Unlocking the Secrets of Sexual Enhancement for Men
ED and What You Can Do About It
Let’s face it - sexual enhancement is a topic that most men don’t feel comfortable discussing. It’s a sensitive topic, but if you’re experiencing some issues in the bedroom or looking to enhance your performance, read on. From natural remedies to cutting-edge treatments, we’ll explore options available to help you boost your confidence in the bedroom.
Common Sexual Problems in Men
Whether you’re a younger or older man, you’ve probably had performance issues now and then. It happens. But knowing how to talk about what you’re experiencing is a good start to ensure the "now and then" doesn’t turn into "every time." It also helps to know that you’re not alone. There are four common types of sexual dysfunction:
Decreased Sexual Desire
Decreased sexual desire, also known as low libido, is common in men. Around 15% suffer from low libido. However, this number can vary based on age, stress, and underlying health conditions. Libido can fluctuate and be influenced by various factors, leading to temporary or long-term decreases in sexual desire.
Premature Ejaculation (PE)
Premature ejaculation (PE) is the inability to control ejaculation, leading to ejaculation occurring before or shortly after penetration. The percentage of men who experience PE varies across different studies, but the rates run anywhere from 30-37 percent.
Delayed Ejaculation
Delayed ejaculation is the inability to achieve ejaculation, despite adequate sexual stimulation. If a man with an erection takes longer than 30 minutes to ejaculate, this is considered delayed ejaculation. Studies report that 1-4 percent of men suffer from delayed ejaculation.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. The prevalence of ED varies with age. Approximately 10% of men aged 40-70 have severe or complete erectile dysfunction. ED is increasingly prevalent with age: about 40% of men are affected at age 40, and nearly 70% are affected at age 70. The overall prevalence of ED in men aged 20 years or older is 18.4%.
Because of ED’s prevalence, we’ll lock down our discussion to just ED.
Causes of ED in Men
So what can affect a man’s performance in bed? A lot! Male sexuality is complex and involves the mind and the endocrine, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. If your body is out of balance, your sex life could get out of balance, too. Let’s take a look.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormone imbalances, particularly involving testosterone, can contribute to ED. Testosterone is the primary male hormone. It helps you develop and maintain secondary sexual characteristics and also affects libido and erectile function. A decrease in testosterone can result in a reduced sex drive and difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
That’s not all. An increase in estradiol, a form of estrogen, can negatively impact erectile function by suppressing testosterone production. Although hormonal imbalances can lead to ED, it is essential to note that endocrine disorders are rarely the sole cause of erectile dysfunction.
Blood Flow Problems
When a man has a healthy erection, the arteries in the penis expand to increase blood flow to surrounding spongy tissue allowing this tissue to swell, making the penis larger and stiffer. Damage to these arteries or surrounding tissue can decrease or block blood flow, causing ED.
But, even if you have a healthy penis, decreased blood flow to the penile region can also cause ED. Some diseases that restrict blood flow to the penis are high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. If you suffer from obesity, that can cause poor circulation affecting the blood flow to the penis.
And smokers, watch out. You might be undermining your erection. Nicotine causes your blood vessels to constrict, reducing the amount of blood that flows to your organs, including your penis. Alcohol can be a problem, too. A 2018 study found that heavy consumption of alcohol can increase your risk of high blood pressure, a risk factor for ED.
Neurological Problems
The erection is a complex animal involving blood flow and nerve stimulation. Damage to the nervous system can make it more challenging to get or sustain an erection. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injuries can affect nerve function, but injuries or prostate or bladder surgeries can also lead to ED. People with diabetes sometimes suffer from neuropathy, and if poorly treated, it can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Psychological Factors
Sometimes sexual problems are emotional and can be the most difficult to tackle. Relationship problems because of poor communication and unresolved conflicts can cause performance anxiety. Depression can decrease libido, and this can lead to a fear of not being able to achieve or maintain an erection creating a self-fulfilling cycle of stress and ED. And watch out for alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a depressant and can decrease sexual desire and mood.
Lifestyle Changes for Sexual Improvement
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and hopeless about your performance in the bedroom, there’s a lot you can do on your own to improve your general health and your erection. Lifestyle changes are the easiest and least expensive way to boost your performance in bed, and, of course, you get all the other benefits of just feeling better. So, what can you do? Let’s take a look!
Quit Smoking
If you smoke, stop. It feels impossible, but you can do it. And if you want a better erection in the short and long term, at least try. Evidence shows that stopping before you hit middle age can considerably improve ED. But even older men can see improvements with erections if they quit. So do it. You’ll feel better, and so will your partner!
Reduce Alcohol Consumption
There is mounting evidence that ANY alcohol consumption is harmful to you. Reducing it can go a long way in decreasing your chances of developing high blood pressure, which can lead to ED. If you feel like you don’t want to quit and you’re already in good health, maybe strive for moderation. So, if you’re out on a date with your partner, cut WAY back on the booze and be the designated driver. It will increase your odds of being in the mood at the end of the evening!
Eat Your Fruits & Veggies
If you think that meat makes you more of a man, it doesn’t. Red meat and processed meats can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. And guess what? They can increase your risk of ED, too.
If you want to treat your heart right (and your penis), transition to a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. And if you’re ready to go all the way, try a whole food plant-based diet. A 2021 study showed that healthy plant-based diets considerably decreased a man’s chance of having ED.
Exercise
Regular exercise can significantly improve sexual performance in men. According to a 2018 study, 160 minutes of weekly exercise for six months can help decrease erectile problems in men with ED caused by physical inactivity. That’s about 22 minutes a day! Not a bad investment to make your partner happy.
And if you want more sexual edge, practice your Kegels. Kegel exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which help manage blood flow to your genitals, which we already know is crucial to getting it up.
Finally, mix up your exercise routine with yoga or other forms of exercise that focus on relaxation and stress reduction. Yoga, in particular, has been shown to significantly improve men’s sexual scores after just 12 weeks of practice.
Natural Supplements for Male Sexual Enhancement
Before walking down the natural supplement path, figuring out what’s causing your ED is crucial. You don’t want to waste your money on a bunch of horny goat weed if it’s not going to help.
That said, once you’re working with a doctor, there might be some benefit in incorporating supplementation into your treatment plan. Some natural supplements can interfere with medications, so again, talk to your doctor. And if you try these remedies, spend the extra money to get the purest product on the market.
Here are some promising natural remedies for ED:
Ginseng
Ginseng is a plant, and there are many, many species. It’s popular in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is used to treat anemia, insomnia, abnormal blood pressure, and fatigue, to name a few. Its ability to normalize high and low blood pressure could help men whose ED is caused by high blood pressure. Ginseng is also used to treat diabetes in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Because ED is common in diabetic men, ginseng could also help in these cases.
Maca
Maca, a root vegetable that grows mainly in Peru, has been studied for its potential benefits in improving sexual function, including erectile dysfunction. According to a 2010 study, maca may effectively improve sexual dysfunction in patients with ED after 12 weeks of use. Maca works by increasing levels of nitric oxide in the body, which can improve blood flow, including blood flow to the penis. Additionally, maca may help reduce anxiety and stress, which can contribute to ED.
Horny Goat Weed
Horny goat weed is an herb widely used in China for low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, pain, and other conditions. What’s the compound that makes horny goat weed so special? Icariin. Icariin is a flavonoid and inhibits the activity of PDE5, which blocks the dilation of the arteries in the penis.
While research on horny goat weed and its effects on erectile dysfunction is limited, some studies have shown promising results. According to a 2021 study, horny goat weed may improve erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow and relaxing smooth muscle in the penis. Another study on rats with penile nerve damage found that Icariin improved the function of the penis.
Vitamins
Finding out if you’re low on a specific vitamin might be helpful if you’re suffering from ED. Vitamin D, B3 (Niacin), B9 (Folic acid), E, and Zinc have been linked to blood flow, erectile dysfunction, or testosterone in studies.
In addition, L-arginine and L-citrulline may be effective at helping men with ED. L-arginine is an amino acid that lowers blood pressure. A meta-analysis of 10 studies discovered a potential for L-arginine to help with ED. Participants reported higher levels of sexual satisfaction and erectile function after taking it.
L-citrulline is an amino acid that converts into L-arginine, except it’s potentially more bio-available. In a 2011 study, participants supplementing with 1500 mg of L-citrulline per day reported harder erections, and the researchers found it well tolerated by those in the study.
More research needs to be done on both herbal and vitamin supplementation. It looks promising but talk with your doctor first before taking new supplements.
Medical Treatments for Sexual Dysfunction
There are lots and lots of medical treatments for ED, and you have to find the right one for you. These treatments include medications, hormone replacement, surgical, and regenerative therapies. Let’s take a look at each of these.
Prescriptions
You’ve probably seen Viagra in advertisements, social media, email, and TV. Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) are both medications used to treat erectile dysfunction. They work by increasing blood flow to the penis, which can help achieve and maintain an erection during sexual activity.
Viagra works by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which can help relax the blood vessels in the penis, allowing for increased blood flow. Cialis works similarly but has a longer-lasting effect than Viagra.
The benefits of using these medications include improved sexual function, increased confidence and self-esteem, and improved quality of life. However, there are also potential risks and side effects associated with these drugs, including headaches, nausea, dizziness, and vision changes.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that involves replacing testosterone or other hormones to address symptoms of hormonal imbalance, including erectile dysfunction (ED). The benefits of HRT for ED may include improved sexual function, increased energy, and improved mood. However, there are also potential risks associated with HRT, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and blood clots.
HRT is not typically recommended as a first line of treatment for ED. Instead, lifestyle changes such as exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake are often recommended as first steps.
Surgical Treatments
Surgical treatments for ED are typically reserved for cases where other treatments, such as medication or lifestyle changes, have not been effective. There are several surgical options available:
Penile implants involve surgically placing inflatable or semi-rigid rods into the penis to aid an erection. With a high success rate, penile implants can offer long-lasting results. However, there are potential risks, such as infection, mechanical failure, and changes in sensation.
Vascular surgery involves repairing damaged blood vessels that are causing ED. The benefits of vascular surgery may include improved blood flow to the penis, resulting in improved sexual function. However, there are also potential risks, such as bleeding, infection, and nerve damage.
Venous ligation involves surgically tying off veins in the penis to prevent blood from leaving the penis too quickly. The benefits of venous ligation may include a stronger erection, but there are potential risks, such as bleeding, infection, and changes in sensation.
Nerve grafting involves surgically repairing or replacing damaged nerves that are causing ED. However, there are potential risks, such as infection, nerve damage, and changes in sensation.
Surgeries can be costly. And the recovery time is often numbered in weeks. So, if there’s another option available to you, consider it. Fortunately, there is!
PRP for ED
PRP, or Platelet-Rich-Plasma, is a revolutionary therapy for soft-tissue injuries and erectile dysfunction. It uses a patient’s blood to stimulate healing and speed up recovery.
The P-Shot® Procedure is the standardized method for treating ED with PRP therapy. This procedure involves injecting a concentrated dose of the patient’s platelets into the penis to stimulate cell growth and repair. Platelets are naturally occurring substances in the blood responsible for clotting and healing. How effective is it? A 2021 double-blind study found that 69% of the participants, after six months, were still feeling the procedure’s results.
The P-Shot® Procedure is a minimally invasive treatment performed on an outpatient basis. The process typically takes less than an hour, and patients can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure.
Wrapping Up
Phew! That’s a lot of information to digest. Hopefully, you’re more able to talk about and identify what you’re going through. And if you’re feeling discouraged, remember there are a lot of options out there, and you’re not alone.
Dr. Eric Cerré offers both the P-Shot® and P-Shot 100™ Procedure for erectile dysfunction. Give us a call to get more information!