Erectile dysfunction (ED), a.k.a. impotence, is said to affect as many as 30 million men in the US alone. The problem occurs when a man cannot maintain or achieve an erection during a sexual encounter. In fact, symptoms might even include a reduced libido. While doctors will get on with surgery, implants, pumps and prescription medications, there are many natural ways to solve this problem. Read on to know more.

Exercising
Of all the lifestyle changes that can impact and solve the problem of ED, exercise is the biggest. Exercise works positively on the body by helping to improve blood flow, which is critical and important for a good and strong erection. Exercise also helps improve blood pressure by increasing the blood’s nitric oxide levels the exact way in which Viagra also works. In fact, it has been proven that weight-bearing exercises can also increase the natural testosterone production in the body, which is a critical aspect of erectile strength and sex drive.

Quitting smoking and drinking
According to many doctors, alcohol is a depressant which could lead to both short-term (temporary) or permanent (long-term) erectile dysfunction. Heavy drinking of alcohol weakens the central nervous system, which is responsible for nitric oxide production and release, a chemical vital for producing and maintaining an erection. If there isn’t enough nitric oxide in the body, it leads to erectile dysfunction of varying degrees.

According to doctors, erectile dysfunction can also be the result of a vascular disease, which happens when the blood supply to the penis is limited because of narrowing of the arteries or any blockage. These can be caused extensively by smoking, which has a long-term negative impact on erections. If one smokes, then one could talk to their doctor about prescription aids or help in quitting the habit.

Acupuncture
According to a study conducted in 1999, acupuncture could improve erection quality and even restore sexual activity in close to 40% of the participants. Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that for those men who have experienced that erectile dysfunction is a side-effect of antidepressants including SNRIs and SSRIs (serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), acupuncture could be beneficial. In fact, 50-90% of the people taking these drugs experience sexual problems, so acupuncture could help a huge number of people possibly.

Herbal remedies
Two natural treatments for erectile dysfunction have been found in pomegranate juice and red ginseng. While the former is a potent antioxidant, the latter increases nitric oxide in the body, leading to better blood flow.

Other lifestyle changes such as keeping track of and monitoring your medications, sticking to a good sleep schedule, and eating a balanced diet also help battle erectile dysfunction.