10 Amazing Ways To Fix Erectile Dysfunction
Lists, Other, Science, ShockingThere’s nothing like a guy going limp to take the fireworks out of a romantic relationship. Whether it’s stress, a medical issue, too much alcohol or hours on his motorcycle, there are many things that are bad for erectile function. And trust us, not being attracted to you is most certainly not it. What can be done to keep things stiff and able? Here are 10 professional treatments to help with erectile problems and keep the fireworks sparkling!
Stop Partying
It’s worth tossing the cigarettes and booze if you’re suffering from Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Nicotine slows blood flow to the penis, so not smoking keeps things flowing down there. And while you may not want to completely give up your drinks, it’s worth cutting back since alcohol depresses you and messes up sexual performance.
Watch What You Eat
If you’re worried about ED, adopting a Meditteranean diet could be a good idea. New research has shown that men with type-2 diabetes who consume a Meditteranean diet have the lowest rates of ED. These foods include fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains, healthy oils, legumes and fish, which are all great for heart health. And according to Drogo K. Montague, MD, a urologist with Cleveland Clinic’s Glickman Urologic and Kidney Institute, “what’s good for the heart is good for the penis.”
Practice Great Oral Hygiene
This might be a surprise, but keeping good oral hygiene plays a role in keeping things happy down there. Stuart J. Froum, DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology, says that inflammation in the gums may play a role in erectile dysfunction. In one study, they found that more than half the men who suffered from ED also had chronic periodontitis. Only 23% of men without ED had the same trouble. It was also discovered that within three months of treatment for periodontitis, their ED greatly improved.
Implants for Men
The word “implant” has always brought to mind breasts, but now they’re for men too! It’s a simple 90-minute outpatient procedure where a small saline pump is placed in the scrotum and expandable chambers are implanted in the penis. They’re invisible and can be used at any time.
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Women are always hearing about pelvic floor exercises, but men should pay attention here too. In a 3-month study done in the United Kingdom, men who participated in pelvic floor exercises (exercising those muscles that hold the urine back) had a 75% improvement from ED. According to Grace Dorey, PhD, emeritus professor of physiotherapy at University of West England in Bristol, “strong pelvic-floor muscles provide a good base for an erect penis and prevent blood from escaping an erection.” How to do it: Simply contract the same muscles you would if trying not to pass gas, hold for 10 seconds, release for 10 seconds, and repeat 3 times while lying down, 3 times while sitting and 3 times while standing, twice daily.
Check Your Blood Pressure Medicine
If you suffer from blood pressure problems, you may want to look at alternative ways to control it, or at the very least, know which blood pressure medications will not encourage a droopy penis. According to R. Clinton Webb, PhD, chair of the department of physiology at Georgia Regents University, diuretics and alpha blockers (that are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure) can worsen ED, but angiotensin receptor blockers can help your blood pressure problems without giving you that problem.
Red Korean Ginseng
ED can be caused by lack of blood-flow to the penis and this is where Red Korean Ginseng comes into play since the Asian herb increases blood flow, according to Dr. Montague. It worked better than placebo in six out of seven clinical trials. Good to know, but note that Red Korean Ginseng is different from American and Asian ginseng.
Get Moving!
Exercise is your friend, especially if you suffer from ED. According to Dr. Montague, ED can be completely reversible in men who lose weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle. Turns out that the extra flab turns testosterone into estrogen, which is bad for erections. The good news is that research has shown that men in mid-life who start exercising regularly have a 70% less chance of ED than the guys who stay on the couch.
Check Your Testosterone
While most cases of ED are related to something else, testosterone deficiency can be the culprit, particularly if you’re experiencing ED and low libido. It’s something you’ll want to have tested with a doctor, early in the morning since, according to Dr. Montague, “Testosterone levels naturally fall later in the day.“
Pick the Pill That Works for You
There are a lot of options out there when it comes to treating ED with drugs. Drugs like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra all react by sending more blood to the penis, but since there are all formulated differently, it’s important to discuss each with your doctor. According to Tobias S. Kohler, MD, associate professor of urology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and a spokesperson for the American Urological Association, these drugs work well in two thirds of men with ED.