Erectile dysfunction basics

Erectile dysfunction (ED), the inability to maintain an erection, is a problem that occurs in many men for many reasons. It’s often caused by physical conditions such asheart disease,diabetes,obesity, andlow testosterone. Other causes may include psychological issues, blood flow problems, hormonal fluctuations, and nerve damage.

Treating ED with medicationslike sildenafil (Viagra) isn’t your only option. Instead, there are exercises you can do.

A study from the University of the West in the United Kingdom found that pelvic exercises helped 40 percent of men with ED regain normal erectile function. They also helped an additional 33.5 percent significantly improve erectile function. Additional research suggests pelvic muscle training may be helpful for treating ED as well as other pelvic health issues.

Pelvic floor exercises improve the strength of the pelvic floor muscles. These exercises are more commonly known asKegel exercises. Women perform Kegels in preparation for and to regain muscle tone after childbirth. Kegels also promote urinary continence and sexual health.

Kegel exercises can benefit menas well. In particular, they help to strengthen the bulbocavernosus muscle. This important muscle does three jobs: It allows the penis to engorge with blood during erection, it pumps during ejaculation, and it helps empty the urethra after urination.

The best method for locating the muscles of the pelvic floor (the lower pelvis) is to stop your stream several times in the middle of urination. The muscles you clench to do this are the ones you need to exercise.

To perform a rep of Kegel exercises, squeeze those muscles, hold for five seconds, then relax. Repeat this 10 to 20 times, two or three times a day. You may want to try this in different positions, including lying down with your knees up, sitting in a chair, and standing.

You probably won’t be able to finish a complete series of 10 Kegels when you first try. That’s fine. Do what you can, and eventually work up to 10 to 20 Kegels, three times a day.

Don’t hold your breath or push with your stomach, buttocks, or thigh muscles. Remember to relax after each count of five. Alternate between short and long squeezes to challenge yourself.

Another way to think about Kegels is to squeeze the muscles of your anus, like you are holding a bowel movement. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds while breathing, then relax all muscles.

Pelvic floor exercises help to relieve erectile dysfunction. They can also help:

Working the muscles beyond the pelvic floor may also help combat erectile dysfunction. A study published inThe American Journal of Cardiologyindicates that aerobic exercise may help improve ED.

ED is often caused by blood flow problems to the penis. Obesity, diabetes,high cholesterol, and vascular disease can affect blood flow and result in ED. Adding aerobic exercise to your routine can improve your overall health and may lead to improvements in ED.

Even brisk walking 30 minutes a day, three to four times a week, may be enough to change your cardiovascular health and impact your ED.

There are a lot of websites advertising miracles with a particular exercise technique or herbal supplement. Don’t fall for these. Although ED can be stressful and difficult to talk about, there are safe, proven methods for dealing with ED.

Pelvic floor exercises and aerobic exercises are a great first step in dealing with ED. Chances are, you’ll see improvements without having to take ED medications. Drugs like sildenafil can prevent you from dealing with the underlying health issues that caused ED. According toMayo Clinic, ED might be an early sign of heart problems.

Also, you may have a condition that makes ED medications unsafe to take. For example, you shouldn’t take many ED medications if you have heart disease or are taking nitrate drugs or blood thinners. In these cases,penile pumps,implants, or blood vessel surgery may be options.

ED isn’t necessarily best treated by popping a pill. There are many methods for conquering ED and reclaiming your sex life that don’t involve medication. Simple pelvic floor exercises are a great place to start.

You can perform Kegel exercises anywhere, anytime. Put a note in your calendar if you have a hard time remembering.

Aerobic exercise improves your overall cardiovascular health, which has a direct impact on your ability to achieve and maintain an erection.

Dealing with the underlying cause of ED is a much more effective way to improve your sexual health. Talk with your doctor about your ED to find out which treatment methods are right for you.