#HealthBytes: Tips to help prevent erectile dysfunction (ED)
What's the story
In the simplest of terms, erectile dysfunction (ED), also called male impotence, is a medical condition in which a man is unable to develop and maintain firm penile erection, required for sexual activity.
ED may occur due to natural aging, as a side effect of certain medications, or due to vascular disease or diabetes.
Here are some tips to prevent ED.
Diet
Include food items in your diet that enhance blood flow
A diet that obstructs heart health is also not good for your penile health.
This is because these food items can cause blockage in the coronary arteries, thereby affecting blood flow to and within the penis.
Stay away from fatty, fried and processed foods as much as possible, and include more fruits and vegetables in your diet, to avoid erectile dysfunction issues.
Do you know?
How can healthy weight management help prevent risk of ED?
Being obese or overweight can be an undue invitation to dreadful health conditions such as Type-2 diabetes, which may lead to nerve damage throughout the body. In case such nerves that serve the penis are affected, ED could be one of the dire consequences.
BP, Cholesterol
Steer clear of high BP and cholesterol
As mentioned earlier, bad heart health affects your ability to develop and maintain healthy erections.
That's why, patients of high blood pressure and cholesterol are at a greater risk of getting affected from erectile dysfunction, because of hindered blood flow to the penis.
So, get regularly tested for BP and cholesterol, and if result comes unfavorable, take treatment as soon as possible.
Alcohol, Smoking
Drinking, smoking are bad for your penis health
Alcohol: Regular and heavy drinking habit can, in the long term, lead to liver damage, nerve damage, and may disturb balance of male sex hormones, ultimately resulting in ED.
Smoking: Regular cigarette smoking can harm and contract blood vessels, and even hamper blood circulation, thereby causing erectile dysfunction among men.
Regular exercise
Exercise regularly to lower your risk of ED
Studies have shown that a sedentary lifestyle can considerably increase one's risk of falling prey to ED.
It is advisable to perform aerobic exercises such as swimming, running, on a regular basis to brush off your chances of getting affected.
However, certain exercises, like cycling, that may put undue pressure on the perineum region (thus leading to ED) must be avoided.
Stress
Reduce stress levels to maintain penis health
Apart from the many physiological factors, psychological conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression can also affect penis health.
That's because these conditions increase levels of hormone adrenaline, which make blood vessels to contract, thus becoming a risk factor for ED.
Men suffering from ED should try out relaxing and recreational activities like walking, meditation, breathing exercises, etc.
Information
Indulging in risky sexual practices might lead to ED
Although rarely, some cases of erectile dysfunction are caused due to penile injuries occurred during sex. Abstain from indulging in rough sex. You may consider talking to your doctor about what is and isn't safe.