Let’s face it, sometimes your body doesn’t always work the way you want it to. Even when it comes to the bedroom. Erectile dysfunction is actually more common than you think and is the most frequent sex problem that men report to their doctor. Although having erectile dysfunction can be distressing, there are many positives as this condition can be absolutely treated with various dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle interventions to ensure satisfaction in the bedroom is restored once again!

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence is characterized as the persistent inability to get and keep an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. Having trouble maintaining an erection from time to time isn’t necessarily a concern, as we do live in a fast-paced and often very stressful environment so we’re bound to see external stressors affect our ability to get and keep an erection. However, erectile dysfunction can become a major concern when it becomes an ongoing issue and starts to affect other areas of our life leading to reduced self-esteem and confidence, and perhaps even contribute to relationship problems. Showing constant symptoms of erectile dysfunction can be a manifestation of an underlying health condition that requires further treatment and support from your healthcare professional.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

There are many different physiological and psychological risk factors affecting the vascular, nervous and endocrine systems which can cause or contribute to the onset of erectile dysfunction. Although you are more likely to develop erectile dysfunction as you age, aging does not directly cause erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction can be developed at any age dependent on the unique individual and the lifestyle that they live.

Underlying Health Conditions:

• Prostate problems
• Type II Diabetes
• Hypogonadism
• Hypertension
• Vascular disease and vascular surgery
• Chronic sleep disorders (obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Atherosclerosis
• Neurogenic disorders
• Peyronie’s disease (distortion or curvature of the penis)
• Priapism (inflammation of the penis)

Psychological & Emotional:

• Stress – about sexual performance or external life stressors
• Depression and anxiety
• Lack of sexual knowledge or fear of sexual failure
• Poor sexual techniques
• Inadequate interpersonal relationships

Drugs & Medications:

Erectile dysfunction can also develop as a side effect of many common medications such as blood pressure medicines, antidepressants and anti-androgens.

Lifestyle Factors:

• Smoking
• Alcohol use
• Recreational drugs
• Steroid use
• Obesity
• Not being physically active

Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction

• Trouble getting an erection
• Trouble maintaining an erection
• Reduced sexual desire

Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

Treatment for erectile dysfunction starts with non-invasive lifestyle interventions such as assessing dietary habits, increasing physical activity, managing stress levels, or reducing alcohol and smoking. It also consists of taking care of your heart and vascular health, and monitoring any chronic health conditions that may be correlated to your presenting symptoms. There are also more advanced western medicine treatments such as testosterone therapy, penile injections and phosphodiesterase inhibitors, like Viagra, that have been shown to treat erectile dysfunction. Although these have been shown to be effective treatments, there are a multitude of natural treatments already available to treat your erectile dysfunction in a natural, non-invasive manner.

We stock many excellent products here at Gr8 Health to help treat the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction including stress management, improving libido and sexual function, and boosting energy and endurance. Have a read through some of our top recommended health products to treat the underlying drivers contributing to erectile dysfunction:

Herbs of Gold Bulgarian Tribulus Complex

Tribulus terrestris is a powerful herb that has been shown to support sperm production, motility and overall health, as well as foster a healthy libido and improved sexual function in both men and women. It is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine (a system of traditional medicine native to India) as a male tonic and aphrodisiac to increase virility.

Power Superfoods Maca Powder

Maca powder is an incredible superfood that supports energy metabolism by boosting endurance levels, and improving overall mood. It has also been shown to increase libido and reduce erectile dysfunction as a result of specific constituents within maca which enhance sexual performance.

Herbs of Gold Ginseng 4 Energy Gold

A synergistic blend of traditional ginseng herbs which support energy production and a healthy stress response in the body, as well as improving cognitive function. Ginseng 4 Energy Gold contains Korean Ginseng (for cognitive function and adaptogenic qualities), Siberian Ginseng (recovery from illness and combat fatigue), and Withania (brain and rejuvenation tonic).

Superfeast JING Capsules

The popular Superfeast JING is an adrenal tonic, meaning that it helps the body adapt to everyday stress, and it also supports healthy hormone function, stamina and libido. This potent formula of Chinese herbs also helps cultivate core energy in the body, particularly in the kidneys and adrenals, which may be very supportive for those with erectile dysfunction.

References

Dording, C. M., Fisher, L., Papakostas, G., Farabaugh, A., Sonawalla, S., Fava, M. & Mischoulon, D. (2008). A Double-Blind, Randomized, Pilot Dose-Finding Study of Maca Root (L. Meyenii) for the Management of SSRI-Induced Sexual Dysfunction. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 14(3), 182-191. Doi: 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2008.00052.x

Bedbible Research Center. (2016). Erectile Dysfunction Statistics – How Common Is It? https://bedbible.com/erectile-dysfunction-statistics/

Mayo Clinic. (2023). Erectile Dysfunction. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20355776

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2017). Symptoms & Causes of Erectile Dysfunction. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes

Urology Care Foundation. (2018). Erectile Dysfunction (ED). https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/e/erectile-dysfunction-(ed)