If lifestyle changes don’t reduce your symptoms, contact your doctor to determine the root cause of your erection problems. Physical causes of erection problems are more common in older men. They occur because of disorders that can affect the nerves and blood vessels responsible for causing an erection. Issues with getting or maintaining an erection can result from both physical and psychological causes. A study in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry of men aged between 20 and 50, found that persistent alcohol use induced sexual dysfunction. ‘Poor sleep can cause ED, or soft erections, either by causing reduced testosterone levels or simply tiredness,’ says Dr Foster.
Having a healthy erection is important for overall sexual health and well-being. There are various factors that can affect your ability to achieve and maintain a strong erection, such as stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and underlying health conditions. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve your erectile function and ensure a healthy erection.
Exercise Regularly
Chronic heavy drinking can cause liver damage, nerve damage, and other conditions — such as interfering with the normal balance of male sex hormone levels — that can lead to ED. And binge drinking may impact the ability to have an erection. Smoking, heavy drinking, and drug use disorder can damage the blood vessels and reduce blood flow to your penis. Being overweight and getting too little exercise also raise your odds. Studies show that men who exercise regularly have a lower risk of ED.
These discreet and convenient visits offer an opportunity to address your concerns and discuss potential treatment options for your condition. Chronic erectile dysfunction can be a canary in the coal mine for other health problems. If you continue to have a hard time getting hard, you should talk to a doctor for targeted ED treatment. They may recommend lifestyle changes like those listed above. If these methods are still not proving effective, they may prescribe a form of ED medication. Alcohol’s effect on sexual performance isn’t a myth of men’s health.
Regular exercise not only helps to improve overall health, but it can also have a positive impact on your sexual function. Engaging in physical activity on a regular basis can help to improve blood flow, reduce stress, and boost testosterone levels – all of which are important for achieving healthy erections.
The resulting anxiety can lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction. The same risk factors for heart disease, such as obesity and high blood pressure, can also increase the chance of erectile dysfunction. Adopting a Mediterranean diet may help reduce cardiovascular risk factors. He emphasizes that it’s not so simple to turn to walking blood banks given accuracy issues with rapid diagnostic tests.
While being more active may have more health benefits, any physical activity is better than none. You may be able to change your level of effort and try other activities over time. Having a friend or family member join you may help you stick to your routine. Your body turns carbohydrates, or carbs, from food into glucose, which can raise your blood glucose level. Some fruits, beans, and starchy vegetables—such as potatoes and corn—have more carbs than other foods.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Your diet plays a crucial role in maintaining good sexual health. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help to improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and support overall cardiovascular health – all of which are essential for healthy erections.
Understanding exactly what causes an erection and how it works may be especially beneficial for people with a penis. Many men with ED are able to reach orgasm or ejaculate through sexual stimulation or intercourse, even without an erection. Instead, the penis is composed of three sponge-like cylindrical chambers, which gradually fill with blood when you feel aroused. Doing restorative activities can work as a toolbox of coping skills when you’re in the middle of a stressful situation, like filing taxes. If you’re dealing with financial stress right now, you’re not alone.
Manage Stress
Stress can have a negative impact on your ability to achieve and maintain an erection. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, meditation, yoga, or spending time with loved ones, can help to improve your sexual function and promote healthy erections.
Get Enough Sleep
Adequate sleep is essential for overall health, including sexual health. Lack of sleep can disrupt hormone levels, increase stress, and reduce libido – all of which can affect your ability to achieve a healthy erection. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support optimal sexual function.
Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol Intake
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can have a negative impact on your sexual function. Both smoking and heavy drinking can contribute to erectile dysfunction by affecting blood flow and hormone levels. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake can help to improve your erectile function and promote healthy erections.
By following these tips and making healthy lifestyle choices, you can improve your erectile function and achieve healthy erections. If you continue to experience difficulties with achieving or maintaining an erection, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying health conditions and explore treatment options.
