Erectile Dysfunction – Causes and Natural Treatments

Erectile Dysfunction – Causes and Natural Treatments

Multiple processes in the human body work together in tandem for a penile erection. Hormones like testosterone and emotions also play a role in heightening or lowering sexual desire. The incapability to have or sustain an erection can happen if there is a problem with the above physical or emotional processes. The cause of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) can be different from person to person based on their age, current physical condition, and emotional state.

1. Causes of erectile dysfunction
The cause of ED could be due to one of the following:

  • Psychological issues
    We all go through multiple emotional ups and downs daily. Mental health is one of the top causes of erectile dysfunction. 
    If a person is going through anxiety due to personal reasons like finance, relationships, or work-related reasons, it can cause ED. It can happen during or before the act.  Stress is another common reason for ED as they cannot relax and could be tense before or during intercourse. Depression leads to fatigue, exhaustion, lack of interest, and motivation. A person going through depression can face frequent instances of ED.
  • Diseases
    Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and atherosclerosis are the major diseases that affect the flow of blood to the penis and cause ED. Some other diseases which could lead to ED are prostate enlargement, Parkinson’s disease, liver disease, multiple sclerosis, and chronic kidney disease.
  • Medication
    Some medications and treatments lead to ED. Erectile dysfunction is also one of the side effects of prostate cancer treatment and radiation therapy. Medication prescribed for blood pressure, depression, ulcers, colds, and allergies may lead to ED. If you are taking medication to sleep or to suppress appetite, it too can lead to ED. Talk to your doctor to see if medication is causing ED and request for a change of medication.
  • Trauma
    Any previous or current injury to the penis or spinal cord during sports or an accident can lead to ED. ED also results from prostate surgery and bladder cancer surgery,
  • Lifestyle
    A person who is used to an indulgent lifestyle with greasy food and a sedentary lifestyle with little or no physical activity can have ED. The body produces lower amounts of testosterone if a person is obese. Alcohol and smoking, although considered mood lifters, can lead to ED. Smoking can damage a person’s blood vessels reducing blood flow to the penis.

2. Natural treatments for erectile dysfunction

  • Diet
    Changing over to a plant-based, whole-grain diet, with fish and less processed and red meat, can help treat ED.
  • Exercise
    30 hours of structured exercise or brisk physical activity can be stress busters and improve blood circulation to the penis. It can also lead to weight loss as being overweight is a high-risk factor for ED.
  • Psychotherapy
    Since mental health is a big reason for ED and can cause complications in relationships, you can talk to your partner and talk to a therapist to understand and overcome any stress or depression that you may be going through.