Erectile Dysfunction Self-Care
Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a persistent condition in which a man cannot get hard enough for sex. In some cases, he can get erect but cannot stay hard. Multiple physiological and psychological factors influence the quality of erections. ED often has multiple contributing factors that compound and exacerbate each other.
While anyone can develop ED at any point in their life, the condition is treatable and manageable. Beyond their vital role in a man's sex life, erections are a valuable barometer of his overall health and wellness.
This article covers many doctor-prescribed ED treatment methods and natural ways to manage the condition. Understanding the nature of ED and how to prevent the condition can help you talk with a doctor about treatment options. Regardless of the cause or nature of your ED, proactive lifestyle modifications can improve erections.
ED Symptoms
The primary sign of ED is the inability to get and stay hard enough for sex. The nature of the symptoms varies from man to man based on baseline erection quality. While occasional changes occur as libido ebbs and flows, consistently poor or absent erections signal an underlying issue.
Self-monitoring and tracking erections over time are critical because changes can sometimes be gradual. Some men are unable to get hard at all. Additionally, withdrawal from relationships and diminished sex drive can indicate ED. These signs may develop due to stress and altered self-image related to the condition.
Traditional ED Treatment Methods
Doctors have many safe and effective treatment options for managing ED. The best one for you will depend on the cause and extent of your ED. Being upfront and thorough with your doctor about changes in your erections and health history will help them accurately diagnose the condition and recommend the best treatment.
Oral ED medications are often the first mode of treatment for men. Several pills, called PDE-5 inhibitors, address ED by enhancing circulation to the penis. These medications work for many men but require arousal to achieve an erection. ED pills do not elevate libido, so they may not be viable if your ED stems from a neurological or psychological cause.
Vacuum devices draw blood to the penis using air pressure and keep it there with constriction rings. This action induces an erection that lasts as long as the blood stays in the penis.
In cases with traumatic injury, severe vascular damage, or other anatomical changes, doctors may recommend surgically implanted penile pumps or implants. These procedures insert a device into the penis that inflates or expands it to create the rigidity needed for sex. Men with severe ED related to nerve injury often undergo the procedure.
Natural ED Treatments
Generally, anything that improves physical or emotional health can help treat ED. While not necessarily curative, depending on the cause of dysfunction these practices will improve erection quality. It's essential to consult a doctor about a new exercise or diet plan to rule out possible contraindications.
Exercise/Weight Loss
Erections require adequate circulation to the penis. Regular cardiovascular exercise can strengthen the heart and blood vessels, improving blood flow. In addition, creating a caloric deficit by exercising can help you lose weight, removing another obstacle to quality erections.
Strength and high-intensity interval training can improve testosterone levels, the vital male hormone that influences sex drive and erection quality. Additionally, regular exercise can lower blood pressure and stress, conditions that jeopardize health and contribute to ED.
Modifying Your Diet
Diets high in fat, sugar, and processed foods adversely affect cardiovascular health and lead to obesity, a significant risk factor for ED. Poor diet can also contribute to diabetes, which may cause ED.
Modifying your diet with lean sources of protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can improve heart health and help you lose weight, reducing the occurrence of ED. Beans and nuts are excellent sources of protein that help testosterone levels and heart health.
Reducing Alcohol and/or Tobacco Use
Alcohol and tobacco adversely affect the vascular system, restricting circulation in the pathways that deliver blood to the penis. Moderating alcohol consumption and quitting smoking can improve your overall health and reduce the occurrence of your ED.
Psychotherapy
For some men, stress, depression, anxiety, and/or other psychological conditions adversely impact their libido and inhibit their erectile function, leading to ED. The impact on one's sex life and self-image can exacerbate the underlying condition. Therapists can help men manage these feelings through talk therapy and other interventions.
Couples Counseling
ED can create stress between partners, leading men to withdraw from their relationships, which may create tension and communication breakdown. Relational dynamics between a man and his partner may also be an underlying cause of ED.
Couples counseling is an effective strategy that helps individuals communicate their thoughts and feelings. Opening a dialogue and addressing potential relationship difficulties can help treat or resolve ED.
Conclusion
ED symptoms and severity vary from man to man. Diagnosis relies heavily on self-assessment and how symptoms impact the patient’s life. While there are many safe and effective interventions, proactive natural treatment can prevent and manage many cases of ED. Lifestyle choices that enhance overall health, cardiac functioning, and emotional well-being improve many men’s erections.
ED is often an early warning sign of critical underlying health conditions. Talking to an experienced doctor about ED is essential to rule out potentially serious conditions before trying to manage your symptoms yourself. Doctors can accurately assess your case, suggest lifestyle modifications, and prescribe appropriate treatments.
See results on your first visit.
90% of the time ED can be treated and treated effectively.
June 21, 2023
Written By
Jake Peter
Fact-checked By
Dr. Avidon Appel
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