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The inability to get or keep an erection during sex is familiar with many men and unfortunately, symptoms of erectile dysfunction often worsen over time, and if the issue goes unresolved, it can progress from mild to complete sexual ineffectiveness. Even though erectile dysfunction is more common as men progress towards their fifties, many young men also have trouble getting an erection and urologist believe that it could be due to the following reasons:
- ED is particularly common in men who have type 2 diabetes, including conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease that are linked with diabetes.
- Undue stress, depression, poor self-esteem, and performance anxiety can make erectile dysfunction worse
- Low testosterone can cause many symptoms such as depressions, changes in body composition, hair loss, fatigue and a decreased interest in sexual intercourse
- Smoking has been shown sometimes to increase the risk of developing erectile dysfunction as it tends to narrows your blood vessels and decreases levels nitric oxide that allow blood flow to your penis, which can lead to or worsen ED.
- Excess alcohol intake, especially for men older than 60, can contribute to erectile dysfunction
- A peripheral arterial disease that occurs when the pelvic blood vessels become narrowed due to a build-up of fat and cholesterol deposits called plaque
- Being overweight and living a sedentary lifestyle
- Tranquilizers and specific drugs that are used to treat depression or high blood pressure may worsen symptoms of erectile problems
- If the nerves or blood supply is interrupted due to spinal cord injuries or significant trauma to the pelvic areas, hips or the penis itself, it can result in long term erectile dysfunction
- Avid cyclists who ride for many hours each week have been known to suffer erectile dysfunction as bicycle seats cause pressure on the nerves vital to sexual arousal
Erectile Dysfunction Remedies
More than 50% of men between 40 and 70-years old experience moderate to severe erectile dysfunction (ED) and even though some are understandably reluctant to discuss the problem with their doctors doing so can help get your sex life back on track especially if the issue is linked to obesity or stress.
Natural remedies are always my first go-to recommendations as a Chiropractor in my private practice in Elizabeth City, NC. Even though erectile dysfunction as a result of nerve damage from diabetes or heart disease often gets worse and typically not reversible, there are a few natural things that will inherently improve things down-under. For example:
- Regular exercise
- Quitting smoking
- Enhancing your diet with foods that are good for your prostate, penis health and blood flow like tomatoes, folic acid/folate and magnesium-rich spinach, coffee, apples, chili peppers and avocados for enhanced libido, carrots, oats, etc.
- Counseling to reduce performance anxiety
