Beyond Prescriptions: 4 Other Treatments For ED
Erectile dysfunction, or ED, can have profound effects not only on your sex life, but also on your self-esteem. If you've been suffering silently, you may assume that prescription medications are the only effective treatment option. This is not the case. If you're not quite ready to turn to prescription drugs, there are a few more approachable remedies you can try.
Ginseng
Ginseng is an herb that is really common in Chinese medicine. Many men find that it increases their libido and helps ease symptoms of erectile dysfunction. It is thought that ginseng works by improving blood flow, including the blood flow to your genitals. For best results, you'll need to take a supplement daily. A dose of about 1,000 mg taken twice a day with food works well for most men, and capsules are readily available in most health food stores.
DHEA
DHEA is a hormone that your body makes naturally. As you grow older, you may not make enough of it, which can contribute to your erectile dysfunction. If you take DHEA supplements, your body will convert some of the DHEA to testosterone, which should help ease the symptoms of ED and low sex drive. Since DHEA does affect your hormone levels, you should consult with your doctor before taking it. They may want to administer a blood test and monitor your testosterone levels.
Acupuncture
Some cases of ED are closely related to stress and depression. If you are under the age of 40, there is an even greater chance that your ED is stress-related. In this case, acupuncture is very likely to give you some relief. Your acupuncturist can insert needles at certain pressure points in your body, redirecting the flow of energy through your body and helping to relax you. As your stress levels drop, your ED symptoms may become less prominent.
Zinc Supplements
Not all men who suffer from ED experience improvement when they take zinc supplements. However, if you are deficient in zinc, it could be contributing to your ED, and taking zinc supplements could help restore your libido. Taking a multivitamin that contains zinc is a good choice. There are also zinc lozenges that you can suck on throughout the day. Just make sure you do not exceed the maximum safe dose of 40 mg per day for adults.
To learn more about these and other ED treatments, talk with a treatment professional at an ED clinic