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Natural Versus Conventional treatments for Impotence

Erectile Dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is defined as a man’s inability to achieve and maintain an erection that lasts long enough for sexual intercourse. ED should not be confused with problems with orgasm or ejaculation, and can occur at any age. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), approximately 5 percent of 40-year-old men and between 15 and 25 percent of 65-year-old men experience ED on a long-term basis. However, on occasion men will experience short-term occurrences of ED, which are normally caused by stress, alcohol, or exhaustion. Therefore, medically speaking, if a man has an occasional problem with not being able to achieve and maintain an erection – such as less than 20% of the time – it is not considered ED. Erectile Dysfunction is generally diagnosed if a man has a problem with achieving and/or maintaining an erection over 50% of the time. Like most sexual issues, there are both natural and conventional or medical treatments for ED. Many men opt for a combination of natural and medical treatments in order to get the best results.

Natural remedies

Natural remedies are also known as alternative or complementary treatments. They generally do not require prescriptions as they are not classified as treatments by the Western medical community. Natural remedies range from lifestyle changes to acupuncture and herbal remedies. If you are considering a natural course of treatment for ED such as herbal remedies, be sure to discuss this with your physician. 

Lifestyle changes: It may seem like an obvious solution, but sometimes lifestyle changes can be the easiest remedies for ED. For example, smoking has been linked to ED in men. Quitting smoking can be challenging, but can lead to increased erectile health. Other lifestyle changes include eating a more healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and amino acids, getting regular exercise, and finding ways to reduce stressors in your life.

Herbal Remedies: Although herbal remedies may seem like all-natural quick fixes, they do come with warnings. Herbal supplements are not regulated by the government in order to be sold. Therefore the user must research and consider the side effects before taking any herbal treatment. You should also tell your doctor about any herbal treatments that you are taking in order to make sure that they do not affect any prescriptions that you have been given.

The most popular of the herbal remedies is Yohimbe. It is derived from the bark of an African tree, and is sometimes prescribed by medical doctors for ED issues. In its natural form, Yohimbe contains an alkaloid that has been known by physicians to be a sexual booster. The side effects of Yohimbe include agitation and insomnia.

Horny Goat Weed (Epimidium) has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine for many health problems including ED. It works by raising low levels of testosterone and the thyroid hormone in men to aid the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

Ginseng or Gingko has also been used for centuries and is said to increase blood flow to the genitals. Gingko is used by both men and women. Those who are taking blood thinners should not take Gingko as it may cause major complications.

Nutritional Supplements: Nutritional supplements which include amino acids, zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and flaxseed meal have been used to improve erectile function. Most multivitamin supplements which are geared towards men’s health will have these nutritional supplements included.

Acupuncture:  Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of healing. The practitioner sticks very fine, needles into specific points on the body which are said to relate to the issue or problem being treated. Acupuncture is said to correct imbalances in the body, thus stimulating the body’s ability to resist or overcome illnesses. Acupuncture has helped some men with ED. However, the treatment is not regulated and statistics or studies have not been conducted to determine the actual success rate of acupuncture.

Conventional (Medical) remedies

Medical remedies for ED are common and include drugs and hormone replacements. The good thing about medical remedies is that you are being treated by a physician who will monitor your progress on either treatment. Also, medical remedies are regulated by the government. Unfortunately, there are major risks and side effects to each of the treatments which must be considered prior to undergoing treatment.

Erectile Dysfunction drugs: Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra are drugs which all work in the same way to cause an erection. The main differences between the drugs are subtle differences in how long the drug works and how quickly it works.  Levitra and Viagra both take effect in about 30 minutes, yet Levitra works a little longer than Viagra. With Levitra, the effects last for about 5 hours. With Viagra, the effects last approximately 4 hours. Cialis works in half the time as Levitra and Viagra, and the effects last up to 36 hours. Because the three drugs basically work in the same way, if one does not work for you, the chances are that the other two will not work for you either. The side effects of the three drugs should be carefully considered prior to usage and should be discussed with your physician. Also, be sure to disclose any other drugs or supplements that you are taking to your physician.

Testosterone hormone therapy: The hormone Testosterone is responsible for proper development of characteristics that are normally associated with being male, such as muscle bulk, hairiness, and male sex drive. Although inadequate production of testosterone is not listed as a common cause of ED, when ED does occur due to decreased testosterone production, testosterone therapy may improve the problem.

There are other treatments for ED which can be discussed with a medical professional, such as pumps and surgery. The important thing to remember is that with help, you can have a decent and successful sex life even after being diagnosed with ED. You should stay open minded and understand that new treatments are being developed all of the time to assist men with the problems of erectile dysfunction.