Erectile dysfunction treatment helps a lot more than your love life. It can impact your overall health in very positive ways. Let’s look at lifestyle changes men can make to improve the quality of their erections and how those changes expand their overall wellness, too.
Nerves, Blood Flow and Mental Health
All three influence the ability to get and keep an erection sufficient for penetrative sex. Neurological problems, such as diabetic neuropathy and MS, or cardiovascular issues, such as peripheral artery disease and hypertension, contribute to erectile dysfunction. Somewhat surprisingly, mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or psychological stress from home or work can also contribute to ED. As such, men must do all they can to keep up their physical and mental health.
Improving Penile Function with Lifestyle Changes
Certain simple lifestyle changes can improve a man’s blood flow, nerve function and yes, mood and mental health. For instance, consuming a low-carbohydrate, low-animal fat diet which also is high in fiber and lean proteins helps avoid devastating systemic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease–both leading contributors to ED.
Besides eating heart-healthy foods, men (and their partners, too) should pursue the following beneficial habits.
Routine Aerobic Exercise
Walking for 30 minutes daily benefits the cardiovascular system, wards off diabetes, keeps the joints healthy and, yes, reduces the high cholesterol and blood sugar levels which decrease penile health and function. Exercise reduces stress, too.
Losing Excess Weight
In addition to shedding pounds, men must keep their waist sizes down. Staying trim improves personal appearance and reduces the incidence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, both major contributors to ED.
Stop Smoking and Limit Alcohol
Without cigarettes, you will feel better and lower your risk of various cancers and circulatory issues. Limiting alcohol improves your mood while drinking too much depresses the nervous system, causing poor libido and erectile dysfunction both for the short- and long-term.
Watch Your Numbers
Get an annual check-up with your primary care physician. Know your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels, and work with your PCP to bring them to healthy levels, as high levels contribute to circulatory issues and ED.
ED Treatment Near Me at Ironwood Urology
If your ability to achieve and keep an erection does not improve with healthier habits, then consult with your men’s health specialist about ED treatments. There are many available, including oral and injectable medications, penile implants, vacuum-assist devices and others. With a complete physical examination, including evaluation of blood flow to the penis, your urologist can determine the underlying causes of your ED and what treatments would be most effective for you.
At Ironwood Urology, board-certified men’s sexual health specialist, Dr. Desiderio Avila, will help you decide on the most effective course of treatment. He has helped numerous men feel–and perform–like themselves again.
So, please call us at (880) 961-2323 for an in-office consultation at one of our two locations: Phoenix and Gilbert, Arizona. Additionally, you can use our appointment request form here, and we will be in touch with you shortly.
