Erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to the inability to achieve or maintain an erection in order to have sexual intercourse. Often ED increases as people age. However, it should also be noted that not all erectile dysfunction cases are age-related. People dealing with ED may find relief with some medication, lifestyle changes, or managing an underlying health condition. However, severe cases may require surgery. To find the right cure for ED it is important to spend some time understanding and overcoming erectile dysfunction. Today, we will talk about ED which is primarily caused due to age, and ways to manage it.
Exercise Regularly
Based on a study conducted by Harvard, walking every day for 30 minutes can result in a 41% drop in risk for ED. So, if you are someone who is leading a sedentary lifestyle, you should try to include some physical activity in your routine. Just this small change can help you restore your sexual performance.
Have a Balanced Diet
Having a balanced diet seems to be the solution to every problem. The same goes for ED. According to a Massachusetts Male Aging Study, consuming a diet that is rich in natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish is linked to a decrease in erectile dysfunction. However, one should avoid eating red and processed meat and refined grains.
Ensure Good Vascular Health
To decrease ED, one should maintain healthy blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. These conditions can damage the arteries in the heart which can lead to a heart attack or even damage the brain causing a stroke. These issues can even lead to reproductive organs causing ED.
Change your Lifestyle
There are a number of habits that can contribute to ED. Some of the major ones include heavy alcohol consumption and tobacco use. While alcohol can slow down the nervous system which can affect arousal signals and physical coordination, tobacco consumption can result in limited blood flow which can impair sexual function. Other than this, several prescription medications may also cause erectile dysfunction.
Maintain Your Psychological Health
A person experiences various emotional stressors which can lead to mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. These are also two of the major causes of ED. Moreover, not being able to have or maintain an erection, even aggravate the stress and can further worsen the situation. One should consult an expert who would help you feel better with the help of some activities and even medications. Depression is quite common in older adults and is typically associated with isolation. One should try to build new friends and share their sentiments.
While the chances of experiencing erectile dysfunction increase with age, these changes can help make it manageable. However, it is important to know that this is a common issue and one should not feel embarrassed to discuss it with a close friend or a professional. We hope that this information helped you in #UnderstandingED and finding ways in which you can tackle it.