Overview
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common in men at midlife. For many men, it may be possible to improve your erectile function and reverse ED.
Read on to learn what you can do to improve erectile function.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common in men at midlife. For many men, it may be possible to improve your erectile function and reverse ED.
Read on to learn what you can do to improve erectile function.
Research suggests that lifestyle improvements can improve your erectile function. In a study of Australian men age 35 to 80, nearly a third reported erectile problems over a five-year period. These problems spontaneously improved in 29 percent of the men, suggesting that factors that can be controlled, like lifestyle, were behind the ED reversal.
Poor cardiovascular health reduces your body’s ability to deliver blood needed to produce erections. In a study published in 2004, researchers followed male participants for 25 years. The researchers found that heart disease risk factors predicted which men were most at risk of future ED. Numerous studies have strongly tied four major cardiovascular risk factors to ED:
Avoiding these risk factors may help improve erectile function and reverse ED.
Taking steps to counteract low levels of testosterone, the male sex hormone, can improve erectile health. To naturally increase testosterone levels:
These tips can also improve heart health, which may further reduce your ED symptoms. Here are more evidence-based ways to naturally increase your testosterone levels.
Lack of restful sleep substantially impacts your sexual performance. Studies show that men with interrupted breathing at night, or sleep apnea, improved their erectile function after using a CPAP breathing machine at night.
Some studies have linked bicycling to ED, though more research is needed to confirm the connection. Bicycle seats put pressure on nerves and blood vessels in the pelvic region. If you’re a frequent or long-distance cyclist, consider buying a seat specially designed to reduce pressure on your perineum.
Frequent or regular sex can help you improve overall performance. One study found that men who had intercourse less than once a week were twice as likely to develop ED at least once a week.
Psychological factors, such as performance anxiety, can lead to ED. Addressing psychological roots of ED can help reverse the condition. Relationship problems, anxiety, and depression lead the list.
Erections sufficient for sex depend on arousal and desire, whether you take ED medications or not. Strife and dissatisfaction in an intimate relationship can have a negative impact on libido, arousal, and ultimately, erectile function. Relationship counseling is an option.
Anxiety, stress, and depression can lead to ED. In a small study, 31 men newly diagnosed with ED either took tadalafil (Cialis) only, or took tadalafil while also following an eight-week stress management program. At the end of the study, the group who participated in the stress management program saw more improvement in erectile function than the group who took only tadalafil.
Mindfulness meditation, yoga, and exercise all reduce stress and anxiety. You may also want to see a therapist who can help you manage anxiety and depression. Medication may also help anxiety and depression, though some medications can suppress sexual function.
Some medical causes of ED are difficult to reverse, including:
ED medications, can often help men with ED caused by medical conditions, but you won’t be able to reverse or cure the ED.