If you’re struggling with erectile dysfunction, you’re not alone. An estimated 30 million American men suffer from the condition. While there is no cure for erectile dysfunction, there are a variety of treatments that can improve your quality of life.
Most men are aware of conventional treatments for erectile dysfunction. These include medications like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. While these medications are effective for many men, they are not right for everyone. Some men experience side effects like headaches, flushing, indigestion and dizziness from these drugs. Others do not respond to them at all.
Additionally, if you’re over 65 and have Medicare, you will discover there is limited Medicare coverage for erectile dysfunction. Original Medicare does not cover oral medications for erectile dysfunction. The only way to receive coverage for these drugs is through a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Supplement Plan.
So, what other options are there?
If you’re interested in a much safer, natural approach to treating your erectile dysfunction, there are quite a few wonderful options available. These natural treatments include herbal remedies, acupuncture, exercise, stress reduction techniques, and diet and nutrition.
1. Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies for erectile dysfunction are typically made from natural ingredients that have been used to treat erectile dysfunction for centuries. These ingredients are thought to work together to improve blood flow and help to preserve erectile function.
Some of the most popular herbs include ginseng, horny goat weed, and maca root. All these herbs have been used to help with a variety of issues, including erectile dysfunction with various degrees of success.
It’s important to note that they do not produce immediate results, so it is recommended that you give these herbs a few weeks to see any improvement in your erection quality.
2. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is another effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. Studies have shown that acupuncture can improve blood flow to the penis and improve erectile function.
A 2017 study showed that acupuncture improved erectile function in men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. Another study found that acupuncture improves erectile function in men with severe erectile dysfunction.
If you want to try acupuncture, make sure you go to a licensed acupuncturist. Generally speaking, acupuncture treatments can range in cost from $60 to $120 per session.
3. Exercise
Exercise is a great way to improve your overall health and can also help to treat erectile dysfunction. Exercise can improve your circulation, which is essential for maintaining a healthy erection. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can lead to erectile dysfunction.
There are many different types of exercise that can help to treat erectile dysfunction. Cardiovascular exercise, such as walking, running or cycling, can help to improve your circulation. Strength training can also help to improve your circulation and reduce stress.
You should aim to exercise 3-5 times per week for 30-60 minutes at a time. Being consistent with your exercise routine is key to seeing results.
4. Stress Reduction Techniques
Stress is a common cause of erectile dysfunction. Stress can interfere with the body’s natural process of achieving and maintaining an erection. Stress reduction techniques can help to reduce stress and improve erectile function.
Some stress reduction techniques that may be helpful include deep breathing exercises, relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation, getting adequate sleep, and counseling or therapy to address underlying psychological issues causing stress.
Making lifestyle changes such as reducing stress can be helpful in improving erectile function. If you are struggling with stress and erectile dysfunction, talk to your doctor about stress reduction techniques that may be right for you.
5. Diet and Nutrition
Diet and nutrition also play a role in treating erectile dysfunction. Eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise can improve blood flow and improve erectile function. A healthy diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that adults eat at least 2 cups of fruits and 2.5 cups of vegetables per day. It’s also best to limit processed foods. Processed foods are often high in sugar and refined carbs, which can lead to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can cause erectile dysfunction by affecting blood flow and hormones.
It might be hard to change your diet at first, so start slowly if needed. Small incremental changes can add up to big improvements over time. If you need help making dietary and lifestyle changes, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.
Conclusion
As you can see, these highly effective natural treatments that can be very helpful in treating erectile dysfunction, without all the risks associated with prescription medication. These natural treatments can also greatly improve your quality of life and overall health.
So, if you’re looking for a simple and effective solution for erectile dysfunction, try at least one of the treatments on this list. You may find after some experimentation that several treatments work better together and produce a greater synergistic effect on your condition.