Treating Erectile Dysfunction Naturally

Men suffering this often embarrassing problem have many natural options

That little blue pill may work for some, but erectile dysfunction due to nutrient deficiencies should be resolved in other ways. Shutterstock

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or sustain an erection. Also referred to as impotence, ED can hinder satisfying sexual activity and may prevent you from engaging in sexual intercourse. Men who suffer from ED can experience depression, loss of self-esteem, and relationship difficulties, among other negative impacts. ED may be a sign of one or more serious health problems and should be discussed, even if you find it embarrassing, with your medical and therapeutic providers.

While ED is common, affecting approximately 30 million men in the United States, it isn’t considered a normal part of aging. ED is mostly diagnosed in men with one or more of the following characteristics:

• Over 40 years of age
• Risk factors for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity
• Uses medications or recreational drugs, including alcohol and tobacco
• Emotional or psychological issues such as depression and anxiety
• Pelvic trauma from injury or disease

Common Interventions for Erectile Dysfunction

Treating erectile dysfunction is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on the underlying cause, which may be emotional, physical, relational, or a combination of factors, treatment must be personalized to be successful long term. Some of the conventional approaches to treating ED include oral prescription medications such as sildenafil (commonly known as Viagra), tadalafil, avanafil, and vardenafil, marketed under different trade names, which function by stimulating blood flow to the penis.