Men’s Health Month: Understanding Erectile Dysfunction
By Bahar Mahmoudi
Bahar is an International Pharmacy Graduate, Iridologist, holds a diploma in nutrition, and is a Natural Health Practitioner at Nature’s Emporium – Newmarket!
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Men will occasionally have a challenging time achieving an erection, and such occurrences are considered normal. Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when a man is never able to achieve an erection, achieves erection briefly but not long enough for intercourse or achieves effective erection inconsistently.
Facts about Erectile Dysfunction
- The incidence of ED is estimated to be one in every five men
- ED is a vastly under-reported problem
- Age: Occurrence of ED by age is estimated at the following:
- 2% of men in their 40s
- 25% of men in their 60s
- 89% of men in their 80s
Common causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Blood vessel disorders
Atherosclerosis may partially block blood flow to the legs (peripheral vascular disease). Usually, arteries to the genitals are also blocked, decreasing the amount of blood flow to the genitals and causing ED. Diabetes, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and smoking contribute to atherosclerosis and therefore to Erectile Dysfunction.
Nerve disorders
Ifthe nerves sending messages to the genitals are damaged, ED can occur. In addition to causing atherosclerosis, diabetes can also affect the nerves that supply the genitals. Because nerves to the genitals run along the prostate gland, prostate surgery (such as for cancer or an enlarged prostate) often causes ED.
Use of Medications
Erectile Dysfunction may be the side effect of medications such as antihypertensives, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines, nicotine, alcohol, and others.
Treating Erectile Dysfunction with Supplements
Nature’s sunshine Arginine plus
Helps support healthy cardiovascular function, maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It improves erectile dysfunction by stimulating blood vessels to open wider for improved blood flow. (Don’t take L-arginine with Viagra).
Pure Encapsulation Panax Ginseng
Improves sexual function in men with ED.
Douglas lab Opti Zinc
Zinc monomethionine is absorbed and retained better than many other forms of zinc. A male who has a zinc deficiency is more likely to have erectile dysfunction symptoms.
A. Vogel’s Gingko Biloba
Has potential to increase blood flow to the genitals.
Dymatize Acetyl-L-Carnitine
This amino acid may improve erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes who had not previously responded to Viagra.
Nature’s way Horny goat weed
Substances in the leaves of this herb have been used to improve sexual performance and relieve symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction.
Organika Pycnogenol
This is one of several supplements that have good evidence for its ability to improve erectile dysfunction by boosting Nitric Oxide as well as supporting for better blood flow to the genitals.
Douglas lab Testo-Gain
This is a unique formula useful for every man who is wishing to support healthy testosterone function.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Nature’s Emporium, its employees, its partners or its representatives. The opinions expressed in this article are intended to be used solely for educational purposes and are not intended to be used for the diagnosis, or treatment, of any disease or health condition. Please consult your primary health care practitioner at the first sign of illness!