Introduction
If you are concerned about Erectile Dysfunction and are looking for a better understanding of what is causing it and how to cure it, then this guide is written for you. The good news is that around 90% of people suffering with ED are able to find a remedy – so your current situation does not have to be seen as a long-term issue. The bad news is that only 25% of men suffering with ED seek help.
Despite this, many men are able to find long term cures using natural methods, avoiding the need for Pharma products. I know this for a fact as I was someone who started to suffer with it ‘out of the blue’ but have managed to resolve it completely. – I assure you this guide IS NOT going to be a rambling about how I did it … and for you to follow what I did. You will see very quickly that there are a wide variety of causes for ED and each person will need to find a remedy that fits their own particular cause – or more likely – the combination of causes. I will, however, share what I found to be my causal issues and importantly what remedies I tried and how they worked for me.
So, within this guide we get to understand the main causes of ED, we will take a brief look at the types of remedies that the traditional medical profession will offer, but we will spend most time looking at non-Pharma alternatives. Natural remedies that you can easily implement yourself to make that change you are looking for. We will throughout show you examples of the types of natural remedies, with a choice of where and how to get hold of them.
“By the end of this guide you will have a clear understanding of what may be causing your ED, but more importantly, you will have a raft of options to cure it…for the long term”
Important First Point
If you suspect you have ED the first thing you MUST do is to seek professional medical help. The reason for this is simple.
ED can be an indicator of underlying health issues particularly cardiovascular diseases and conditions that affect blood flow or nerve function – so a comprehensive medical evaluation is recommended.
Important Second Point
***The information in this guide is for general informational purposes only and should in NO WAY be considered as medical advice. It does not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. Always consult with your physician or qualified health provider before making any decisions regarding your health. The content is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Reliance on any information provided in this article is at your own risk****
...Ok, with that said let’s get us all on the same page and identify exactly what we are discussing here…
Exactly what is Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction, commonly known as ED, is a condition that affects a man’s ability to get or keep an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual activity. It’s an incredibly common issue that impacts men of all ages, but it becomes increasingly prevalent as we get older.
Simply put, ED means you can’t get or maintain an erection when you want to have sex. It’s not a life-threatening problem, but it can take a major toll on your self-confidence, relationships, and overall quality of life. Struggling with ED can lead to anxiety, depression, and strain on intimate relationships if left unaddressed.
The prevalence of ED is quite staggering. There are wildly varying statistics for the incidence of ED, but generally studies estimate that it affects up to 30 million men in the United States alone. Globally, it’s believed that 1 in every 4 men under 40 experiences ED on a recurring basis. And for guys over 60 years old, a whopping 60-70% will deal with ED to some degree. So if you’re facing this issue, you’re definitely not alone.
The impact of ED goes far beyond just sexual dysfunction. It can severely disrupt emotional well-being, personal relationships, and overall vitality and zest for life. Something as fundamental as your sex life being compromised takes a big hit on self-esteem and masculinity for many guys. Not to mention the strain it puts on intimate partner relationships.
That’s why it’s so crucial to be open about ED, understand what’s causing it, and explore effective treatment paths – both medical and natural remedies. The good news is, ED is an extremely treatable condition for most men. With some lifestyle adjustments, counselling, medication, or a combination of therapies, you can get your sex life back on track.
The Main Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Physical Causes:
There are several potential physical causes that can lead to erectile dysfunction. It’s important to understand these root issues in order to properly treat ED.
Vascular issues: Reduced blood flow to the penis is one of the most common physical causes. For an erection to occur, blood needs to flow efficiently into the penis to make it become rigid. Conditions like atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can restrict this blood flow. Diabetes can also damage blood vessels over time.
Neurological problems: The brain, spinal cord, and nerve endings all play a crucial role in getting an erection by transmitting signals during sexual stimulation. Any kind of nerve damage disrupting this communication can short-circuit the process. Neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or injuries to the pelvic area can contribute to ED.
Hormonal imbalances: Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone involved in sexual desire and function. Having low testosterone levels makes it much harder to get or sustain an erection. Other hormonal issues with thyroid disorders or elevated prolactin levels can also throw things off balance hormonally.
Anatomical abnormalities: While less common, some men experience ED due to anatomical reasons either present at birth (congenital) or later in life. Birth defects affecting the shape or structure of the penis can make erections difficult. Or previous injury/surgery in the pelvic region may disrupt nerves/blood flow required for normal erectile function.
So, for some, it’s an underlying physical issue – be it vascular, neurological, hormonal, or structural – that triggers the inability to achieve proper erections. Identifying and treating any of these root causes is key to resolving ED.
Medical Conditions:
Certain medical conditions can directly contribute to or worsen erectile dysfunction. Addressing these underlying health issues is often an important part of ED treatment.
Heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, chronic pain: These conditions can lead to ED by impacting blood flow, nerve function, or hormone levels. Heart disease limits blood supply, while diabetes damages blood vessels and causes nerve issues – both disrupt the physical process required for erections. Obesity and high blood pressure put extra strain on the cardiovascular system. And chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia are linked to higher ED risk.
Sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions: Problems like insomnia, sleep apnea, depression, and anxiety frequently co-occur with erectile dysfunction. Lack of quality sleep can drain energy levels and disrupt hormones. Depression/anxiety create psychological hurdles to arousal and decrease libido. Stress from mental health issues also constricts blood flow.
Medications: Many common prescription drugs have sexual side effects including ED. Medications for blood pressure, pain, anxiety, depression, heartburn, hair loss, and even allergies may inadvertently contribute to erectile problems by impacting hormone levels, nerve signalling, or blood flow in complicated ways.
So underlying medical issues like these shouldn’t be ignored when dealing with ED. Improving general health through proper treatment of chronic conditions can go a long way. Or alternatively, switching to different medications may help alleviate sexual side effects. An overall holistic approach is ideal.
Psychological Factors:
While physical causes get a lot of attention, psychological and emotional factors play a major role in erectile dysfunction for many men. In some cases, these mental hurdles are the primary driver of ED.
Performance anxiety, stress, relationship issues, past trauma: Performance anxiety about your ability to get or maintain an erection can actually make the problem worse by fuelling a cyclical pattern of stress and erectile worries. General life stresses from work, finances, or other issues weigh heavily too. Relationship conflicts, lack of intimacy, and unresolved past traumas involving sexual abuse can severely undermine sexual confidence and function.
Low self-esteem, body image concerns, depression, and anxiety: How you feel about yourself has a huge influence on sexuality. Persistent low self-esteem, negative body image, and mental health battles with depression or anxiety erode desire and arousal. When you’re overly self-critical or uncomfortable in your own skin, it’s very difficult to let go and get in the mood for sex. These psychological roadblocks frequently contribute to ED.
The brain is truly the biggest sex organ. If your mental state and emotional well-being aren’t in a good place, it creates psychological hurdles to erectile health. Anxieties and negative thought patterns act as literal erection inhibitors in the brain. That’s why counselling, mindfulness, art/music therapy, and other psychotherapeutic approaches can be so valuable for ED.
Dealing with any psychological baggage through counselling or practices like meditation create a healthy mindset more conducive to arousal and intimacy. Openness and strong communication with your partner are also key for building sexual confidence and overcoming mental roadblocks.
Lifestyle Choices:
The daily lifestyle choices we make have a major impact on sexual health and can directly contribute to erectile dysfunction. Making some key changes to unhealthy habits can provide a natural boost.
Smoking, excessive alcohol use, recreational drug use: Smoking is arguably public enemy Number 1 for erectile dysfunction as it damages blood vessels and restricts blood flow to the penis. Excessive drinking struggles and recreational drugs like marijuana, opioids or cocaine can disrupt hormones and neurotransmitter signalling required for erections. Substance abuse takes a major toll.
Poor diet, lack of exercise, and sedentary lifestyle: Following an unhealthy diet loaded with processed foods, sodium, and empty calories promotes inflammation, weight gain, and cardiovascular issues – all of which increase ED risk. Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle compound these problems by allowing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels to rise unchecked. Getting regular physical activity is crucial.
Inadequate sleep, fatigue, and chronic stress: Not getting enough quality sleep can quickly derail your sex life by draining energy levels, disrupting hormone production, and amping up stress. Chronic fatigue makes it tough to get aroused. And long-term stress, whether mental or physical, sets off inflammatory responses that impair erectile function over time.
Making lifestyle adjustments like quitting smoking, cutting back on alcohol, eating a nutrient-rich diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and prioritizing sleep can collectively restore sexual vitality for many men dealing with ED. These healthy habits improve cardiovascular health, regulate hormones, and boost energy, stamina and desire.
Overview of Conventional Treatments
When it comes to conventional treatments for ED offered by the medical establishment, there are several different options to consider. As we said earlier, a visit to your doctor should be your first port of call so that serious underlying health conditions are established or ruled out.
Oral Medications (Viagra, Cialis, etc.): Perhaps the most well-known ED treatments are the famous “little blue pill” medications like Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and others. These oral drugs work by temporarily increasing blood flow to the penis, allowing you to get and sustain an erection in response to sexual stimulation. They’re relatively safe for most men but can interact with certain medications.
This was where I ignorantly started my ED journey. I knew nothing of the main causes of ED at this stage, but like the rest of the world, knew that Viagra was the cure for the problem..or so I thought.
I have two main health issues – Migraines and arthritis. This means that I am on various medications most of which raise blood pressure or are known to cause ED. So when I took Viagra, being prone to headaches already – I found that Viagra gave me a hell of a headache very quickly. This is a myth that needs exposing. I totally believed that Viagra was the cure for ED for most men. In fact, for 30-50% of men Viagra doesn’t help them. This is worth remembering when you start looking at other methods. What works for some may not work for you and vice versa – The world’s best-known cure for ED doesn’t work on up to 50% of people. This is what prompted me to start researching other natural methods that were available.
So lets look other typical treatments you may get offered by the traditional medical institutions
Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
Injectable Drugs: Alprostadil injected into the penis base triggers an erection lasting 30-60 minutes.
Vacuum Devices: A plastic cylinder creates an erection by drawing blood into the penis, maintained by an elastic ring.
Penile Implants: Inflatable or semi-rigid rods surgically implanted allow mechanical erection.
Surgery: Correcting anatomical issues like blocked arteries or scar tissue to improve blood flow.
Counselling/Therapy: Addressing psychological factors like anxiety, depression, or emotional barriers.
These conventional treatments are often effective for providing temporary relief of ED symptoms. However, they don’t always directly address any underlying causes and some carry potential side effects or risks to consider.
It is the temporary nature of these conventional treatments that often make the long-term natural remedies a more attractive proposition. Using the conventional methods short-term, alongside the longer-term natural remedies can be a good strategy to get your Mojo back up and running correctly.
As we turn to look at natural remedies for erectile dysfunction (ED), it’s important to recognize that many of the cures can apply to multiple causes. Numerous factors can contribute to ED, and each natural solution may address a range of underlying issues.
So, to streamline our discussion, we’ll focus on the main ‘natural solutions’ that target the main causes, rather than list the cause and keep repeating the cures over and over again.
If we ignore for a moment, conditions such as injury, anatomical abnormalities and the like, we find that ED typically occurs when one or more of the following areas are negatively affected:
Blood Flow, Nerve Function, Hormone Balance, Psychological Issues, Lifestyle Factors, Unusual Circumstances.
So, based on this we will explore natural solutions that you can incorporate into your daily routine and demonstrate how each can positively impact ED by improving one or more of these factors.
You will see, as we go through, how many of the remedies cross over and can apply to several of the main causes
Natural Remedies
Healthy Diet
Nourishing the body with an improved diet can significantly aid in alleviating erectile dysfunction (ED) by addressing key physiological and psychological factors. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can enhance blood flow, which is crucial for achieving and maintaining erections. Foods high in nitrates, such as leafy greens and beets, promote the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like salmon and mackerel also support cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow. Improved blood flow ensures that the penile arteries can dilate appropriately, facilitating better erectile function.
In addition to enhancing blood flow, a nutrient-dense diet supports nerve function and hormone levels, which are critical for sexual health. B vitamins, particularly B12 and folate, found in foods like lean meats, eggs, and legumes, are essential for nerve health and the production of neurotransmitters involved in sexual arousal and performance. Zinc, found in foods such as oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds, plays a vital role in testosterone production, which is crucial for libido and erectile function. Moreover, a healthy diet can positively affect psychological aspects of ED. Nutrient-rich foods can boost overall mood and reduce anxiety and depression, which are often linked to erectile dysfunction. Consuming a balanced diet helps stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing irritability and promoting mental well-being, thereby enhancing sexual confidence and performance.
Since we are all very different in the way we operate, we will always give a variety of options for you to look at so you can try to find a method that works best for you. So to get up to speed on the nutritional side of your diet you could first look at nutritional guides.
***Please be aware that some of the links throughout this guide may be affiliate links which means we may make a small commission should you go on and buy the product, however this does not affect the price you pay in any way at all. ***
For those of us that require a little more structure to follow, there are several diet types that are naturally rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins – so you may find it easier to follow one of the following diets –
Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and fish
Limits red meat, processed foods, and unhealthy fats
Shown to reduce risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers
Next is the
Focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy
Low in sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars
Proven to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
There is also the MIND diet
Combines aspects of Mediterranean and DASH diets
Rich in vegetables, berries, whole grains, olive oil, nuts, beans, and lean proteins
May reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline
There are also Vegetarian and Vegan options that will do the same for those who could commit to that.
So the Nutritional diets address the Quality side of the food you consume. The next section addresses the issue of dieting for weight loss and the problems excess weight can cause in relation to ED.
Weight Loss - Maintain a Healthy Weight
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
Weight loss can significantly improve erectile dysfunction (ED) by addressing several key physiological and psychological factors. Excess body weight, particularly obesity, is closely linked to cardiovascular diseases and impaired blood flow, which are critical components in achieving and maintaining an erection. Fatty deposits and plaque buildup in the arteries can restrict blood flow to the penile tissues, making it difficult to achieve sufficient engorgement for an erection. By losing weight, individuals can improve their cardiovascular health, reducing arterial plaque and enhancing blood circulation throughout the body, including the penis. Improved blood flow ensures that the penile tissues receive adequate blood supply, which is essential for erectile function.
In addition to enhancing blood flow, weight loss positively affects nerve function and hormone levels, both crucial for sexual health. Excess weight can lead to inflammation and damage to the nerves involved in erectile function, impairing the transmission of signals necessary for an erection. Weight loss helps reduce inflammation and supports nerve health, ensuring efficient nerve signalling. Furthermore, obesity is often associated with lower testosterone levels, which are vital for libido and erectile performance. Losing weight can help balance hormone levels by increasing testosterone production and reducing the conversion of testosterone to estrogenic in fat tissues. This hormonal balance is essential for maintaining sexual desire and performance.
On the psychological front, weight loss can enhance mental well-being, which is closely linked to ED. Being overweight or obese can contribute to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression, all of which can negatively impact sexual performance. By losing weight, individuals can improve their self-image and confidence, reducing performance anxiety and enhancing sexual satisfaction. The psychological boost from achieving weight loss goals can alleviate the mental barriers to sexual performance, promoting a healthier and more positive mindset. Overall, weight loss provides a holistic approach to improving erectile dysfunction by enhancing both physical and psychological health, leading to better sexual function and overall well-being.
So, the benefits of losing weight are clear. The size of the dieting market is vast, which goes to show that it is both in demand AND difficult to do. If it were so easy we would all be the perfect weight (If that actually exists?!)
This guide is not a weight loss guide – so I will show you some of the most popular conventional diets – followed by some other methods that are available, I HAVE NOT tried all of these diets and would again suggest that you do not venture down any dietary plan without consulting a health professional to ensure it is the correct approach for you. I tend to use the Mediterranean style diet, mainly because it is balanced, varied and sustainable. However, each to their own – so here come some options to consider or to research further.
Cycles between periods of fasting and eating. Popular methods include 16/8 and 5:2 fasting schedules
Focuses on eating nutrient-dense foods that promote feeling full on fewer calories, like non-starchy veggies, fruits, broth-based soups
Allows foods that could be hunted/gathered like meat, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, fruits, and veggies. Excludes grains, dairy, sugar, and processed foods
This is a full training guide not only to using Paleo as a diet – but to living a healthy life generally
The final type of diet we will consider in this guide is the Keto Diet. Probably the most popular diet of recent times. There are books and programs and even gummies that are available. Here are just a selection
You can get some FREE RECIPES to get a feel for Keto
If following a structured diet program is not for you, then there are numerous other options for you to try. The following examples may give you some ideas for your own particular situation.
You can get supplements in Gummy form such as Keto Gummies and Ikaria Gummies, making them very easy to take. There are diet supplements such as Puravive made of natural ingredients – and you can even get dietary supplements that you can add to your early morning coffee such as JavaBurn which has been incredibly popular for quite a few years now – and an All Day Slimming Tea that boasts some fantastic results.
So your options on weight loss products are varied to say the least. The most important thing if you are overweight is to find a method that works for you. Hopefully we have given you some ideas to look at.
Moving Your Body:
Engaging in regular exercise, particularly moderate-intensity physical activity for at least 30 minutes most days of the week, can significantly improve erectile dysfunction (ED) by positively influencing several physiological and psychological factors. Regular physical activity enhances cardiovascular health, which is crucial for maintaining adequate blood flow to the penile tissues. Exercise stimulates the production of nitric oxide, a vasodilator that helps relax blood vessels, thereby improving circulation and making it easier to achieve and sustain an erection. Aerobic exercises, such as brisk walking, cycling, and swimming, reduce the risk of vascular diseases and hypertension, both of which are common contributors to ED.
In addition to promoting better blood flow, regular exercise improves nerve function and hormone levels, both essential for sexual health. Physical activity increases the production of neurotrophic factors that support nerve health, ensuring efficient neural pathways for erections. Exercise also helps balance hormone levels by reducing stress hormones like cortisol and increasing endorphins and testosterone, which are directly linked to improved libido and sexual performance. Furthermore, regular exercise significantly impacts the psychological aspects of ED by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, enhancing mood, and boosting self-esteem and sexual confidence.
If you are knowledgeable about exercise programs then you can simply implement a program yourself, for the rest of us that may need a bit of guidance and probably some motivation (in my case) then there are any number of fitness regimes to look at – One such example is …
Care has to be taken to ensure that you are doing the correct type of exercises when doing them specifically for ED, as certain types of regular exercises can have a detrimental impact on things like testosterone levels. So be sure to take this into account when choosing an exercise program.
There is a program specifically designed for men over 50 that helps to get you fit without the usual reliance on heavy cardio workouts and has exercises (and dietary advice) specifically designed to boost testosterone levels. This is not just for the over 50’s but it does focus on routines that help with testosterone levels which is important requirement for that age group. You can see more details here…
Kegel Exercises
Ever wondered if there’s a way to boost your bedroom performance without pills? Well, Kegel exercises might be the answer you’re looking for. Let’s look at how Kegel exercises can help combat ED.
What Are Kegel Exercises and How Can They Help Combat ED?
Kegel exercises are like a gym workout for your pelvic floor muscles. These are the muscles that help control your pee and play a big role in sexual function. Strengthening them can be a game-changer for guys dealing with ED.
Here’s why Kegel exercises can help combat ED:
They improve blood flow to your private parts
They make your erections stronger and last longer
They give you better control over ejaculation
How to Do Kegel Exercises to Combat ED
Doing Kegel exercises is easier than you might think. Here’s a simple guide:
Find the right muscles (they’re the ones you use to stop peeing mid-stream)
Squeeze these muscles for 5 seconds
Relax for 5 seconds
Repeat this 10-15 times, 3 times a day
Remember, consistency is key when using Kegel exercises to help combat ED.
Benefits of Using Kegel Exercises to Combat ED
Kegel exercises aren’t just about fighting ED. They come with a bunch of other perks:
Better bladder control
Improved overall sexual performance
Boost in confidence
Plus, you can do them anytime, anywhere, without anyone knowing!
For those who prefer a structured program to follow the program below may be just for you – They even off er a money back guarantee – (Please check the details)
Exercise program – Free Video Explains
The important thing is to engage in regular exercise and get that blood flowing faster. Find a regime that suits you…but is effective.
As we move to the next section, please don’t just scroll over it …just like I would have done a while back
Calming Your Mind
I hadn’t even considered that I was under stress when I started to suffer with ED. It was by accident that I discovered that I was, and it went on to play a pivotal role in working through to a cure.
Effective stress management plays a crucial role in alleviating erectile dysfunction (ED) by addressing both physiological and psychological factors. Chronic stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the penis, making erections difficult to achieve and maintain. By managing stress through techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and regular physical activity, individuals can lower cortisol levels and promote better blood flow. Improved circulation enhances the engorgement of penile tissues, essential for erectile function. Additionally, stress management positively impacts nerve function and hormone levels, both critical for sexual health. High stress levels can impair nerve signalling, necessary for initiating and maintaining an erection, while reducing cortisol can improve neural efficiency and testosterone production, leading to increased libido and improved erectile function.
On the psychological front, effective stress management significantly enhances mental well-being by reducing anxiety and depression, common contributors to ED. Chronic stress and psychological distress can create a vicious cycle, where anxiety about sexual performance exacerbates ED. By breaking this cycle, individuals can achieve better mental health, which, combined with improved physical health, creates a more conducive environment for healthy sexual function, leading to improved outcomes for those struggling with erectile dysfunction.
I had such a bad attitude to the whole area of Meditation and Mindfulness – I had always thought that if I had enough time to drive to the edge of a desert and sit on a rock in loose fitting clothes facing the setting sun…that I would be living a fairly stress free life! – It was out of pure curiosity that I Googled top 20 things to improve your life – and the results were quite surprising. Over 50% of the results referred to Meditation, Mindfulness or were linked to them in some way. I decided to find out a bit more about it – and it was in this way that discovered a way to relax and release stress – I used a program for a fair few months to develop the skill and whilst I don’t formally ‘meditate’ at the moment I do use the skill for relaxation with music which we will come to a little later.
To learn more about what meditation is and how to do it for the first time – read our FREE guide….
I don’t actually ‘Meditate’ as such – but I use the skills you learn from meditation regarding practicing keeping you mind on a particular thing – and the thing I use is a form of relaxing music or Binaural music.
This is far from toe tapping but the combination of the two just makes me relax and reduces any stress that was there. Weirdly it made the biggest difference in the shortest time compared to all the other things I implemented.
Here is a sample of the type of music I’m talking about
Here are a couple of options for you if this is of interest –
Zen Harmonics – There is a Free Track available at the time of writing
Brainwave Club – There is a 30 day free access offer at the time of writing
If this is not your thing, then try to find some way that helps you to de-stress or you will be fighting an uphill battle with your ED. I didn’t even consider that I was stressed, but the results when it was addressed were both significant and quickly evident. You should use the usual advice such as exercise regularly, get enough sleep and even make time for loved ones.
You can also adopt other methods such as aromatherapy using essential oils like lavender, bergamot, or chamomile. I bought an expensive diffuser for this and it lasted 2 weeks – I now have a cheap diffuser that has worked brilliantly for over a year – so you don’t need to go mad with them – it is better to spend the money on the quality of the oil.
There are various herbs, vitamins and supplements that you could try like Ashwagandha – for those who struggle with tablets you can get in Gummy form too. We will cover more of these in the next section.
Exploring Natural Supplements:
Exploring natural supplements can effectively support your sexual function and alleviate erectile dysfunction (ED). Compounds like L-arginine, ginseng, and horny goat weed enhance blood flow, crucial for erections. L-arginine, an amino acid, is a precursor to nitric oxide, relaxing blood vessels and improving circulation. Ginseng, especially Panax ginseng, enhances erectile function through its antioxidant properties and nitric oxide synthesis, leading to vasodilation. You will need to make your own checks as to whether they are FDA approved or not and if that is important to you. (Or the relevant authority for your Country of residence)
Natural compounds also support nerve function and hormone levels, essential for sexual health. Ginkgo biloba improves nerve function by promoting blood circulation and protecting neural tissues, enhancing nerve signal transmission for arousal and erections. Maca root and fenugreek support hormonal balance by boosting testosterone, vital for libido and erectile function.
Additionally, natural compounds can reduce anxiety and improve mood, addressing psychological factors of ED. Adaptogens like ashwagandha reduce stress and cortisol levels, promoting calmness and alleviating psychological barriers to sexual performance. Enhanced mental well-being reduces performance anxiety and boosts sexual confidence. Thus, natural supplements offer a holistic approach to managing ED, addressing physical and psychological aspects of sexual health. You can also get these in Gummy form.
There is also an array of supplements specifically designed for the symptoms of ED – They are different to those above in several ways. They tend to come with a money back guarantee and this can be for quite a long period of time – 30 and 60 day guarantees are quite common with some offering as long as 365 days. It seems to show a good level of confidence in the results they expect. Most of these products are a longer term supplement so for example they would over a few weeks provide the environment for improved blood flow by boosting nitric acid – They help to create the environment for you to have erections naturally and not have to rely on them continuously. They are not an immediate artificial boost like Viagra – but Viagra’s effect is temporary and you will constantly need to use it. If you are able to take a Viagra type product in the short term whilst allowing time for the more natural supplements to take effect you can soon be back to your old self.
You will find all of them have a ‘special blend’ of natural ingredients to rectify your ED – these tend to be listed so you can see if they will do what they claim – You will find many of them are on our list above anyway. Many are also marketed under the ‘Enhancement’ banner which again due to them focussing on improved blood flow is not that surprising, and with a money back guarantee if they don’t work, they are much less of a gamble. (Remember Viagra only works on between 30-50% of men). Examples of such supplements are Tupi Tea which is a powder and focusses on blood flow – There is The20 which focusses on boosting Nitric Oxide – Endopeak which supports stamina, vitality, and overall male health – Aizen Power has a focus on maximizing nitric oxide production – Emperors Vigor Tonic boosts energy, vitality and libido. These are just a selection but PLEASE BE AWARE, if you google for others be mindful that some of the pages are quite EXPLICIT compared to those we have chosen.
You can find a range of Gummies for ED here BUT there is also a specific Gummy called Testochews, that comes with a 365 day money back guarantee – you can get more details HERE
Additional Lifestyle Tweaks for a Healthier You:
Beyond the previously mentioned natural remedies, incorporating these additional lifestyle changes can significantly contribute to improved sexual health and potentially address underlying factors contributing to ED
Ditch the Smoking and Limit the Booze:
Photo by Mathew MacQuarrie on Unsplash
Quitting smoking can significantly alleviate erectile dysfunction (ED) by improving both physiological and psychological factors. Smoking damages blood vessels, reduces arterial elasticity, and causes atherosclerosis, which restricts blood flow, including to the penis. By quitting, cardiovascular health improves, enhancing blood circulation and enabling better erections. Additionally, quitting smoking enhances nerve function and hormone levels, preventing further nerve damage and restoring testosterone levels vital for libido and erectile function. Psychologically, quitting smoking reduces stress and anxiety, improving mental health and sexual confidence, which are closely linked to ED. Overall, quitting smoking improves both physical and psychological health, leading to better erectile function.
This is of course far easier said than done and once again this is not a guide on HOW to quit smoking – but there are various products to help with the cravings and to help you quit.
You can see the range of products HERE
There are also VAPING options now, and whilst it is recognised as being better than smoking there are clearly issues already surfacing from this practice. There are stop smoking guides that claim to get you stopped in 4 weeks – and even Anti Tar devices that claim to extract all the tar and nasties before normal cigarette smoke gets in your mouth - and we are all familiar with the Nicorette products.
Moderate alcohol intake can also benefit ED by enhancing physiological and psychological factors. Alcohol in moderation acts as a vasodilator, improving blood flow to penile tissues, essential for erections. It also supports nerve function and hormone balance by reducing stress and anxiety. Red wine, in particular, contains resveratrol, an antioxidant that can improve testosterone levels. However, moderation is key, as excessive alcohol intake can harm vascular health and reduce erectile performance. Dependency on alcohol is another large subject that should be managed by professionals and outside the remit of this guide. Help is out there, though you just need to reach out for it.
Prioritize Restful Sleep:
Prioritizing restful sleep can significantly alleviate erectile dysfunction (ED) by addressing key physiological and psychological factors. Adequate sleep maintains healthy blood flow, crucial for erections, as deep sleep stages allow for cardiovascular repair and regeneration. This improves blood flow, including to penile arteries, ensuring sufficient supply for erections. Consistent restful sleep reduces inflammation and stress on blood vessels, promoting better circulation. It also supports proper nerve function and hormone regulation, with sleep deprivation impairing signal transmission needed for sexual arousal and erection. Sufficient sleep helps maintain healthy testosterone levels, enhancing sexual health.
Psychologically, good quality sleep is vital for mental well-being, closely linked to ED. Sleep deprivation can increase stress, anxiety, and depression, negatively impacting sexual performance. Prioritizing restful sleep improves mood, reduces anxiety, and enhances overall mental health, breaking the cycle of performance anxiety and ED. Better psychological well-being leads to greater sexual confidence and reduced stress, supporting healthy erectile function. Thus, making restful sleep a priority addresses both physical and psychological aspects of ED, leading to better sexual health and performance.
One often overlooked impact on sleep quality is snoring and its the most dangerous version of it called Sleep Apnea. Sleep Apnea can be an indicator of more serious health issues so you should immediately seek medical advice. To see just how bad your snoring is there is a really great freemium phone app called SNORELAB. There is a free version which is usually enough to gain insight into how much and how loud your snoring is – Be prepared for a bit of a shock – But be careful not to just jump into Amazon and start buy snoring aids. There are upwards of 5 plus different areas in the airways that snoring occurs – so you need to know what type of snoring you have otherwise you will be buying the WRONG products.
There is a program you can follow that teaches you to determine this – and also has specific exercises you can follow which in most cases cures the snoring. It comes with a money back guarantee and you can find out more information at The Stop Snoring and Sleep Apnea Exercise Program website.
Beyond the obvious avoid caffeine, nicotine etc before bedtime there are more things that you can do to ensure a good nights sleep. Supplements like melatonin, valerian root, lavender oil which may aid sleep – and Magnesium supplements such as Magnesium Breakthrough have reported strong results. There are various over the counter solutions as well as Gummies.
Meditation can also have a profound effect on how you sleep, you can see how to meditate in our guide – there are also specific meditation courses that teach you specifically how to improve your sleep – Such as Deep Sleep Meditation.
There are also more unusual approaches to improved sleep such as Grounding Sheets (or earthing sheets) – These are specially designed bed sheets that you attach to the earth of your house (via a normal plug socket) and this ‘earthing’ brings benefits in improved sleep, reduced anxiety and stress, improves mood, better blood pressure and blood flow and reduced pain and inflammation.
Manage Underlying Medical Conditions
Managing underlying medical conditions is crucial for alleviating erectile dysfunction (ED) as it addresses the root causes that impair sexual health. Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases affect blood flow, nerve function, and hormone levels, all vital for erectile function. For example, diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves, known as diabetic neuropathy. Managing blood sugar through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes can reduce vascular and nerve damage, improving erectile function. Similarly, controlling hypertension with medications and lifestyle adjustments can prevent arterial narrowing, ensuring better blood flow to penile tissues.
Effective management of these conditions also helps regulate hormone levels, particularly testosterone, essential for sexual desire and performance. Obesity and metabolic syndrome, often linked to low testosterone, can be addressed through weight loss, exercise, and diet, restoring normal hormone levels and enhancing libido and erectile function. Weight loss can increase testosterone levels and improve sexual health. Regular check-ups and management of conditions like thyroid disorders can prevent hormonal imbalances that contribute to ED.
Psychologically, managing chronic illnesses reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, which negatively impact sexual performance. Effective management of these conditions alleviates psychological stress and anxiety, improving mental well-being and reducing performance anxiety, thus increasing sexual confidence. Overall, managing underlying medical conditions improves erectile function by enhancing physical health and reducing psychological barriers.
For any of these types of issues you will be in close consultation with your doctor/medical practitioner
Alternative and Complementary Approaches
Exploring alternative and complementary approaches can provide holistic support for alleviating erectile dysfunction (ED) by addressing both physiological and psychological aspects. Techniques like acupuncture can enhance blood flow and nerve function, while herbal remedies such as ginseng, maca root, and ginkgo biloba can boost libido, improve blood circulation, and balance hormone levels. Additionally, mindfulness meditation, yoga, and tai chi can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, alleviating performance-related psychological barriers. These practices promote a balanced mind-body connection, essential for sexual health, making them valuable additions to a comprehensive ED treatment plan.
Never underestimate the power of communication with your partner throughout this – They will prove essential in the process of getting back to normal – and adjusting to a different type of intimacy for a while. You may need them to be a willing partner to adapt and try new things.
Pulling it all Together
While there are many medical treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) like pills and implants, it’s important not to just see ED as something to quickly fix. For long-term sexual vitality, it’s best to combine medical treatments when they are required, with natural remedies and a healthy lifestyle.
An integrative approach recognizes that ED is often a symptom of an underlying physical, mental, or lifestyle issue. A pill may temporarily help, but it doesn’t address the root cause. Natural remedies like herbs, supplements, and mind-body practices can target these root issues in a comprehensive way.
For example, if poor heart health is limiting blood flow, daily exercise, a Mediterranean diet, and circulation-boosting herbs like ginseng could be a powerful natural solution. For psychological factors like depression or performance anxiety, improving mental health through counseling, mindfulness, and adaptogens may work better long-term than just pills.
It’s very important to tackle the underlying drivers of ED. Conditions like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and hormone imbalances all contribute to sexual dysfunction. An integrative approach aims to improve overall health through diet, exercise, stress relief and good sleep – giving you a stronger sexual foundation.
Making lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, reducing alcohol, and exercising regularly can sometimes reverse many of the biggest ED risk factors on their own. Positive adjustments like these are crucial for maintaining sexual vitality for years.
Ultimately, sustainable sexual health requires a blend of conventional and natural treatments personalized to your unique physical, psychological and lifestyle needs. This comprehensive approach ensures you’re not just temporarily masking symptoms, but actively giving your body what it needs for sexual thriving from the inside out.
For Those Who Are Interested
I have tried not to make this an ‘I did this…so copy what I did’ exercise – because everyones causes and triggers are unique to them. There is rarely just one cause – and there is even more rarely one single cure.
But this is what worked for me....so far
Background – I am an overweight – 50 plus male that is on constant medication for Migraines and Arthritis. I had never suffered ED until a year or so ago. Having been someone who had never suffered with it even when blisteringly drunk – it came as a shock when it started to happen – I explained it away with various excuses but deep down I knew something was up. I saw the Doctor who confirmed that all was well but that age – weight – and all the pills I take were all contributing to it.
I confess to having been pretty ignorant about ED up until that point – I was aware it happened to ‘old guys’ but had no idea that there were so many factors that could cause it. I immediately tried the usual Viagra – but with a tendency for headaches – it was rather inevitable that I got a blinding headache and I became one of the 30-50% of people that Pharma couldn’t help. So that is why I started to look into what I could do.
I started watching what I ate – based upon the Mediterranean diet with a variety of cookbooks to help.
I began to walk the dog daily at night to get moving more after work.
I accidentally found that using the skills for meditation actually helped me to relax and more importantly de-stress. I use the focussing of the mind that meditation teaches alongside relaxing Binaural style music.
I also use massage and essential oils for relaxation too.
Communication with my wife was essential in this whole process and she has played an integral role in getting things back to normality.
If anyone had said that I would be using Binaural music, meditation techniques and aromatherapy oils I would have laughed at them – BUT it was this OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE approach that made the biggest difference.
What Now
Well. my constant medications mean I will have to constantly keep ahead of what is going on – I am determined to use the natural remedies to maintain where I am now – and am likely to choose one of the supplements to promote good blood flow and I will report back as to how that works out for me.
I hope this has helped you better understand the issue of Erectile Dysfunction – the variety if issues that can cause it and the wide variety of things you can do yourself to help cure it.
I hope you find your cure