Some people may use natural treatments, home remedies, or lifestyle changes to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). These include ginkgo biloba, ginseng, acupuncture, and yoga. However, medical treatments may be necessary to address an underlying cause.

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Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that refers to a recurrent inability to get or maintain an erection of sufficient rigidity and duration for sexual intercourse.

ED can be due to physical or psychological factors, such as problems with blood flow or anxiety over sexual performance.

It is not uncommon to experience problems with erections occasionally. However, if it happens routinely and disrupts a person’s life, they can try various treatments.

This article discusses the various ED treatment options, including natural remedies, alternative medicine, and prescription drugs. It also explores their risks.

ED happens when blood flow to the penis is limited. Determining its cause can help people find the most appropriate treatments.

In some cases, ED has a physical cause, such as a treatable health condition or circulation problem. Treating any underlying conditions will help. People can take steps to boost their circulation, such as doing regular exercise, quitting smoking if applicable, and making dietary changes.

A doctor may also recommend prescription ED drugs, such as sildenafil (Viagra).

ED can also happen due to stress, relationship factors, or emotional factors, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Mental health treatments and relationship counseling can help.

Some people also try natural or alternative treatments, including over-the-counter (OTC) pills, herbal remedies, and acupuncture.

It is important to understand the possible risks associated with ED treatments, especially natural remedies, which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved.

A person should speak with a doctor about treating ED.

While many natural remedies for ED are available in stores and online, none have received FDA approval.

The FDA does not recommend using OTC products for ED because no authorities regulate them for safety or effectiveness. These products often contain undisclosed ingredients, inappropriate doses of prescription drugs, or different doses of ingredients than the label suggests.

The Urology Care Foundation agrees, saying that although supplements are popular and often cheaper than prescription drugs, they are not guaranteed to be safe or effective.

There are very few studies on the safety of natural remedies for ED. Some remedies have side effects varying from mild to severe.

Furthermore, an older study investigating four popular herbal substances used for ED found that uncontrolled availability of potentially harmful substances was a cause for public health concern. The researchers concluded that extensive study and monitoring are necessary.

The following list looks at some common natural remedies that people use for ED:

L-arginine

L-arginine is an amino acid, which is a building block of protein. It is a vasodilator, meaning that it can help open up the blood vessels. In theory, this could increase blood flow to the penis and help produce an erection.

A study from 2017 reported that many people with ED had low L-arginine levels, which suggests the two may be linked.

However, scientific studies have not proven that taking L-arginine supplements can treat ED. More research is necessary before researchers know the safety and effectiveness of this remedy.

Side effects of L-arginine may include nausea, stomach cramps, low blood pressure, and increased blood sugar levels.

Propionyl-L-carnitine

An older 2004 study on men with ED and diabetes found that taking propionyl-L-carnitine alongside sildenafil could improve erectile function better than taking sildenafil alone.

That said, more studies are needed before researchers know the actual safety and effectiveness of this treatment.

Side effects are usually mild and can include a skin rash, nausea, diarrhea, and heartburn. This substance may not be safe for people with vascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or liver cirrhosis, among other conditions.

Dehydroepiandrosterone

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) helps create sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Natural DHEA levels decrease as a person gets older, which may cause a decrease in sexual function.

While some studies suggest that DHEA supplements could help with ED, while others have found no evidence of their benefit.

DHEA generally causes few side effects when people take it orally in recommended doses. Possible side effects can include fatigue, headaches, acne, and an irregular heartbeat.

Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba may increase blood flow to the penis, which could improve sexual desire and counter ED.

However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that there is no solid evidence that ginkgo is beneficial for any health condition.

Side effects of this supplement include headaches, dizziness, stomach upset, palpitations, and constipation.

It can also increase the risk of bleeding and may be dangerous for people taking blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), or those with other bleeding disorders.

Ginseng

Ginseng, or Panax ginseng, is a popular home remedy. Certain chemicals in this plant may promote the relaxation of the body’s smooth muscles, helping produce an erection.

A 2012 study suggested that ginseng berry extract could help treat mild to moderate ED, though more high-quality research is necessary to confirm this.

However, a more recent study concluded that ginseng might only have trivial effects on erectile function.

The most common side effect of ginseng is insomnia. Other side effects include increased heart rate, high or low blood pressure, and headaches.

Yohimbine

Yohimbine, the main component of an African tree’s bark, is a traditional aphrodisiac.

The NCCIH report that there is not enough evidence that yohimbine from tree bark can treat ED.

Yohimbine hydrochloride, a different form of yohimbine, is available as a prescription drug for ED. This is a different product than dietary supplements made from tree bark.

Studies have linked yohimbine with serious side effects, such as heart attack and seizures. Other side effects include stomach problems, anxiety, and high blood pressure.

Horny goat weed

Epimedium grandiflorum, also known as horny goat weed, is a traditional remedy for increasing fertility.

A 2010 study found that the active component of horny goat weed, icariin, may have positive effects if treating ED caused by nerve injury. However, researchers conducted this study on lab-grown nerve cells and rats with injured nerves.

This supplement is often well-tolerated, but there is not enough evidence to support its use. Side effects can include nausea and abdominal discomfort.

Certain activities or a lack of activity can affect ED. People who have not already adopted the following lifestyle or self-care measures may find that they improve the symptoms of ED:

Regular exercise

Exercise can benefit ED by improving blood pressure, blood flow, mood, and stamina. It is also an effective method for improving overall health.

A healthy diet

A healthy diet helps keep the circulatory system and the rest of the body healthy. Eating a varied, nutrient-rich diet reduces the risk of heart disease, clogged arteries, obesity, and diabetes, which are risk factors for ED.

Reduce smoking and alcohol intake

Smoking is a major risk factor for ED as it reduces blood flow to the penis. Drinking excess alcohol can also have an effect.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that males limit alcohol intake to two drinks per day and females limit theirs to one per day.

Reduce stress

Stress and anxiety can have a significant effect on sexual desire and erectile function. Common sources of stress include health, work, finances, and relationships.

Some people try alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and yoga, for ED. There are few studies available to support their effectiveness for the condition. However, they may help reduce stress, which could improve ED.

People may also benefit from the placebo effect. A 2009 study found that taking an oral placebo pill improved ED symptoms as much as taking an ED drug.

Prescription medications can increase blood flow to the penis. The four main FDA-approved drugs for ED are:

These drugs, known as PDE5 inhibitors, relax the muscles in the penis to enhance blood flow.

Side effects of prescription ED drugs can include:

Prescription ED drugs are not safe for everybody, including people with very low blood pressure, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or liver or kidney disease.

People who are taking nitrate-containing medications should also avoid these drugs.

A person’s psychology or emotional health can have a significant effect on sexual functioning, including ED.

This includes mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. Negative experiences in the past can also affect a person’s current sexual functioning.

Speaking with a mental health professional, such as a counselor or psychologist, can often help people overcome stresses and anxieties linked with sex, relationships, and other areas of life.

Various physical devices can also help people get and maintain an erection. For instance, vacuum devices are mechanical pumps that create an erection by drawing blood into the penis. Alternatively, people can try ED rings, which are bands that a person places around the base of their penis to maintain an erection.

A person should speak with a healthcare professional if they are experiencing ED on a regular basis.

If they would rather not speak with a doctor, people may wish to try home remedies, such as regular exercise, reducing alcohol intake, and avoiding smoking. They may also prefer to speak to a mental health professional and try talk therapy for ED.

It is important to note that ED medication and natural remedies for ED can cause serious side effects. There is also a risk of interaction with existing medications. Therefore, a person should always speak with a doctor before consuming anything to treat ED.

Below are some of the most common questions and answers about ED:

What is naturally good for erectile dysfunction?

There is some evidence to suggest the following natural remedies may be good for erectile dysfunction:

  • l-arginine
  • ginkgo
  • yohimbine
  • regular exercise
  • a healthy diet
  • reducing smoking and alcohol intake
  • reducing stress

What herb is equal to Viagra?

Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, yohimbine, and horny goat weed are herbs that may have similar effects to Viagra.

What is the fastest way to cure erectile dysfunction?

Almost all cases of erectile dysfunction are treatable. A fast way to treat erectile dysfunction is by using a vacuum device or erectile dysfunction ring, or taking prescription medications that increase blood flow to the penis. These include:

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

There are many possible ways to treat the symptoms of ED, and the best options depend on the underlying cause.

Where possible, a person should talk to a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements or OTC medications, as they can have side effects and interact with existing medications.

The FDA does not approve OTC ED medications, which may be dangerous. A person should consider using prescribed treatments for ED or speaking with a doctor about alternative options.