Men can prevent erectile dysfunction by making simple lifestyle changes. Choice Men’s Health has been helping ED patients have great sex again.
Getting an erection is a complex process that involves nerves, blood vessels and hormones. There are a number of factors that can cause erectile dysfunction including high blood pressure, low testosterone levels and the natural aging process.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can prevent erections because it damages the small blood vessels that deliver blood to the penis. This condition can be treated by lowering blood pressure through diet, exercise and medication if needed.
Doctors will ask questions about your health history and physical exam and may want to test your blood or urine for signs of diabetes, low testosterone levels, heart disease and other problems. Some doctors also do an ultrasound of the arteries in the penis to see how well blood is flowing through them.
In addition, doctors will consider whether erectile dysfunction is related to stress, depression or side effects of certain medications like nitrates and opiates used for heart conditions. If so, your doctor might refer you to a mental health specialist. This is especially important because 20% of ED is psychological and might be caused by relationship issues or anxiety about sex. Getting help in this area can improve your sex life as well as your quality of life overall.
Low Testosterone Levels
Testosterone boosts libido and helps men get and keep an erection. If you’ve noticed a drop in your libido or found it hard to have an erection, talk to your doctor. It might be a sign of low testosterone (also called hypogonadism).
Testosterone also affects muscle mass, mood and bone strength. It drops naturally with age and is the reason some people develop a condition called a “male menopause,” which can cause a loss of libido, memory problems and a decreased interest in sex.
Medications including Fildena 100, Fildena 150 (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra) and tadalafil (Cialis) can help increase blood flow to the penis and improve erectile function. However, you shouldn’t use these medications if you have heart disease or take nitrates (such as those in some heart medicines). Talk to your doctor before trying natural remedies said to boost testosterone levels. He or she can identify what’s causing your low testosterone and recommend treatment. Usually, your doctor will just need to do a physical exam and ask you some questions about your health history.
Smoking
Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is the inability to get and keep a firm erection during sexual activity. It’s also sometimes called impotence and affects 30 million men in the United States alone. It’s often the first sign of serious health conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease that can restrict blood flow to the penis. It can also be caused by certain medications and psychological issues such as stress, depression and performance anxiety.
Nicotine, which is in cigarettes and vaping e-cigarettes, has a vasoconstrictive effect on the body that reduces the flow of blood to many areas including the penis. This makes it harder for an erection to form because the arteries cannot become fully engorged with blood. Studies have shown that smoking can worsen ED and even cause it in younger men.
Fortunately, you can improve your sex drive and testosterone levels by cutting down or quitting smoking. Talk to your doctor about other ways you can help improve your sex life and overall health.
Poor Diet
Men that eat unhealthy diets are at a greater risk of developing poor erections. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and fish may help with sex. Choosing a healthy eating pattern will also help to keep blood flow to the penis healthy, and may reduce the risk of heart disease which is associated with erectile dysfunction.
A diet high in fried foods and other processed foods can also cause erectile problems. These foods are often high in saturated and trans fats which can block blood flow to the penis.
It’s important to see your doctor for a full exam. They will want to make sure that ED is not caused by another health condition such as diabetes or blood pressure. They will also need to find out what medications you are taking that might be causing your erectile problems. They may be able to switch you to an alternative medication. They may also recommend sex therapy or counseling to improve your relationship with your partner.
