Best Home Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence, is estimated to affect over 150 million men worldwide, and is a condition that impacts a man’s ability to obtain or sustain a sufficiently firm erection to engage in sexual activity. This number is expected to exponentially increase in the coming years.

Many medical treatments exist for ED, but a number of people also seek out erectile dysfunction home remedies based on the simplicity and natural essence of these options.

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, like many medical conditions, is multi-faceted in origin. Physically, many cases of ED can be attributed to a decreased blood flow to the penis. This can be caused by a multitude of conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or obesity.

Psychological causes of ED include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Relationship issues

A multi-cause condition often requires multifaceted and multi-step treatment. These treatments can be a combination of natural home remedies, medical interventions and lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle Changes That Can Improve ED

Exercise

Exercise is one of the most powerful methods to improve impotence. Regular blood circulation is necessary to achieve and maintain erections. Studies demonstrate a correlation between impotence and the level of ED. Men with regular exercise have 30% lower ED.

Eating Healthy

A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and proteins. A healthy diet supports heart function and blood flow. Poor diet is strongly correlated to impotence.

Reduce Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking can affect blood flow and too much alcohol can affect sexual performance. The CDC recommends that men drink alcohol in moderation – two drinks a day at most.

Stress Management

ED can be exacerbated by anxiety and stress. Relaxation techniques, meditating, and even yoga can boost sexual health over time.

Natural Supplements and Home Remedies

There are many unregulated supplements and home remedies that claim to be solutions for impotence and ED, however, it should be noted that many do not have any proven efficacy.

L-Arginine

L-Arginine is a blood vessel dilator that can improve some blood flow.

• L-Arginine levels are proven to be low in some men that suffer from ED.
• Possible side effects include low blood pressure, nausea, and stomach cramps.

More research is needed in this area.

Ginkgo Biloba

• There is some evidence that ginkgo may result in an increase in blood circulation, but, it is not specific to the penis.
• The evidence is scarce and the risks includes: headaches, dizziness, and an increase in the likelihood of bleeding.

Ginseng

Ginseng is probably the most popular natural alternative because of the nickname that it has earned.

• There are some claims to have noticed a slight improvement in the symptoms of ED
• The effects of ginseng are often not very significant, but they can help.

The side effects tend to be fairly consistent and include: changes in blood pressure, and increased likelihood of insomnia.

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

DHEA is also one of home remedies a precursor hormone to testosterone.

• DHEA is a naturally occurring hormone that decreases as baselines shift with aging.
• There are some inconclusive studies claiming minor benefits.

Some side effects are include: an irregular heartbeat, fatigue, and acne.

Yohimbine

Yohimbine has also been traditionally used for ED, as it is a bark-derived substance.

However, research has shown that it has side effects including:

• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Anxiety

Yohimbine should generally be used with caution.

Horny Goat Weed

This herb has been found to contain icariin, which is likely to cause increased blood flow.

However, this has mainly been demonstrated in animal models. There is little research to support this claim in humans. Side effects have also been found to be relatively mild, but can still include gastrointestinal distress.

Alternative Methods

Home remedies are often used for the treatment of impotence and erectile dysfunction.

Acupuncture and yoga

Acupuncture and yoga may not directly alleviate ED. However, both of these practices may be able to help reduce stress and improve overall functioning.

Since stress has been correlated with ED, it is likely that complete a yoga practice may improve sexual functioning.

Medical Treatment Options

Although home remedies can be useful, medical interventions are often warranted in the treatment of moderate to severe cases of ED.

These are the most common medications prescribed:

• Sildenafil (Viagra)
• Tadalafil (Cialis)
• Avanafil
• Vardenafil

These four medications are all FDA approved and work by increasing blood flow to the penis, unlike many of the natural treatments. Research has shown that these medications are effective, as 70% of men respond positively to treatment.

Therapy and Emotional Support

Therapy has been shown to be effective, particularly when the erectile dysfunction is related to an emotional issue.

Having a conversation with a counselor or psychologist can help with many issues including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Relationship conflict

Mental health often improves sexual performance.

ED Devices

There are also many devices that can be used to help manage ED.

• Vacuum pumps are used to draw blood into the penis
• ED rings are used to hold the erection

These are all non-invasive solutions and for some individuals may be effective.

When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor if:

• ED occurs often
• Symptoms last several weeks
• There are pre-existing conditions

Using home remedies even in conjunction with professional treatments should be done under medical supervision to avoid dangerous interactions.

Final Words

Many home remedies for erectile dysfunction and impotence include changes in lifestyle, stress management, and natural supplements. Many of some of the available home remedies demonstrate some efficacy. However, the majority are not substantiated with scientific evidence, and they are not approved by the FDA.

Combination of the following makes an effective plan:

• Healthy lifestyle habits
• Professional medical advice
• Appropriate treatment options

If ED is a concern, the most important thing to do is to identify the cause and pursue treatment for it. This will help you achieve the greatest improvement, and in conjunction with other healthy changes, overall wellbeing.