Have you wondered why some homes or relationships are shattered despite that money isn’t their problem with both partners looking dissatisfied and the man wallowing in depression and thoughts of abuses from the woman running through his head – “you aren’t man enough”.
Many people suffer from this condition silently because of the associated stigma, and this is why this topic ‘’Erectile dysfunction Natural Remedies’’ will reveal alternative ways of curing impotence. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a major challenge for many men today, regardless of their ages- young, middle-aged, or elderly. Their inability to seek appropriate help has resulted in other sequelae of this disorder, ranging from withdrawal from sexual intimacy, reduced work productivity, and reduced quality of life. In many instances, it negatively affects family peace because of the man’s inability to satisfy his partner with consequent psycho-social problems including depression and suicidal thoughts.
Erectile dysfunction is a common condition that refers to the recurrent inability of the male to achieve or sustain an erection adequate for satisfactory sexual performance.
BURDEN OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
The prevalence of erectile dysfunction varies across different parts of the world and it is often underreported because of the associated blot that discourages many people from seeking help. Anna Kessler et al. in a 2019 study, reported a global prevalence of 3% to 77% while a different study in Africa revealed that about 57% of Nigerian men are suffering from this menace. American men aren’t left out of the burden of erectile dysfunction as a 2020 USA study showed that 20 million American men are affected, with prevalence increasing with age.
CAUSES OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Erectile dysfunction isn’t a new disease, and despite that this condition has been present from time immemorial, it is in recent years that sexual medicine has played a germane role in putting together a broad overview of erectile dysfunction from its re-definition to the burden of the disease, causes, prevention and treatment including natural remedies. Normal erectile function can be affected by problems with a person’s blood flow, nervous system, drugs, hormonal levels including thyroid diseases.
Erectile dysfunction can also be caused by psychological factors such as anxiety over sexual performance, stress, physical conditions including heart diseases, atherosclerosis – narrowing of blood vessels, diabetes Mellitus, hypertension – high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol (fats), obesity, and related disorders, multiple sclerosis – a disease of nerves, anatomical disorders of the penis such as Peyronie disease. Social and behavioral problems can also lead to erectile dysfunction. This includes alcohol abuse, cigarette smoking, and other substance abuse including cocaine, methamphetamine, and so on. Other causes are complications of surgical procedures around the penis during which the nerves and blood vessels supplying the penis are injured, radiation therapy to the pelvic region, especially for the treatment of cancers.
Several prescriptions and non-prescription drugs can also cause erectile dysfunction. These medications include drugs used to manage high blood pressure (propranolol), heart failure drugs (digoxin), and many drugs for treating anxiety, anti-depressants, some cancer drugs, opioid painkillers, etc. Several studies have shown that physical causes account for the majority of cases of erectile dysfunction while psychological causes are less common.
Psychological factors can contribute to or be solely responsible for many cases of erectile dysfunction, ranging from mental illnesses to everyday emotional or physical stress that most men experience at some point in their lives. These psychological factors include fear of intimacy itself, depression, generalized or specific anxiety, among others. A scientific review published in an international journal proved that sexual performance anxiety affects about 9% to 25% of males.
At times, erectile dysfunction can be a result of many factors or overlap between physical, medical, and psycho-social etiologies, and can sometimes be idiopathic. Some traditional and cultural explanations have also been postulated, although doesn’t hold much water. This understanding of the multifactorial nature of erectile dysfunction is very important in providing effective preventive and curative remedies.
TREATMENT OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Despite the huge burden of erectile dysfunction, the good news is that there are numerous treatment options and most people will find one that works for them. Management of erectile dysfunction requires a multidisciplinary approach involving psychologists, psychiatrists, urologists, dietitians, physiotherapists, cardiologists, and several other specialists in the field of health. This echelon of professionals will address the numerous medical, physical, and psychological causes that led to erectile dysfunction in the first place before resulting in drugs.
However, drugs are mainly chemicals that will leave men with their side effects, hence, the need for natural remedies that have little or no side effects. For instance, a person with erectile dysfunction can take a class of drugs called PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase 5) inhibitors, usually taken about 45 minutes before sexual intercourse. Common examples are sildenafil, popularly called Viagra, Vardenafil, Tadalafil, and many more. Side effects of this class of medications are headache, chest pain, facial flushing, heart disease, including myocardial infarction- the death of heart muscle which can ultimately lead to the person’s death.
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NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Nobody wants the dangers associated with drugs as highlighted above, hence the use of natural remedies. What are these natural remedies for treating erectile dysfunction?
There are several natural treatments for erectile dysfunction, ranging from lifestyle modifications by modifying one’s unhealthy diet and exercise to getting mental health or psychological counseling.
Diets, I mean a balanced diet can help achieve, maintain and promote sexual function and decrease or help treat erectile dysfunction. A 2020 research demonstrated that men who strictly followed a Mediterranean diet have a lower incidence of erectile dysfunction. Mediterranean diets are foods that are rich in flavorful ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, heart-healthy fats, nuts, and fish. Another 2017 study from the United Kingdom also found that eating more fruits, vegetables, and flavonoids (substances found in coffee, produce, and other foods) lower the risk of erectile dysfunction in men. Besides the benefits of these foods in the prevention and treatment of erectile dysfunction, they are also important for one’s overall health, especially in the prevention and management of hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancers among others.
Exercise is another natural remedy for erectile dysfunction. Several studies show that physical activity may help prevent and improve erectile dysfunction especially if the cause is obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases. Hellen Gerbild et al. proved this in their 2018 study titled: physical activity to improve erectile dysfunction and recommended moderate to the intense exercise of about 40 minutes per day, 4 times a week for 6 months. These exercises include running, brisk walking, bicycling, swimming, skiing. Exercise works by improving blood vessels’ health, lower stress, and raising testosterone levels- the male sex hormone.
An important natural remedy for erectile dysfunction is sleep, which is also important for one’s overall health. A 2017 research found that sleep-deprived men were at higher risk of erectile dysfunction. Men are therefore advised to get adequate and quality sleep, which helps to increase their testosterone level and ultimately improve libido and erectile function.
Psychotherapy is a form of treatment modality which involves psychological rather than medical (drugs) means. It is often employed in the management of erectile dysfunction especially when it results from a combination of physical and psychological factors. Psychotherapy will also address other additional mental health issues, including emotional distress, low self-esteem that may have resulted from erectile dysfunction. A 2021 research review showed that psychological interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-focused group therapy, cognitive behavior sex therapy, and counseling help improve erectile dysfunction and sexual satisfaction, too.
Mental health issues such as stress and anxiety are often associated with erectile dysfunction, hence, stress reduction is another natural way of addressing erectile dysfunction.
Other natural remedies are lifestyle changes which include alcohol reduction, smoking cessation, and reduction in salt intake.
Conclusion
In conclusion, erectile dysfunction is a common disorder that can affect men’s self-esteem, confidence, relationships, and quality of life. The appropriate treatment depends on the cause. Natural remedies should be employed in its prevention and treatment as they are cheaper, effective, and with little or no side effects.
About the Author:
Ade is a graduate Mechanical Engineer who lives in the United Kingdom. He is a freelance writer, blogger, social commentator, and I.T personnel. He has written many articles on Science and Technology, Education, Sports, Politics, Religion, Relationships, Entertainment, Health and more. When he is not busy researching online, he probably reads some good books, all in the quest for knowledge and information.
