Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which a man is unable to achieve and keep an erection for sex. If you are having difficulties with your erection once in a while, it is not really something that should be worried so much about. However, if the problem occurs frequently and is an ongoing event, and has caused a ton of stress, anxiety, and relationship conflicts, it has to be addressed as soon as possible. Erectile dysfunction can sometimes also be a sign of some underlying health condition that requires immediate treatment.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

The inability to get and keep an erection can be caused by physical issues, psychological issues, or both. In men, sex drive or libido is influenced by the brain, emotions, hormones, nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and even mental health. If any of these is not working right, sexual arousal may be negatively impacted, leading to erectile dysfunction and other sexual health concerns.

Some common causes of erectile dysfunction are as follows:

Stress

If you are stressed, your body produces more cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone. As a result, your testosterone levels go down, and you experience a decline in libido, making erections difficult to achieve and sustain.

Alcoholism

If you drink too much alcohol, you are not only causing damage to your liver, heart, brain, and other vital organs, but also to your sexual and reproductive system. The compounds contained in alcohol can impair your testosterone production, lower your sperm count, and give you trouble with your erections.

Drug abuse

If you use recreational, illegal, or prohibited drugs, you are increasing your risk of cardiovascular and brain problems, as well as sexual health issues, including erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, and infertility.

High blood pressure

If you have high blood pressure, meaning the force of the blood flowing through your blood vessels are too high, your odds of suffering from a heart attack, stroke, and other diseases are high. You are also prone to having erectile issues and other sexual health concerns.

High cholesterol

If you have high cholesterol, meaning there is too much fat in your body, you are a prime victim for clogged arteries, heart attack, stroke, and other complications. You also have a high risk of erectile dysfunction.

Other diseases that can potentially cause erectile dysfunction are multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Peyronie’s disease, metabolic syndrome, and prostate cancer.

What are the risk factors of erectile dysfunction?

Any man can get erectile dysfunction, but some are more likely to be affected by it due to certain risk factors, such as:

• Being overweight or obese – Packing extra weight or fat is not good for the heart, brain, kidneys, and others, as well as sexual health.
• Injuries – Injuries that cause damage to the arteries or nerves in and around the penis that can disrupt blood flow can lead to erectile dysfunction.
• Prescription medications – Some prescription medications, such as antihistamines and antidepressants, may contain substances that can negatively affect your erections.
• Mental health – Having depression or anxiety may contribute to erectile dysfunction.
• Medical treatments – Certain treatment methods, such as radiation therapy for prostate or testicular cancer, may cause damage to the nerves and result to erectile issues.

What foods can you eat to help treat erectile dysfunction?

What you eat is vital to your sexual health. There are foods that contain essential nutrients that can immensely improve your erectile function and give you many satisfying moments in the bedroom. The next time you go grocery shopping, make sure to get the following:

Spinach

Spinach is a green, leafy vegetable loaded with magnesium, a nutrient that can reduce inflammation in the blood vessels and enhance blood circulation. With better blood flow, more blood is driven to your penis, increasing your sexual arousal and helping you get and sustain firm and long-lasting erections.

Bananas

Bananas are overflowing with potassium, which is an essential nutrient that helps keep your heart healthy and strong. With a heart that is in excellent condition, blood circulation in the body is improved and blood flow to the extremities, including the penis, is also increased.

Watermelon

Watermelon is a great source of L-citrulline, which is a type of amino acid that can help improve sexual health. Once L-citrulline finds its way inside the body, it is converted to L-arginine, a compound that facilitates the production of more nitric oxide, resulting to increased blood flow to the penis. With more blood reaching the penis, your erections will become firmer and longer lasting.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are known for their high antioxidant concentrations, which help in reducing heart disease, cancer, and other health problems. If you eat at least 10 servings of tomatoes a week, you can lower your risk of prostate cancer by as much as 18%. You can also boost your sperm count, sperm quality, and erections for greater sexual pleasure.

Ginger

Ginger contains loads of essential vitamins and minerals, including zinc, magnesium, folate, and vitamin B6, which are all vital to heart health and sexual function. A study found that intake of even just a teaspoon of ginger three or four times a week can boost testosterone levels, increase libido or sex drive, and strengthen erections.

Green tea

Green tea is a nutritious drink that can supply your body with high levels of a compound known as catechins, which can help in your metabolism, fat burning, and blood circulation. Regular consumption of green tea can eliminate free radicals that harm your blood vessels, resulting to improved blood flow to your penis and other body parts.

Cherries

Cherries are rich in anthocyanins, which are essential for keeping your arteries clean and clear, removing plaques and other deposits that can disrupt blood circulation. They can help lower your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other health problems. Moreover, if blood can flow freely to your penis, you should not have trouble getting erections.

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