Alas, though there are numerous positive lifestyle changes men can make that can improve erections, certain health conditions can lead to “hydraulic” problems with the penis that are only helped by prescription drugs like Viagra, Levitra, Cialis, and similar drugs.
But what about herbs and supplements? Wouldn’t it be easier and healthier to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) with “natural” products? The problem is, “natural” does not necessarily mean “safe.” After all, poison ivy and digitalis are “natural.” If you want to try herbs or supplements in the interest of improving your erection quality, it’s important to educate yourself first. This can help you avoid wasting money on products that don’t work and avoid risks associated with some herbal and supplement products.
Herbs and Supplements That Are Safe and May Help
There’s no shortage of herbal supplements and other natural remedies that have been used in traditional Eastern and African cultures to treat erection problems. But many of them haven’t been scientifically tested or studied rigorously. This doesn’t automatically mean they’re bad, but that you should learn what is known about them before trying them. You should also educate yourself about potential interactions with other medications you take, and be aware that when it comes to herbs and supplements, the concentration of the active ingredient can change from product to product and sometimes from batch to batch if quality controls aren’t in place.
The Mayo Clinic has put together a list of herbs and supplements sometimes used to address ED, along with what’s known about their effectiveness, their safety, potential side effects, and how they work. They have also included helpful information about whether they interact with prescription medications for ED like Viagra. Mixing herbs with prescription drugs can be risky, so it’s important to know what you’re doing. Four supplements that have been studied in people, that appear to have a positive effect, and that are generally considered safe are:
• DHEA – Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is sometimes taken by women to increase sex drive, and it is reported to help ED in men. At low doses, DHEA appears safe, though it can cause acne.
• L-arginine – may improve ED at high doses by stimulating blood vessels to relax and open wider. But it can cause nausea and indigestion and you should not take it with Viagra or similar drugs.
• Ginseng – Panax ginseng was shown in one study to improve sexual function in men with ED. It appears safe for short term use, but can cause insomnia.
• Propionyl-L-carnitine – can be taken along with Viagra and may improve results. It is considered safe when it’s used under medical supervision.
Risky Herbs and Supplements That May Help with ED
You may have read about a product derived from African tree bark called yohimbe. It is sometimes used to treat ED that’s associated with taking drugs for depression. The problem with yohimbe is that it’s associated with risky side effects, like higher blood pressure, accelerated heart rate, and anxiety. Therefore, you shouldn’t try it except under medical supervision.
Ginkgo appears to have the potential to increase penile blood flow, but there’s no evidence that it actually helps. Plus, it can increase the risk of bleeding.
Horny goat weed leaves have been used to improve sexual function, but it hasn’t been scientifically studied in humans. Additionally, horny goat weed is suspected of affecting cardiac function, so the risks probably outweigh potential benefits.
Here’s Why You Should Stay Away from “Herbal Viagra”
Chances are you have run across products claiming to be “Herbal Viagra” or “All Natural Viagra” either online or perhaps in convenience stores. Doctors recommend that you avoid these products, because some have been tested and found to be straight-up harmful. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned many of the products, though that doesn’t stop scam artists from persisting in their chicanery.
The main problem with many “Herbal Viagra” products is that they’ve been tested and sometimes contain versions of the active ingredients found in actual prescription ED medications like Viagra. But there’s no way of knowing what dosage these active ingredients are present in, no way of knowing the purity conditions under which they were produced, and if you should take one of these products along with a prescription ED medication, you could put yourself at serious risk of a dangerous drop in blood pressure. If you see these products on store shelves or online, it’s a good bet they’re only there because the FDA hasn’t had a chance to pull them yet.
Lifestyle Treatments That Benefit Men with ED
This is not to say that prescription drugs are the only way to treat ED. Far from it. In fact, many doctors who regularly treat men with ED recommend non-drug “treatments” related to lifestyle changes. For example, quitting smoking can improve erectile function, and if the condition of your heart and lungs isn’t enough to get you to quit, perhaps the opportunity for better sex will be. The same thing is true for the “couch surfing” lifestyle. Getting up and getting some physical activity isn’t just good for your heart, lungs, brain, and muscles, it can improve circulation to your sex organs as well.
The typical American diet also comes in for criticism from doctors who regularly treat ED. High cholesterol, too much sugar, trans fats, and insufficient fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber are common in the diets of men who have ED. And in addition to possibly improving sexual function, a healthy diet tends to make you feel better in general, and that can’t be bad for your sex life.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that a product claiming to be “herbal” or “natural” is automatically safer than a prescription drug. With prescription drugs, the risks and benefits are well-studied and extensively measured. Viagra has been around since 1998 and has been prescribed tens of millions of times, and its safety profile is well-known. While there are some men who are not appropriate candidates for Viagra and its competitors (including men who take nitrates for heart problems), the fact is, most men can safely take the drug. Combined with positive lifestyle changes, the results can be dramatic.
Your Doctor’s Not Being Difficult by Recommending Diet and Exercise
Don’t think that your doctor is being difficult or trying to avoid prescribing you Viagra if he or she talks about diet, exercise, diabetes, and smoking with you in relation to your erection problems. Lifestyle factors can and do make a noticeable difference in overall well-being and sexual well-being, and such changes can help ensure that the prescription drugs you take work as well as possible.
eDrugstore.com has been working with US-licensed pharmacists to dispense lifestyle medications like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra for nearly two decades. We’re concerned about customer lifestyles and strive for excellence with every customer interaction. We encourage you to learn more about erectile dysfunction and how your lifestyle choices affect sexual function. You can take more control over your sexual health by equipping yourself with accurate information.
We specialize in providing our over 1,000,000 customers with relevant product and condition information created by our professional editorial staff which includes our team of medical writers, medical practitioners, and health educators. eDrugStore.com Staff on Facebook