I would find it strange if you haven’t heard about the many erectile dysfunction pills that have hit the marketplace in the last few years. Regardless if it’s Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra they are all making a place on our pharmacy shelves and in our medical cabinets. Just about every male patient in this age group that comes into my office has commented at one time or another about their sexual concerns. Many of these patients are presently dealing with erectile dysfunction, many times referred as ED. Although studies suggest approximately 52% of men between 40 and 70 years old will experience ED, there are many things you can do to avoid this medical condition and many times it doesn’t have to be with a doctor’s prescription.
Erectile Dysfunction and Other Diseases
It was not so long ago that ED was a rarely discussed issue. Occasionally mentioned, most men felt too embarrassed to talk about this manly deficiency. Today, all that has changed. Since the rise of new drugs designed to treat ED, people are more feeling more comfortable talking about ED and I’m happy to say this pleases me.
As doctors and researchers continue to understand more about ED they discover different connections between this disease and other medical problems. One such discovery is the relationship between ED and heart disease. Both conditions have similar risk factors, and doctors have come to view ED as a possible symptom of cardiovascular disease. This is due to reduced blood flow that is a hallmark of coronary disease. High cholesterol can also be an indicator of ED. The build up of cholesterol can harm blood vessels including those in the penis.
Diabetes is another condition often accompanied by ED. In fact, men with diabetes are 50% more likely to experience ED at an early age. Diabetes can damage the arteries and nerve endings connected to the penis making an erection more difficult. To prevent ED, follow your doctor’s guidelines for avoiding heart disease. If you suffer from diabetes, be vigilant about controlling your condition.
Many Ways to Prevent ED
One of the best studies on ED that I’ve read in a long time was conducted by researchers in Finland. Published recently in The American Journal of Medicine, they learned that men who have sexual intercourse more frequently are less likely to experience ED. Out of 1,000 men who had sex less than once a week, 79 had ED, while only 16 out of 1,000 men who had sex three or more times a week had ED. Use it or lose it – it’s that simple.
Of course, the more steps you take to prevent ED, the better off you’ll be. Natural vitamin supplements containing ingredients like L-arginine, Citrulline, zinc, horny goat weed and yohimbe extract can all help improve sexual performance.
If you smoke, quitting could also be helpful to curbing the affects of ED. Studies have shown a correlation between atherosclerosis and ED. This heart disease causes narrowing of the arteries, which can reduce blood flow to the penis. Excessive drinking can cause ED too. Stick to no more than three alcoholic beverages per day, since drinking can impair testosterone production. Approximately 80% of chronic alcoholics have ED.
According to the American Urological Association, a healthy diet and regular exercise are proven ways to prevent ED. Maintaining your weight reduces your risk for diabetes, a possible cause of ED. Consistent heart-pumping exercise decreases your chance of developing heart disease. It also reduces stress and anxiety, which are known to cause temporary ED.
Whether you are currently over 40 and worried about a sagging libido, or you’re just approaching middle age, you don’t have to sit by and wait for ED to strike. Take care of your health and work with your doctor to manage any diseases. Try some or all of my tips for prevention, and you will increase your chances of enjoying healthy sexual performance as you age.
Photo Credit: africa
