How To Combat Erectile Dysfunction

All men should know how to combat erectile dysfunction.  Erectile dysfunction affects millions of men in the United States alone—and does not discriminate by age, race or health status. If you are suffering from this common medical condition, you are not alone—and you can successfully combat erectile dysfunction.

You will need:

• A Medical diagnosis and Physical Exam
• Family Physician, Health Practitioner, or Holistic Health Professional
• Lifestyle or Behavior Modification Plan
• Prescription Medications or Herbal Supplements
• Relationship Therapist or Psychologist
• A Supportive Partner

Steps to Combat Erectile Dysfunction:

1. Seek medical advice when faced with erectile dysfunction. Many men are embarrassed to admit that they suffer from ED. Remember that erectile dysfunction is a true medical condition that is quite treatable under many circumstances. Failing to discuss this relationship straining condition with your health care provider will certainly not lead you to a resolution for your condition. You may discover that your ED is only a side effect of a recently prescribed medication that can be substituted for another medication—or perhaps the result of an underlying illness that is treatable.
2. Have a physical exam. Visit your health care provider first—and as soon as possible—to discuss your individual health and seek out the possible cause of your condition. Your medical care provider may conduct a number of tests depending on your medical history to determine if there is an underlying medical factor contributing to your erectile dysfunction.
3. Make some Lifestyle Changes or Develop a Behavior Modification Plan. Nobody’s perfect, right?  If vices such as smoking and alcohol are common to your weekly regimen, you may need some behavior modification to rid your ED concerns. Need to lose a few pounds?  Proper diet and exercise are also common recommendations for men suffering from ED. Take a look at your unhealthy lifestyle, if you have one—and make a plan to fix it.
4. Begin prescription or herbal therapy if recommended. After your initial exam, your physician or health care provider may offer suggestions for prescription strength medications—or in some instances, herbal or vitamin supplements. It is important that you discuss any supplement or medication with your primary care physician to avoid a potential interaction or unwanted side effects.
5. Spend some time with a therapist. Erectile dysfunction often results from personal problems, stress, or concerns within your relationship. If there is no medical reason for your ED, addressing other concerns with a therapist may help you to remedy your ED—as well as some of the daily stresses you face.
6. Alternative therapies may be just what the doctor orders. Every case of erectile dysfunction is different. Your situation may require non-traditional treatments such as acupuncture or meditation—or a combination of therapies to achieve your goal.
7. Keep your partner involved. It is easy to forget that while you struggle with your erectile dysfunction, your partner is suffering as well. If you avoid the issue and turn away from your partner—you will be doing more harm than good. Include your partner in every aspect of your treatment—no matter how difficult that may be.