Erectile Dysfunction

Many men who experience erectile dysfunction turn to an ED medication almost immediately, without considering that they may have an underlying condition that may be causing the issue.

Most of the conditions that cause ED are issues that restrict proper bloodflow, resulting in a stall when it's time to perform. If you're experiencing some of the early symptoms of ED, it may, however, be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of your impotence troubles

If It's Not ED, What Is It?

There are numerous reasons, both physical and mental, that can explain trouble achieving and maintaining an erection. Here are some of the most common:

Physical

Many of the diseases associated with overweight individuals can also restrict blood flow, including high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol and a condition called atherosclerosis, in which fatty material builds up on the walls of the arteries. Most commonly, these conditions are known to lead to more serious responses such as heart attacks and strokes, but it isn't uncommon for this inefficient blood flow to affect your ability to get an erection.

Other physical conditions that can lead to symptoms of ED are Peyronie's disease, a build up of scar tissue that causes a bend in the penis, MS, Parkinson's disease and drug and alcohol abuse can dull your ability to get an erection as well.

Mental

There are also several psychological barriers to sexual performance, including anxiety and depression, stress in life or in the relationship and poor communication. Many psychological conditions and their associated medications can affect your sex drive, which can make you believe that you have ED.

Erection-Friendly Lifestyle Choices Can Be the Answer

Before you run to your doctor for a prescription, discuss with them the other factors that may be affecting your erection. In many cases, some simple lifestyle changes can improve the issue drastically.

Here are some examples of positive lifestyle choices for your erectile function:

Watch What You Eat

Eating a heart-healthy diet can start you on a path to a better sex life and more potent erection. This includes more fruits, vegetables and lean protein, and fewer fatty meats, processed foods, sugar and other excess carbohydrates.

The Mediterranean Diet is often touted as one of the healthiest diets for heart health, due to its tenet being based around the promotion of healthy fats and oils, cutting sodium and eating more lean proteins and vegetables.

Try to Lose Weight

Who among us isn't carrying a few extra pounds? Get active in a way that works for you; this may include joining a gym, walking during your lunch breaks or hiring a personal trainer to help you on your mission.

Diet and exercise in combination are the only surefire way to make sure you aren't letting body fat restrict the blood flow throughout your entire system.

Bring Down Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

High blood pressure and high (bad) cholesterol levels can restrict erectile function. Both conditions can be remedied with medication, however, they are also affected positively by eating a diet that's lower and fat, cholesterol and sodium.

Stop Smoking and Cut Back on Drinking

We've all seen the PSAs: smoking is bad for your cardiovascular health. Aside from non-smokers simply being healthier overall, cardiovascular health is tied to efficient circulatory function, which, as we've established already can do bad things to your erection.

Similarly, people often report trouble with erections after heavy drinking. Limiting alcohol intake can have a huge effect on the ease of achieving and maintaining an erection when you need one.

Treatment Options

Maybe you're a picture of good health— normal blood pressure, healthy weight, stable psychological health and a healthy relationship— and you're still having problems getting it up. Your doctor will probably run a battery of tests to make sure you're in good shape and as healthy as you appear, but if it truly is ED, there are a number of treatment options available.

There are the popular drugs for impotence, including Viagra, Levitra and Cialis, as well more extreme and less proven methods such as the use of a penis pump, penile implants, herbal remedies and an endless array of other homeopathic treatments to cure your sexual dysfunction.