Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects more than 30 million men in the U.S. alone. The risk of developing this condition increases with age. Certain lifestyle factors, such as stress and smoking, may play a role, too.
ED treatment depends on your age and overall health. You also need to consider the root cause of your symptoms. For example, if you’re having ED due to hormonal imbalances, then you should address those first.
Men with mild ED symptoms may respond to OTC drugs and natural supplements. Generally, it’s best to see a doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen.
Interested to find out more? Here’s what you should know about the most effective ED treatment options out there!
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Do Natural Remedies Work?
Red ginseng, yohimbe, pomegranate juice, and other natural remedies are said to improve ED symptoms, but can you trust these claims?
Some studies suggest that herbal remedies may help, but there’s enough evidence to confirm their efficiency.
Panax ginseng, for example, has been shown to improve sexual function in men with ED. In clinical trials, it was more effective than placebo. However, most studies were small and of short duration.
A more effective approach is to change your diet and lifestyle habits. Good nutrition combined with regular exercise, especially strength training, can make all the difference.
Physical activity improves blood flow and stimulates the production of nitric oxide. At the same time, it makes it easier to lose excess weight and build lean mass. These factors have a positive impact on sexual function.
Over-the-Counter Drugs May Not Be Safe
Most men think about Viagra and other similar drugs when it comes to the best ED treatment. Unfortunately, these products only have temporary effects and carry serious health risks.
Viagra, for example, is a brand-name version of sildenafil. In the United Kingdom and other countries, it’s available without a prescription. However, it’s possible to buy over-the-counter Viagra in the U.S., too—though it’s not legal.
Clinical research shows that it may improve erections by increasing blood flow to the erectile tissue. Its effects last for about four hours, depending on the dosage used.
The downside is that its potential side effects often outweigh the benefits.
Sildenafil may cause cardiovascular problems, headaches, insomnia, flushing, back pain, and other adverse reactions. In severe cases, it may lead to a heart attack or vision loss. Allergic reactions are common, too.
OTC drugs containing l-arginine, DHEA, and propionyl-L-carnitine are generally safe when used in appropriate doses, but more research is needed to confirm their efficacy.
Should You Take Prescription Drugs for ED Treatment?
Prescription drugs are often more effective than OTC medications. The TriMix injection, for example, is often recommended to those who experience side effects from sildenafil, tadalafil, and other medicines.
Note that prescription medications are not necessarily safe.
A good example is tadalafil or Cialis. Much like Viagra, this drug may cause vision loss, painful erections, heart attacks, flushing, and other symptoms.
Make an Informed Decision
Choosing the right ED treatment isn’t easy. Natural remedies may work when used as part of a balanced diet and workout plan. OTC drugs carry potential risks, while prescription drugs are only recommended in severe cases.
The best thing you can do is to see a doctor. Depending on your needs, he may recommend lifestyle changes and natural supplements. If you don’t notice any improvements, your healthcare provider may prescribe TriMix or other medicines.
You can also reach out to the best digital healthcare platforms like Numan, where a team of health experts and clinicians would provide you with the right guidance regarding medication. You can check out their official site to know more about it.
Looking for other health tips? Browse the rest of our blog! We’ll show you how functional medicine works, how to stay sober, and more!