Erectile Dysfunction, or ED, is a common problem in men, which is defined as the inability to maintain an erection that’s enough for sex. It affects as many as 30 million men worldwide. This condition not only hinders sexual activity but also affects overall health and well-being.
Some of the common causes of ED include:
- Aging
- Diabetes
- Hormonal imbalance
- High blood pressure
- Injury to spinal cord, penis, or pelvis
- Stress
- Smoking
- Overweight
- Certain medications
You will be glad to know that some treatment options can help you alleviate this condition. But, the treatment depends on the causes. It may include certain medications, a vacuum device, or even surgery. However, by making a few changes in your lifestyle and ditching bad habits, you can help improve your ED.
With that, here we will discuss some of the most popular treatment options that are tried and tested and can work wonders for your condition. So, let’s get started:
While maintaining a healthy weight is great, being overweight can lead to several health conditions – and ED is no different. According to research, ED is more common in men with obesity.
Thus, to improve your ED, consider cutting down your pounds. And to do that, you need to incorporate a healthy routine into your day-to-day lifestyle. For example, exercising regularly and eating a well-balanced diet can help you lose weight, resulting in improving your ED.
Testosterone plays a crucial role in men’s health. It is a male sex hormone that is responsible for growth and development, fertility, weight management, mood, and much more. However, when this hormone gets on the lower side, it can result in lower sex drive and even ED. A slight decline in hormone levels can result in several health conditions.
Thus, you should take steps to balance your hormones to ensure optimal health and improve ED. According to experts, going for a targeted TRT treatment can be a better option. TRT is a testosterone replacement therapy that aims to balance your hormone levels. This therapy can be done in different forms, such as creams, gels, implants, sprays, pills, etc.
However, the treatment option for ED depends on your symptoms and current situation. Your doctor will first diagnose your symptoms and suggest the best treatment to improve your ED.
The benefits of getting restful sleep are widely recognized. Getting adequate sleep can also help improve your ED.
On the other hand, lack of sleep can cause several health conditions and it has the potential to worsen your symptoms. A study has found that men who reported poor quality sleep are at higher risks of ED.
Thus, it is wise to get restful sleep of at least 8-9 hours per night to improve your ED and prevent yourself from age-related diseases like diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, etc.
Stress, anxiety, and depression are often linked to ED. When you are stressed, your body increases the production of the hormone epinephrine. High levels of epinephrine can make it difficult for muscles and blood vessels in the penis to relax.
Besides affecting your ED, stress and anxiety can take a toll on your body in several different ways. For example, it can lead to severe health conditions, such as diabetes, heart diseases, high blood pressure, obesity, headaches, upset stomach, etc.
To improve your ED and overall health, practice some stress-management techniques. Yoga is well-known to alleviate stress and improve several health conditions. It is a mind-body practice that calms your mind through physical poses and deep breathing. If you are a beginner, consider practicing yoga for at least 15-20 minutes per day.
No, we are not saying to quit alcohol, but reducing its intake can lower your risk of ED. This condition is more common in men with alcohol dependence syndrome. In addition, alcohol is considered a risk factor for ED.
Thus, to improve your ED, consider ditching these bad habits and welcome a healthy routine in your day-to-day lifestyle.
This is another bad habit that can worsen your ED. Smoking can damage your blood vessels and prevent enough blood from reaching the penis for an erection. It also reduces the availability of nitric oxide which plays a key role in erections.
There are some damages from smoking that can’t be treated. For men in their 40s and 50s, quitting smoking can help them improve their ED.
Wrapping Up
ED is a common condition in men that hinders the relationship with their loved ones and affects the overall quality of life. While it is common, you can take actionable steps to treat this condition and improve your overall health.
Follow the tips mentioned above to improve your ED and quality of life.
