May 05, 2023

Lifestyle Changes to Improve Erectile Function

concerned man about ED
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection that is firm enough for sex. It’s an increasingly prevalent condition, with nearly 30 million U.S. men experiencing it and more than 50% of men over 40 being affected to some degree by erectile dysfunction symptoms. 

ED can adversely impact a man’s relationships, self-esteem, and quality of life, leaving him wondering, “How do you reverse erectile dysfunction?” or “Can Viagra cure ED permanently?” The fact is that there is no permanent cure for erectile dysfunction. But there are effective treatments. 

Many men reduce their symptoms by making effective lifestyle changes that cause no side effects. This article explains several actions you can take to improve ED symptoms. But remember that it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor before making significant health-related changes.  

Diet and Erectile Function

Research suggests that there are foods that help reverse ED. Specifically, eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains and low in red meat and refined grains decreases the risk of experiencing ED. 

This diet also improves your cardiovascular function and other aspects of your health. So, eating the right food for ED prevention helps you enjoy many benefits with one change! 

Exercise and Erectile Function

Adequate blood flow is essential to strong erections. Aerobic exercises like brisk walking, running, swimming, and biking improve the function of your circulatory system. 

Weight lifting and similar activities naturally increase testosterone production, which can also improve erectile function and sex drive. Starting an exercise regimen or increasing what you’re already doing may help reduce erectile dysfunction symptoms.

A note on biking: Pressure on the perineum can cause or worsen ED, so you may want to consider a bike seat designed to prevent this problem. 

Lifestyle Factors that Contribute to Erectile Dysfunction

Multiple lifestyle factors can harm erectile function, including:

  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol consumption (more than two drinks daily)
  • Inadequate sleep

Other Lifestyle Changes to Improve Erectile Function

If you want to know how to avoid erectile dysfunction, lifestyle changes may reduce your symptoms. For instance, experts recommend limiting alcohol consumption to one to two drinks daily. That number may actually reduce ED, but consuming more than two drinks can have the opposite effect and may increase the risk of premature ejaculation.   

You should also quit smoking since it adversely affects blood vessels associated with erectile function. In addition, you should stay sexually active, as the “use it or lose it” principle seems to apply to erectile function. 

If you have diabetes or other chronic conditions, you must stay on top of your treatment regimens to ensure poor health isn’t contributing to your ED. And you should lower your stress level and get adequate sleep every night to support normal erectile function.  

Ultimately, lifestyle changes for erectile dysfunction can reduce or eliminate the symptoms. Most can also make you healthier in general. The key is getting started and then sticking with the changes you make. 

Get Help with Erectile Dysfunction from Baptist Health

While you should be suspicious if you read about a “simple trick to cure ED,” there are steps for reducing ED symptoms. If you’ve thought, “Can ED be reversed with diet and exercise?” the answer is that it can, and you can enjoy better intimacy with your partner. 

You should also talk with your doctor about persistent erectile dysfunction. They can do erectile dysfunction tests like ultrasound, recommend erectile dysfunction exercises, and connect you with a urologist if appropriate.

Learn More.

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