Having erection trouble occasionally is not necessarily an issue of concern since it can result from stress and fatigue. Still, if the condition persists and becomes a regular occurrence, you should consult a doctor or seek alternative remedies. Read on to get detailed information on this condition and the lifestyle changes you can make to combat it.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to the inability to achieve or maintain an erection long enough for sex. It is known to cause negative effects such as relationship strain, esteem issues, and stress to the affected individuals. ED is mainly linked to poor diet, excessive drinking and smoking, sedentary lifestyle, old age, obesity, and psychological issues, among other factors.
Signs
ED’s most notable signs include:
Reduced sexual desires.
Difficulty in getting an erection.
Trouble keeping a firm erection.
This sexual condition is self-diagnosable. If you feel embarrassed to talk to a doctor, you can discuss the issue with your partner and begin the recovery journey through some lifestyle adjustments. Men suffering from this condition should not feel ashamed since it can be easily corrected through medications or simple lifestyle changes.
Treating ED Through Lifestyle Changes
Below are a few lifestyle changes that you can make to combat this condition.
Doing Kegel Exercises
Adding Kegels to your exercise schedule will help improve your sexual health. This simple yet important exercise requires little effort. It is as simple as holding tight your pelvic floor muscles for about five seconds and then relaxing them. To identify your pelvic floor muscles, stop peeing midstream; the muscles you use to do this are the pelvic floor muscles. Studies have found that Kegels can help tighten your pelvic muscles. You should do about 10-20 Kegels, three to four times daily.
Maintaining a Healthy Diet
Your diet directly affects your sexual health. A poor diet can lead to conditions such as diabetes, obesity, clogged arteries, and heart disease. These health conditions are directly linked to ED. Ensure that your diet has lots of natural foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, with less processed foods and red meat. Also, try to reduce your cholesterol intake, as high cholesterol has also been linked to an increased risk of erectile dysfunction.
Losing Weight
Obesity in men raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which are major causes of ED. Losing weight is, therefore, one way of fighting erectile dysfunction. It is believed that men with a 42-inch waist are more likely to get ED than those with a 32-inch waist. Trim your waistline to fight erectile dysfunction.
Medication
Some medications, such as antidepressants and those used to control blood pressure, can cause erectile dysfunction. Talk to your doctor if you have been prescribed such medicines like trimix injections to see what other options are available for you. Sometimes just a reduced dose or change to a different class of drugs is all you need to fight ED.
Maintaining Normal Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Levels
Controlling your blood pressure and blood sugar levels helps fight diseases such as diabetes, which have a direct link to ED. Having normal blood sugar and pressure levels also reduce the need for medications used to stabilize them. These medications can also increase the likelihood of erectile dysfunction.
Continue Engaging in Sexual Activities
Although engaging in sexual activities when having erection issues is frustrating, it can go a long way in fighting ED. It is advisable to stay sexually active to prevent the condition from worsening. Frequent short-lived erections can help stimulate blood flow into the penis, which helps in controlling erectile dysfunction.
In Conclusion
Generally, erectile dysfunction can be embarrassing and can affect an individual’s psychological and mental health. To counter its adverse effects, you can adopt the lifestyle changes mentioned above. Always remember that erectile dysfunction is a common condition, and as such, you should not be ashamed of it. Feel free to seek help if you cannot handle it on your own.
