Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem among men, especially men over 40. In fact, a 2018 review estimates that roughly one-third of men experience ED.
ED can be an embarrassing and even frustrating problem. Luckily, there are treatments out there that can help you get your groove back.
In this guide, we’ll explore all the best treatments for ED so you can get your power back.
What Causes ED?
Erectile dysfunction is more common in men who:
- Are 40 and older
- Have had an injury to the spinal cord, pelvis, or penis
- Have a chronic condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- Take certain antidepressants or medications for high blood pressure
- Suffer from chronic stress or anxiety
- Smoke
- Are overweight or obese
The best treatment for erectile dysfunction will depend on its cause. There are medications, surgery, or even TriMix injections available to help.
However, there are also natural treatments, as well as lifestyle changes you can make.
The Best Treatments for ED
If you’re looking for a natural treatment for erectile dysfunction, there are plenty out there. You should talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment plan, whether it’s natural or conventional. They can help you pinpoint the cause and the most effective treatments.
Some common lifestyle changes or treatments you can try include:
Change Up Your Diet
A balanced diet could help you to maintain your libido and sexual function. The Mediterranean diet is one of the most popular for ED treatment. Generally, this diet means less processed food, less red meat, and more of the following:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Nuts
- Legumes
- Fish
Eating more fruits and vegetables is especially helpful in treating early-onset ED that can occur in men ages 18-40.
Get More Exercise
Some common causes of erectile dysfunction include obesity, heart disease, or even inactivity. Exercise is an effective treatment for all of these.
You should try to exercise for 40 minutes a day, four days a week. Exercise can range from moderate to intense. Some good exercises include:
- Running or jogging
- Brisk walks
- Swimming
- Bicycling
- Dancing
Exercise will help to lower stress levels and boost blood vessel health, both of which are great for treating ED.
Get Enough Sleep
Regularly sleeping helps to decrease your risk of ED. Not getting enough sleep also puts you at risk for ED-causing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as lowering your testosterone levels.
Aim for six to eight hours of deep sleep each night.
Try Behavioral or Sexual Therapy
If your mental game isn’t right, it can put you at higher risk for ED. Sometimes, the barrier is actually a mental one. Working with a therapist can help you figure out the cause and find a solution.
Couples can also try couples counseling or sex therapy to get to the root cause of the issue.
Take Back Your Power
Now that you know some of the best treatments for ED, you can take back your power. Erectile dysfunction is common, and you don’t have to feel ashamed of it. You also shouldn’t have to live with it.
Read our Health section for more tips on managing your body throughout every stage of life.