Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence is a condition, wherein men face difficulties in getting or maintaining erections. It is quite common among men regardless of age. Those having ED, experience trouble with their erection function, which is why they may consider using prescription and non-prescription or OTC drugs for alleviating their erection difficulties. However, such drugs can give rise to several side effects that can be mild to serious impact and therefore, these drugs potentiate the risk of adverse effects on the health due to serious side effects.
Fortunately, there are indeed some natural remedial solutions such as supplements that can provide relief from erection difficulties with minimal or without side effects. Given below are some natural remedies according to the Mayo Clinic website that can be helpful in managing the symptoms of ED:
Studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health have shown that DHEA can be helpful in relieving the symptoms of ED and increasing the sex drive or libido in males. DHEA is a hormone that triggers the release of testosterone and estrogen, which are the sex hormones that control sexual function.
DHEA is produced naturally by the body and it is generally at its peak during early adulthood and as men get older, its levels begin to decline. As a result, the sexual response gets impacted. However, if you take the DHEA supplements, your sexual function will get a boost. Correspondingly, your erection function might improve and sex drive or libido might increase as well.
Some studies have shown that high doses of L-arginine can treat erectile dysfunction symptoms by increasing the flow of blood inside the penile blood vessels. Blood flow is necessary for a healthy erection function, as the erection sustains when the blood gets trapped under high pressure inside the penile.
L-arginine is an amino acid, which is converted by the body into nitric oxide (NO). L-arginine is a biological precursor of NO, which is a neurotransmitter chemical that has an essential role in erection function. Nitric oxide increases muscle relaxation of the blood vessels and expands the blood vessels to allow more blood flow inside. When the blood flow inside the penile increases, it triggers stronger erections.
According to some studies, a combination of Propionyl-L-carnitine and Sildenafil drug (Viagra) can offer better results than Sildenafil alone. Propionyl-L-carnitine can improve the performance of Viagra pills and help restore erection function. But make sure you ask your healthcare provider before using such a combination of drugs because their interaction can give rise to side effects.
Also known as Panax ginseng, these supplements come in the form of pills and creams that can restore healthy sexual function. Not only do these supplements treat erectile dysfunction, but also premature ejaculation (PE). It also helps with fertility issues.
Ginseng stimulates the release of nitric oxide in the inner walls of the blood vessels, which helps relieve muscle tensions, thereby increasing relaxation. Relaxation allows the blood vessels of the penile to expand and allow more blood flow inside. This is how it can be beneficial for treating mild to moderate forms of ED issues.
Yohimbe is an extract of an African tree bark, which has similar properties as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that are used for treating depression. It is a natural aphrodisiac that can boost sexual desire and improve sexual function. One must never use these supplements without a doctor’s prescription, as they can cause some serious side effects. These supplements are not suitable for all, which is why a doctor’s supervision is necessary.
As per some studies, Horny goat weed, also known as Epimedium grandiflorum, resolves fertility issues and can treat erectile dysfunction that has resulted because of nerve injury. These supplements can cause some side effects, and therefore, it is not safe to use them without a doctor’s prescription.
All these are natural remedies for managing erectile dysfunction. However, they lack FDA approval, which makes them unsafe for consumption. Apart from that, there is not much research done regarding their side effects, they are still unknown. They are available over the counter. And just because they are unregulated, there is a high possibility that they might contain undisclosed ingredients too, which can prove to be hazardous for health.
Besides, you must get yourself acquainted with their adverse effects due to unsafe interactions. Therefore, it is wise to talk to your healthcare provider before you consider any of these supplements for improving your erection function.
