You spend a lot of money on doctors, medications, and therapies. But have you ever considered trying an over-the-counter drug to improve your sex life? In the United States, about 16 million men 50 years old and older experience some form of erectile dysfunction. That’s roughly 40% of the population.
While there are definitely many advantages to having your sex organs intact, there are also some drawbacks. Erectile dysfunction can cause many problems in a man’s life, including stress, depression, and a decreased quality of life. Fortunately, there are ways to treat it naturally and effectively. Many men are choosing to use over-the-counter supplements because they think it’s safe and easy to use. However, the truth is that there are still some significant side effects that you need to be aware of.
The Basics Of ED Therapy
The most basic tenet of ED therapy is trying to improve blood circulation to the penis. When blood vessels are stimulated, they relax, allowing more blood to flow into the organ and produce an erection. You can do this through a variety of methods, including sexual activity, eating foods that are high in fiber, or taking certain supplements. If you’re wondering which ED treatment to try, here are some of the basics:
- Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are all types of pills that help to improve blood circulation to the penis and may help an ED patient achieve an erection.
- Tadalafil is a prescription medication that improves blood circulation to the penis and is often considered the gold standard treatment for erectile dysfunction.
- Sildenafil and vardenafil are two similar generic forms of tadalafil that you can find in your local pharmacy.
- Xanax (generic for Xanax) and Valium (generic for Valium) are both highly effective at treating anxiety and are often added to ED therapy when comorbid mental health conditions are present.
- Coitus (Latin for “bed sport”) is another term for sexual activity and can be considered a form of therapy as well. Even if you don’t consider yourself physically capable of having sex right now, you may experience benefits from just trying it once or twice a month. Just remember: without proper care, you can develop a vulnerability to infection and other complications.
- Stroke prevention: Erectile dysfunction can also put you at a greater risk of having a stroke. Because the blood supply to the penis is limited, any obstacle that blocks or restricts blood flow increases your risk of having a stroke. This is why ED therapy calls for trying to improve the blood circulation to the organ as much as possible. Some methods of doing this are discussed above, but it’s also important to remember to stay hydrated and avoid tobacco use.
- Weight loss: When men lose weight, it frequently causes their penises to shrink. Since blood flows more freely in smaller vessels, this puts the patient at a greater risk of having a poor erection. Losing weight can also cause other complications, so it’s important to check with your doctor before trying this route.
- Pain relief: Many men with erectile dysfunction experience pain during erection. This is because the muscles in the penis that are used to produce an erection work very hard, causing them to become tense and tight. Once the erection is achieved, the muscles relax and the pain goes away. However, if this pain is not eliminated through therapy, it can become permanent and even cause additional problems.
- Mental stimulation: Some men with erectile dysfunction experience benefits from just thinking about sex. This can be very helpful, particularly if you’re unable to achieve an erection or if the anxiety over your inability to perform causes you to avoid situations that could potentially lead to having sex. This form of psychotherapy is called erotic therapy, and it may also be used along with other methods of therapy to achieve optimal results.
- Sober sex: Alcohol inhibits the enzyme that allows your body to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that gives you feelings of joy and bliss. However, when your body does not produce enough serotonin, you may experience symptoms of depression. You may also have trouble achieving an erection if you’re drinking alcohol. The good news is that once you get your serotonin levels back on track, you can have a great sexual experience even if you’re drinking. Just be sure to avoid doing so if you’re trying to achieve an erection for medical treatment.
- Other conditions: There are several other conditions that can cause erectile dysfunction. These include diabetes, cardiac problems, kidney disease, and Parkinson’s disease. If you’re experiencing any of these complications, it would be advisable to discuss them with your doctor before starting ED therapy.
What Are The Dangers Of ED Therapy?
Just like with any other drug or therapy, there are some risks associated with ED therapy. The most significant of these risks is the potential for side effects. Some of these side effects are extremely dangerous and can cause organ damage or even death. Others are more subtle and may not be life-threatening, but they can still cause significant problems. Here are some of the more common side effects of ED therapy: