What can you do to reverse erectile dysfunction (ED)?

In most cases, erectile dysfunction (ED) is temporary and can be resolved by improving your overall health. But if there's a medical cause, like nerve damage or decreased blood flow to the penis, you may need medication. ED is common in middle-aged men. For many men, it may be possible to improve erectile function and reverse erectile dysfunction.

Lifestyle factors

Lifestyle improvements can improve erectile function. In a study (Predictors of Sexual Dysfunction Incidence and Remission in Men) of Australian men aged 35 to 80, nearly a third reported erectile problems over a five-year period. These problems spontaneously improved in 29% of men, suggesting that factors that can be controlled, such as lifestyle, were behind the reversal of erectile dysfunction.

Improve heart health

Poor cardiovascular health reduces your body's ability to supply the blood needed to produce erections. In a study published in 2004 (NCBI - WWW Error Blocked Diagnostic), researchers followed male participants for 25 years. The researchers found that risk factors for heart disease predicted which men are most at risk for future erectile dysfunction. Numerous studies have strongly associated four major cardiovascular risk factors with ED:

• Smoking: Not smoking, or quitting smoking, prevents ED.
• Alcohol: Reduce alcohol consumption. Heavy drinkers experience ED more often.
• Weight: In overweight men with erectile dysfunction, weight loss helps improve erectile function.
• Exercise: Physical activity, especially when combined with a healthy diet, can improve erectile function.

Avoiding these risk factors can help improve erectile function and reverse erectile dysfunction.

Increases testosterone

Taking steps to counteract low levels of testosterone, the male sex hormone, can improve erectile health. To naturally increase testosterone levels:

• lose weight
• reduce stress
• exercise

These tips can also improve heart health, which can further reduce symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Here are more evidence-based ways to naturally increase your testosterone levels.

Sleep

Lack of restful sleep substantially affects your sexual performance. Studies (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1743609515302654?via%3Dihub) show that men with interrupted breathing at night, or sleep apnea, have improved erectile function after using an exercise machine. CPAP breathing at night.

Replace your bike seat

Some studies (Bicycle Riding and the Bedroom: Can Riding a Bicycle Cause Erectile Dysfunction?) have linked cycling to erectile dysfunction, although more research is needed to confirm the connection. Bicycle seats put pressure on the nerves and blood vessels in the pelvic area. If you are a frequent or long-distance cyclist, consider purchasing a seat specially designed to reduce pressure on your perineum.

Increase sexual frequency

Frequent or regular sex can help you improve overall performance. One study (NCBI - WWW Error Blocked Diagnostic) found that men who had sex less than once a week were twice as likely to develop erectile dysfunction.

Healthy Relationships

Enough erections for sex depend on arousal and desire, whether you take erectile dysfunction medication or not. Conflict and dissatisfaction in an intimate relationship can have a negative impact on libido, arousal, and eventually erectile function.

Address mental health issues

Anxiety, stress and depression can all lead to erectile dysfunction. Mindfulness meditation, yoga and exercise reduce stress and anxiety. You may also want to see a therapist who can help you manage your anxiety and depression. Medication can also help with anxiety and depression, although some medications can suppress sexual function.

Medical causes

Some medical causes of erectile dysfunction are difficult to reverse, including:

⦁ Low blood flow: For some people, ED is caused by blocked arteries in the pelvic area. This is because, once aroused, you need enough blood flow to inflate the spongy erectile tissues in the penis that create an erection.
⦁ Nerve damage: In men whose prostate glands have been removed because of cancer, even careful “nerve sparing” surgery will not completely prevent erectile dysfunction. Even with gradual improvement after surgery, many men often need to use ED medication to have sex.
⦁ Parkinson's Disease: Up to 70 to 80 percent of men with Parkinson's have erectile dysfunction, as well as low libido, premature or delayed ejaculation, and inability to have orgasms.
⦁ Peyronie's Disease: This condition causes extreme curvature of the penis that can make intercourse painful or impossible.
Erectile dysfunction medications such as sildenafil (Viagra) can often help men with erectile dysfunction caused by medical conditions, but will not be able to reverse or cure erectile dysfunction.

Check your meds

Medication side effects are a medical issue that can be adjusted to reverse erectile dysfunction. Common culprits include antidepressants and thiazide. If you think the medication is causing ED, talk to your doctor. You can replace it with another medicine or reduce the dosage.