Dr. I-Net

Scientific studies have found that a healthy lifestyle can control or reduce the chances of developing impotence. Because many cases of erectile dysfunction are due to reduced blood flow from blocked arteries, it is important to maintain the lifestyle that promotes a sound mind in a healthy body. One way to improve erectile dysfunction is to make some simple lifestyle changes.

Exercise - Regular exercise can reduce the chances of getting ED, according to the American Urological Association study that correlated erectile dysfunction with being overweight. Strengthen the heart with increased flow of oxygen in the blood, improving muscle tone and increasing energy levels. Strengthening bones and reducing body fats makes you look fit and healthy. If you exercise regularly, it will soon become part of your lifestyle. If you feel you need supervision or medical advice to begin an exercise program, ask your doctor to refer you to physical therapy. A physical therapist can evaluate your needs and start you on a safe and effective exercise program.

Diet - Eating well-balanced meals. Everyone should eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fiber and low in saturated fats and sodium. Because erectile dysfunction is often related to circulation problems, diets that benefit the heart are especially important. Foods that some people claim to have qualities that enhance sexual drive include chilies, chocolate, scallops, oysters, olives, and anchovies.

Weight Management - The American Urological Association has found that overweight men are more likely to have ED. For example, a man with 250 lbs was nearly twice as likely to have ED as a man with 150lbs. . Losing weight can help protect your health and your erectile ability.

Stop Smoking - Smoking is a large contributing factor to ED. Achieving an erection is a complex process. It involves the nervous, vascular and endocrine (hormones) systems. When these systems work perfectly, smooth muscles relax and penile tissues fill with blood. Get help with quitting if you need it. Choose a comprehensive smoking cessation program that does not rely on a single method.

Managing your Diabetes - Diabetes is a major risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Diabetes can harm arteries or nerve endings in the penis. Men with diabetes are 2-5 times more likely to experience impotence. By age 70, more than 50% of men with diabetes have some ED. Diet, exercise, and insulin therapy can help avoid diabetes-related ED. Keeping your hemoglobin A1C under 7%

Manage your Lipid - A healthy circulatory system is needed for an erection. High cholesterol can destroy the walls of your veins. It can harden, narrow, or block the arteries leading to your penis. This can result in ED. So check your cholesterol level often. If your cholesterol is high, see a doctor. Reduce and lower cholesterol through diet, exercise, and medication if necessary.

Avoid substance abuse - Abusing alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, and other substances is a major cause of impotence. For example, more than 80% of chronic alcoholics have chronic impotence.

Reduce stress and anxiety - Stress and anxiety are leading causes of temporary ED. Reducing stress can mean better erections when you want them. Our bodies are designed to feel stress and react to it. It keeps us alert and ready to avoid danger. But it is not always possible to avoid or change events that may cause stress and it is easy to feel trapped and unable to cope. When stress persists, the body begins to break down and illnesses can occur. The key to coping with stress is identifying stressors in your life and learning ways to direct and reduce stress.

Psychotherapy and Behavioral Therapy - Even if erectile dysfunction is caused by a physical problem, interpersonal, supportive, or behavioral therapy are often helpful for patients. Therapy may also ease the adjustment period after the initiation or completion of treatment. It is beneficial to have the partner involved in this process.

Yoga - Learn to use stress management techniques and coping mechanisms, such as deep breathing or guided imagery. Keep a positive attitude and believe in yourself. Learning an effective means of relaxation and using it regularly is a good first step. Allow yourself some "quiet time," and meditate, even if it's just a few minutes.

Stay Sexually Active can help prevent impotence. Frequent erections stimulate blood flow to the penis. It may be helpful to note that erections are firmest during deep sleep right before waking up. Autumn is the time of the year when male hormone levels are highest and sexual activity is most frequent.