A treatment plan may, therefore, include both physical and psychological methods. The FDA does not approve OTC ED medications, which may be dangerous. A person should consider using prescribed treatments for ED or speaking with a doctor about alternative options. Speaking with a mental health professional, such as a counselor or psychologist, can often help people overcome stresses and anxieties linked with sex, relationships, and other areas of life. L-arginine is an amino acid, which is a building block of protein. It is a vasodilator, meaning that it can help open up the blood vessels.
A 2010 study found that the active component of horny goat weed, icariin, may have positive effects if treating ED caused by nerve injury. However, researchers conducted this study on lab-grown nerve cells and rats with injured nerves. It can also increase the risk of bleeding and may be dangerous for people taking blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), or those with other bleeding disorders. Several studies have found that the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet extend to ED, too. An online guide found at /meddiet can help you begin a Mediterranean diet.
A quick look at the 9 best natural remedies for erectile dysfunction
This substance may brain fog from alcohol not be safe for people with vascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or liver cirrhosis, among other conditions. It may also take time for natural treatments to have an effect. Depending on the cause of their ED, some people may not show improvements without medications or other treatments. It’s helpful to work with your doctor to find a treatment that works for you.
- Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological issues causes erectile dysfunction.
- In fact, one common reason many younger men visit their doctor is to get erectile dysfunction medication.
- That’s why visiting a medical doctor for erectile dysfunction treatment is so valuable.
- Learn why you might choose a nonoral treatment for ED and how each kind works.
- If any of these issues affects you, seeing a psychologist or counselor might be a good next step.
Physical causes of erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction can occur as a side effect of medication taken for another health condition. The best-known are drugs, such as tadalafil (Cialis) and Viagra, which increase blood flow to the penis and help to achieve an erection. Adjusting the lifestyle can improve many issues that cause ED, such as diabetes and clogged arteries. Men with underlying health issues should discuss options with their doctors. ED can be the first sign of diabetes-related nerve damage, cardiovascular disease, or a neurological problem. It is important to note that ED medication and natural remedies for ED can cause serious side effects.
Medical Professionals
There’s currently no evidence to suggest that acupuncture can treat the physical causes of ED. It’s challenging to quit smoking, but there are many resources available to help. Stopping smoking has the potential to help ED and benefit many other areas of your overall health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that men consume two or fewer alcoholic drinks per day. Studies have shown mixed results for the effects of alcohol on ED.
Some may also contain dangerous combinations of ingredients or overly high doses. A small 2020 study found that cognitive behavior sex therapy (CBST) and medication were each effective on their own at reducing non-organic ED. In addition, CBST was more effective at lowering anxiety among study participants. According to research from 2021, psychological interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) were especially effective when paired with ED medications.
Some estimates suggest between 50% and 70% of men ages 50 to 70 experience mild to moderate ED. If you have erectile dysfunction, you’re not alone — and you have many treatment choices. Work with your health care team to find out which ED treatment might work best for you. Unlike a lot of medical conditions, the symptoms of erectile dysfunction are rather straightforward.
Mayo Clinic Press
In theory, this could increase blood flow to the penis and help produce an erection. The Urology Care Foundation agrees, saying that although supplements are popular and often cheaper than prescription drugs, they are not guaranteed to be safe or effective. ED can also happen due to stress, relationship factors, or emotional factors, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Mental health treatments and relationship counseling can help. ED can be due to physical or harbor house sober living psychological factors, such as problems with blood flow or anxiety over sexual performance.
Blood pressure medication, what does sponsor mean for example, may lower blood flow to the penis, making it harder to get an erection. If an underlying condition, such as diabetes, is causing ED, treating it will often reverse ED or prevent it from worsening. Methods of alternative medicine are safest when used under the guidance of a doctor and in conjunction with other treatments. A 2018 review found that ginseng preparations significantly improved symptoms of ED in the population studied.
Besides confirming your condition, your doctor also can check for other health issues that may cause ED (see “Signs of other health problems”). Erectile dysfunction can be an uncomfortable topic to discuss with your doctor, with your partner and with your friends. Involve your partner, and communicate openly and honestly about your condition. If you’d like to learn more about erectile dysfunction, here are some other related videos. On the other hand, medications treat ED symptoms and can improve ED but do not cure the underlying condition. Even if ED isn’t causing you any distress, it might be wise to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the issue, as it can be a sign of an underlying health concern.