4 lifestyle habits that may lower the risk of erectile dysfunction

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Certain medical conditions or medications can interfere with the ability to achieve an erection. When this happens repeatedly, it is called erectile dysfunction. A fairly common condition, ED affects an estimated 30 million men in the United States.

The causes of erectile dysfunction are varied. Countless muscles, tissues, blood vessels, and nerves are involved in the natural processes that ทางเข้า ufabet lead to an erection. Any time this complex chain of structures and events is interrupted, ED can result.

Some medications, such as blood pressure medication, antihistamines, and antidepressants may have ED-related side effects. Psychological factors such as stress, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem may also contribute to up to 20 percent of cases of ED. Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction.

Making lifestyle adjustments for erectile dysfunction

Medication is a commonly used and effective treatment for ED. But many people prefer to try making changes to their lifestyle first to see if they can ease the symptoms of ED without taking pills.

Common lifestyle approaches for ED include the following:

Maintain a healthy weight

A meta-analysis of studies publish

Move more

Another way to help ease ED and restore sexual vigor is to get regular physical activity. Research shows that exercise even without a dramatic shift in weight may positively affect sexual function.

Getting 40 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise four times a week for six months can improve erectile issues, according to a 2018 review of studies published in Sexual Medicine. The effect was particularly pronounced in people whose ED was caused by obesity, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, metabolic syndrome (a precursor of diabetes), or heart disease.

Eat well

ED is often a vascular disease, meaning in many cases it’s related to the function of blood vessels. Not surprisingly, many people with ED also have a higher risk of coronary artery disease (and vice versa). What’s good for the heart is also good for the penis.

Kick the habit

If you smoke, quit. Smoking is a major contributor to erectile problems, even in younger men.

Meanwhile, while moderate intake of alcohol may not adversely affect your sexual well-being, excessive drinking can increase the risk of ED. If you drink, stick to no more than two drinks per day. If you don’t drink, don’t start, as alcohol doesn’t do your body any favors.