Is there a home remedy for erectile dysfunction?

You can purchase many home remedies online or in-store to manage ED symptoms, including physical devices, herbal remedies, and supplements.

However, it is important to consider discussing natural remedies and supplements with a doctor or healthcare professional, as they may not suit your needs. They can also recommend prescription medication that could effectively manage symptoms.

Natural remedies

Below, we look at some natural remedies for ED.

L-arginine

L-arginine is an amino acid that occurs naturally in fish, poultry, red meat, and dairy products.

Your body uses L-arginine to create proteins and produce nitric oxide (NO). This plays an important role in erectile function. This is because it helps blood vessels relax, allowing more oxygenated blood to circulate throughout your arteries — healthy blood flow to the penis is necessary for an erection.

A 2019 systemic review looked into the effect of arginine supplements on 540 participants with ED. Researchers reported that doses of arginine supplements ranging from 1,500–5,000 milligrams (mg) effectively improved mild to moderate ED.

Propionyl-L-carnitine

Propionyl-L-carnitine is a natural chemical in the body. It consists of two compounds: L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine. It helps the body produce energy and is essential for heart function and muscle movement.

An older 2012 study looked at the effects of propionyl-L-carnitine on ED. Participants took propionyl-L-carnitine and niacin for 3 months, which saw positive cardiovascular effects that may reflect on male sexual function. However, it is unclear whether the positive effects are due to propionyl-L-carnitine, niacin, or both.

The study concluded that 40% of participants had improved erections, and 77% had partial improvements.

Dehydroepiandrosterone

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone your body naturally produces in the adrenal gland. It also helps produce other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.

A 2018 review showed that oral DHEA treatment is not only beneficial to age-related ED, but also increases:

• serum testosterone levels
• libido (sexual desire)
• sexual activity
• sexual satisfaction

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Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba may effectively treat ED as it may increase blood NO levels. In turn, this could improve circulation.

However, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), there is no conclusive evidence that ginkgo biloba is helpful for any health condition.

Additionally, multiple studies into the effectiveness of ginkgo biloba in treating ED have shown it to be only as effective as a placebo.

Ginseng

Red ginseng is one of the most widely used supplements in sexual medicine due to its muscle-relaxing effects. A 2021 review looked at the effectiveness of red ginseng on men with ED.

The researchers concluded that ED symptoms improved according to the International Index of Erectile Function – Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) — a questionnaire participants completed to measure various forms of sexual function.

The study also discovered that premature ejaculation decreased and sexual performance improved.

Additionally, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), taking 900 mg of red ginseng three times a day may also improve ED symptoms.

Yohimbine

Yohimbine comes from the bark of the Yohimbe tree (Corynanthe yohimbe). It is native to central and western Africa. People traditionally use Yohimbine as an aphrodisiac to help sexual performance and ED.

However, according to the NCCIH, there is not enough scientific evidence to say whether yohimbe is helpful for ED or any other condition. Additionally, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate these products in the same way as prescription drugs, it is not always possible to get reliable dosage information.

Yohimgine also has some potential adverse effects, including:

• prescription medication interactions
• heart conditions, including heart attack
• seizures
• rapid heartbeat
• anxiety
• high blood pressure

Horny goat weed

Horny goat weed contains chemicals that may help increase blood flow and improve ED.

Studies show that icariin, a chemical compound in horny goat weed, inhibits a protein linked with ED called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). These inhibitors widen the blood vessels and increase blood flow to the penis.

A 2021 systematic review reports that horny goat weed is one of the most common ingredients in ED supplements, but this does not make conclusions on its effectiveness.

However, clinical studies on the efficacy of horny goat weed in treating ED are lacking, and more studies are necessary to confirm the results.

Home remedies for ED

The following home remedies may help you manage ED as well as improve your overall health and sex life.

Regular exercise

Regular exercise can have many benefits for ED. It can improve blood pressure, blood flow, mood, stamina, and overall health.

A 2018 systematic review investigating how physical activity could improve ED reported that regular weekly exercise of 160 minutes for 6 months can decrease erectile issues caused by physical inactivity, obesity, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease.

A balanced diet and weight management

Making changes to your diet may benefit ED and reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, and clogged arteries, which are all ED risk factors.

A 2018 study found that people can improve ED symptoms if they consume a high amount of flavones found in fruits and vegetables.

Reduce smoking and alcohol intake

Smoking is a major risk factor for ED as it can reduce blood flow to the penis. In addition, consuming large quantities of alcohol can also have a detrimental effect on erectile function.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines heavy drinking as four alcoholic drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks per week for men and three drinks on any day or more than seven drinks per week for women.

Reduce stress

Stressors such as health, work, finances, and relationships, alongside anxiety, are significant triggers for ED. Therefore, recognizing and trying to avoid stressful situations can have a significant effect.

A 2022 study looked at relaxation techniques and found that treatments such as box breathing, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation effectively reduced stress.

ED devices

Various devices can help people achieve and maintain an erection. These include:

Vacuum pumps

People often refer to these as penis pumps.

They are mechanical devices that help increase blood flow to the penis, creating an erection. They can be handpowered or electronic, creating a vacuum around the penis to get the desired effect.

Penis rings

These are also known as ED rings that you place around the base of the penis during sex to prevent blood from escaping. They may make erections more firm, larger, and longer lasting.

Penis rings are typically loops of flexible, elastic material with a quick-release mechanism to loosen the device.

Penis sleeves

Penis sleeves are hollow support devices worn over the penis during sex. They help prolong an erection and allow for continued intercourse after ejaculation.

As the sleeve remains firm, it can make it easier to have sex even if your penis is not fully erect. Some penis sleeves feature internal and external ribs and length extensions that may make sex more pleasurable.

Natural ED remedies and safety

Some scientific evidence may support the effectiveness of some natural remedies to treat ED, most of which are available over the counter (OTC).

However, there are very few studies on their safety, and the FDA does not recommend using OTC products for ED because it does not regulate supplements and remedies for safety or efficacy.

Although these products can often be more cost-effective than prescription drugs, some products may contain undisclosed ingredients or have inaccurately labeled dosage information.

They may also interact with any medication you are currently taking.

Medications for ED

In addition to home remedies, natural remedies, and devices for ED, you can also take ED medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

They work by causing your blood vessels to relax, increasing blood flow to your penis.

These drugs have FDA approval and are available by prescription only:

• sildenafil (Viagra)
• avanafil (Stendra)
• tadalafil (Cialis)
• vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)

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When to contact a doctor

ED may cause feelings of embarrassment or guilt and may cause low self-esteem. However, it is a common condition that affects around 30 million men.

Contact your doctor as soon as you start to feel concerned about your sexual health and performance, especially if it affects your relationship. Reassuringly, doctors and healthcare professionals successfully treat around 95% of people with ED.

A wide range of factors can cause ED, and a doctor can rule out any health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, low testosterone levels, or mental health conditions that may be affecting your sexual performance.

Summary

There are many things you can try at home to help treat ED symptoms. These include natural remedies, home remedies, and devices.

The FDA has not approved any OTC ED medications so consider speaking with your doctor before trying any OTC products to make sure you are safe from any potential adverse reactions.

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