Erectile dysfunction (ED) is no joke for the 18 million men in America who experience it, along with their partners. While it can be a tough problem, the upside is that there are natural ways to tackle it. Understanding the common causes is a good first step:
**Performance Anxiety**
Sometimes, worrying about performance can actually prevent it from happening. Stress and anxiety release hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine, which restrict blood flow to your extremities, including the penis, making it difficult to achieve an erection.
**Compulsive Masturbation**
As you get older, you might find you have fewer opportunities for sexual activity. If you’re compulsively masturbating, particularly with an addiction to pornography, it can desensitize you to sexual stimuli. This means that real-life sexual experiences might not be stimulating enough to cause an erection.
**Diabetes/High Blood Sugar**
Diabetes and high blood sugar can cause fatty deposits to form in your blood vessels, restricting blood flow. Additionally, high glucose levels can damage your nerves, both of which are crucial for achieving an erection.
**Prescription Medications**
Some prescription medications can disrupt the balance of hormones and neurotransmitters needed for an erection. Others, like those for blood pressure and heart arrhythmia, can affect the physical processes necessary for an erection. Medications can also impact your mood, energy, and interest in sex.
**Poor Oral Hygiene**
Gum disease and oral inflammation can lead to a decrease in the enzyme eNOS, which is essential for producing nitric oxide—a key chemical in achieving an erection. So, good oral hygiene is important for maintaining sexual health.
**Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals**
The endocrine system manages the chemicals that influence emotions and sexuality. Chemicals from pesticides, insecticides, and certain industrial environments can disrupt this system and affect erections. Hard drugs like meth and cocaine can have similar effects.
**Vitamin D Deficiency**
Low vitamin D levels are often found in those with erectile dysfunction. This deficiency is linked to cardiovascular disease, which affects blood flow and can lead to ED.
**Alcohol Abuse**
While moderate drinking is generally okay, excessive alcohol can cause sexual dysfunction. Alcohol is a depressant, reducing sex drive and affecting blood flow. Problem drinkers are more likely to experience premature ejaculation and other health problems that impact sexual performance, such as stress and diabetes.
**Conclusion**
If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction, it’s worth examining your lifestyle. Eating well, exercising, and reducing stress can all help. Spend time with positive people and engage in activities that bring you joy. However, conditions like compulsive masturbation and alcohol abuse might require professional help, as can underlying health issues. But adopting a healthier lifestyle can enhance any medical treatment you pursue.