Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence can be successfully treated only with the help of a doctor. Therefore, it is highly recommended that men have their urologist as women have a gynecologist. However, men usually don’t talk to each other about erectile dysfunction although this problem appears in about 35% of men above the age of 40.
According to some statistics, more than 150 million men around the globe have problems with persistent or repeated ability to achieve or maintain a proper erection. ED can occur in both young and old men. Before we go into details and see what causes this problem and how to treat ED, let’s see what does this term actually mean.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is defined as a persistent or recurrent inability to reach and/or maintain erection sufficient for satisfactory intimate activity. Many men have temporary or occasional erection problems, but that doesn’t mean that they have ED.
To be diagnosed as erectile dysfunction, it must happen on a regular basis. It may not occur every time a man wants to get intimate, but it must be repeated over time.
What Causes ED?
Muscles, brain, emotions, nerves, blood vessels and hormones are all part of the process of arousal and the intimate physical act. Erectile dysfunction is a result of some disturbance of the normal functioning of any of these elements. The causes of ED can be separated into two groups – physical and psychological.
The physical causes of erectile dysfunction appear when there is disturbance in some of the events in the body that precede the erection. These disorders are appearing mainly because one or more diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, surgeries, hormonal imbalance, abuse of alcohol, nicotine, drugs etc.
About 25% of ED cases are result of certain psychological difficulties. The most common psychological causes of erectile dysfunction are: stress, depression, anxiety and lack of self-esteem.
When Does Erectile Dysfunction Begin?
As we grow older, we need more time in order to achieve an erection, wherein the duration becomes shorter and the strength lower. In most cases, the male reproductive organ needs more direct contact to maintain a satisfactory erection.
The reason for this is not the aging process, but usually some other health problems as well as drugs that people consume because of these health problems which is quite common after a certain age.
Risk factors that can lead to erectile dysfunction include:
- Alcohol and drugs.
- Smoking.
- Medical conditions and diseases (cardiac problems, diabetes).
- Being overweight and obesity.
- Mental and emotional disorders (depression, anxiety etc.).
- Certain drugs (antidepressants, antihistamines and drugs used in cases of hypertension).
- Nerve injury.
- Cycling for a very long period of time (you can experience a compression of certain nerves).
ED is a problem that often leads to complications such as unhappiness in a relationship or marriage, frustration in life, reduced self-esteem and self-respect, anxiety and fear and problems related to conceiving.
How To Get Rid of Erectile Dysfunction Naturally?
The good news is that erectile dysfunction is a disorder that can be treated. People can use different methods which usually depend on the causes that have lead to this problem. When the cause of erectile dysfunction has a psychological nature, most people use psychotherapy techniques focused on removing the psychological causes like depression, anxiety, stress etc. In some cases, changing the lifestyle like quitting smoking, replacing certain medicines and staying away from alcohol can help too. There are some pills that can help too.
In the recent period, treating ED in a natural way is getting more and more popular. All the nations around the world have used different herbs and natural techniques to improve libido. In addition, these herbs, plants and natural techniques can improve the overall health and they usually don’t come with any side effects. Now let’s check the 5 most popular natural ways to treat erectile dysfunction.
1. Stop smoking
Numerous scientific studies have confirmed that smoking is related to blockages in the blood vessels of male reproductive organ. A good blood flow in this area is necessary for a proper erection. The conclusion is clear – if you want strong erections – stop smoking.
2. Physical activity and weight loss
Physical activity is another natural way to get rid of ED which was proven to be effective. Aerobic exercises like swimming, running or even walking for about 30 minutes per day, help in cases of weak erections. It is a well-known fact that obesity increases the risk of impotence. The closer you are to the ideal weight the better performance you will have in the bed.
3. Eat watermelons
Although this may sound odd to some people, the fact is that watermelons can be more effective than honey and nuts. Watermelons contain citrulline, an alpha amino-acid that improves the production of nitrogen monoxide in the body. This substance expands the blood vessels which lead to lower blood pressure, better blood flow and stronger erections.
Citrulline can be found in the form of a supplement too. Arginine can be efficient too because citrulline in the body is converted to arginine when it’s necessary. These two supplements are used in bodybuilding too because the expansion of blood vessels provides better endurance and greater strength during physical activity.
4. Ginseng
Asian ginseng is a plant that has numerous positive effects on human health including improvement in cases of ED. A recent study related to erectile dysfunction has shown that about 70% of men have reported stronger erections after taking ginseng three times a day for a period of one week.
5. Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol is another natural substance that can help in cases of erectile dysfunction. The best way to use pycnogenol is in a combination with arginine. Pycnogenol can help people suffering from some other health problems like poor blood circulation, allergies, asthma etc.