Although many men with erectile dysfunction (ED) successfully treat their condition with medications such as Viagra, Cialis, Stendra, pills are unable to help 25-30% of the people who take them. For others the drugs may work in varying degrees, but their side-effects are undesirable and poorly tolerated.
Fortunately, when ED medications fail there are plenty of proven non-medical alternatives men can pursue to restore erectile function.
Shockwave Therapy
Low-intensity shockwave therapy is a noninvasive, pain-free procedure that stimulates blood flow and tissue regeneration in the penis. Shockwave therapy is already used to heal wounds, ligaments and bones, but is not yet approved by the FDA for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. There are two kinds of shockwave therapy – radial and focused – and several studies have proven focused shockwave therapy is an effective and pain-free treatment for ED.
Focused shockwave therapy is commonly administered once a week for 6 weeks, with a rest period before additional treatments.
Healthier Diet
Several studies have found men who follow a Mediterranean diet – consuming lots of plant-based foods and olive oil – may have lower risk of developing ED. Obesity is often linked to ED, so a switching to a healthier diet for weight loss purposes will also improve sexual satisfaction.
As for individual foods, pistachios have been studied to contain active compounds that may help erectile dysfunction1. A healthy, well balanced diet will lead to lower risk factors that contribute to ED including High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity.
Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements such as Horny Goat Weed and Yohimbine have a long history as erectile dysfunction treatments, although medical research into their effectiveness for the treatment of male sexual problems has been inconclusive. A word of caution: the quality and potency of herbal supplements may vary depending on the supplier and herbs may often interact with conventional prescribed medications. Always check with your health care professional before taking any over the counter herbs or supplements.
Increased Exercise
Regular exercise helps men lose weight and lower stress levels, both of which can lead to decreased risk factors for ED and hence may lead to stronger erections. Even 30 minutes of physical activity a day helps manage diabetes and high blood pressure, which have been clearly linked to ED.