Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem that affects about 30 million men. It’s not normal, and it shouldn’t be ignored.
ED is often caused by health issues like diabetes or heart disease that reduce blood flow to the penis. Lifestyle changes and counseling can help. Treatment may include oral medications, such as Viagra or Levitra.
1. Exercise Regularly
Men who regularly exercise have stronger hearts and muscles, which can help prevent ED. Moreover, a healthy diet and regular exercise can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of diabetes. Additionally, reducing alcohol or drug use may also improve ED.
In most cases, erectile dysfunction is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as changes in blood flow, nerve damage, or an injury to the penis. Other causes include vascular diseases and psychological states, such as stress, depression, or performance anxiety.
In order to diagnose ED, your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. Your doctor may also order lab tests and/or refer you to a Urologist.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains helps prevent obesity and the many physical conditions that can lead to ED. Eating well can also help reduce the effects of ED on sex life.
Some of the causes of ED are preventable, such as insufficient blood flow to the penis from narrowed or blocked arteries. Taking steps to lower cholesterol and avoid smoking can significantly improve erectile function.
For most men, ED is treatable. The first step is identifying the cause. Doctors do this by asking questions about symptoms, examining the genital area, and doing simple tests. It’s important to be honest, even though some of the questions may seem embarrassing. This information can help your doctors find the cause and the best treatment for you.
3. Get Enough Sleep
Snoozing well each night protects men against several health problems. It lowers their risk for heart disease by lowering blood pressure and heart rate. It also helps keep cortisol at a healthy level, which is a stress hormone that can harm the body if it stays high for a long time.
Getting enough sleep can also help with erectile dysfunction and low libido, which are often related to poor sleep. Studies show that Erectile Dysfunction is common among men who have sleep disorders, like insomnia or obstructive sleep apnea.
Men can improve their sleep by practicing good sleep hygiene, such as avoiding alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine, limiting exercise just before bedtime, and keeping the bedroom dark and cool. They can also ask their doctors about their sleeping patterns and see if any medications they take contribute to a lack of sleep. They may need to talk with their doctors about taking a different medication or switching to another that doesn’t impact their sleep.
4. Take Care of Yourself
There are a number of treatment options for men with ED. Talk to your doctor about which ones are right for you. Your doctor will ask you questions that may seem private or embarrassing, but your honest answers will help find the cause of your ED and determine the best way to treat it.
The doctor will do a physical exam and may take a sample of your urine to check for health problems that can cause erectile dysfunction, such as narrowing of the arteries. The doctor also may do a duplex ultrasound of the penis while it is erect and soft.
You can do a lot to improve your sexual function and overall health. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol intake. Maintain a healthy weight, and get treatment for health problems that can affect your sexual function, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
5. Stop Smoking
Smoking, including vaping and marijuana, narrows blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the penis. This can contribute to ED problems. It is also a common cause of cancers of the head and neck, esophagus, bladder, and pancreas. Research shows that smoking cessation improves ED in some men.
Men who have erectile dysfunction should talk with their doctors. They will want to know about the symptoms when they started, and how they have changed over time.
Talk to your doctor about avoiding alcohol and other substances that can affect erections, such as nitrate drugs used to treat chest pain, high blood pressure or heart conditions, antidepressants, and some types of diuretics. Some dietary supplements are also said to cause ED but talk to your doctor before taking them.
6. Manage Your Stress
A healthy diet, regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can help reduce your stress levels. But if you’re struggling to cope, seek professional support. You may find that a strong support network, such as friends and family, can offer emotional and practical support. It’s also important to avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms such as eating, smoking, and drinking alcohol.
Managing your stress levels can improve your sex life and overall health. Men who are struggling to cope should speak to their healthcare provider about a range of options that may be helpful, including psychotherapy, exercise, relaxation techniques, and meditation.
They’ll also do a physical exam and order lab tests to check your heart and blood health. They might also do a rectal exam to check your prostate. Visit Dealonpill for More information
