Erectile dysfunction can be related to a number of medical conditions, psychological disorders, and even medication side effects. It can be a permanent condition or may only last for a short period of time. Your erectile dysfunction doctor will develop a treatment plan for your ED based on the cause. Here are some lifestyle changes your physician may recommend to help augment your ED treatment.
Lose Weight
Obesity can cause erectile dysfunction because it can cause poor circulation, high blood pressure, and renal problems, which are health conditions that have been linked to ED. Even losing a few pounds can help enhance circulation and promote blood flow to the penile area.
The erectile dysfunction clinic physician may prescribe a medication known as sildenafil, which is in a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase inhibitors. These drugs relax smooth muscle tissue inside the blood vessel walls, which increase blood flow to the genital area in men.
The combination of both weight loss and sildenafil may be more effective in treating erectile dysfunction, however, your physician may recommend that you try losing weight first before he or she prescribes medications. While effective in treating ED, phosphodiesterase inhibitors can cause side effects such as headache, chest pain, shortness of breath. hearing loss, low blood pressure, and vision abnormalities.
Limit Alcohol Intake
Drinking too much alcohol is one of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction. Not only is alcohol a depressant, but it can also slow blood flow to the vessels of the male genitalia. Another reason why excessive alcohol intake can raise the risk for ED is that it can cause dehydration.
When you become dehydrated, your body's production of a hormone known as angiotensin increases. Elevated angiotensin levels are associated with erectile dysfunction. In addition, heavy drinking can lead to liver disorders, hypertension, and blood vessel abnormalities, all of which have been linked to a higher incidence of erectile dysfunction. If you are struggling with alcohol abuse, talk to your doctor. Quitting or limiting your intake of alcohol may not only help treat your erectile dysfunction, but it may also have a positive effect on your overall health.
If you have erectile dysfunction, make an appointment with your physician for a comprehensive physical examination. In addition to a physical examination, your doctor may also order blood flow tests of your veins and arteries to evaluate your circulation and blood flow to the penile area.
For more information, contact companies such as Metro Men's Health.
