quit, you can’t just switch to e-cigarettes. Early tests suggest vaping has a negative effect on endothelial function and messes up erectile function.
Read also: What happens when you start vaping to stop smoking?
Public enemy number two is alcohol. Excessive alcohol leads to “brewer’s droop” as it interferes with your ability to achieve an erection and lessens your ability to ejaculate. But the effects last longer than the hangover. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed that “erectile failure” is significantly higher in men who drink more than 3 units of alcohol every day. And a separate study found that 61% of people dependent on alcohol suffered from sexual dysfunction, most commonly erectile problems or reduced sexual desire.
The effects aren’t permanent. Alcoholics who’d been abstinent for 2-3 months were found to have sexual functioning as healthy as people who’d never drunk booze.
Erectile dysfunction isn’t caused only by unhealthy eating or nights on the lash. In fact, it’s been estimated that 10-20% of all cases of erectile dysfunction are caused by psychological problems. [1] Issues like stress, PTSD, poor body image, relationship issues and depression can all impact your ability to enjoy a fulfilling, satisfying sex life.
There are several different forms of therapy that can help.
Counselling for ED is safe, confidential and effective. To find out which type of therapy would best help you, book an introductory session with a counsellor.
Several types of medication can interfere with your sexual function, and the effects might not be immediate. If you suspect this is the case, consult a GP to discuss alternative treatments.
The most common types of medicine that can affect your sexual response are:
See a full list here.
The lack of sleep can lead to decreased testosterone levels, which directly affects sexual function. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to support hormone regulation and reduce stress levels. Prioritizing sleep can make a noticeable difference in your energy, mood, and sexual performance.
HealthHero offers effective treatments for ED that can be prescribed. Don't hesitate to get professional advice from a GP online.
This blog was written by Kate Taylor, a Sex Expert, Sex and Dating Features Writer, columnist and author of five books, for HealthHero.ie.