Can Diet Help Treat Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence is when a male finds it difficult to have or maintain an erection during sex. Trouble getting or keeping an erection can affect your self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems.

Erectile dysfunction may also be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment. Male sexual arousal is a complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Causes of ED can be either physical or psychological or both.

Heart disease, clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis), hypertension, diabetes, obesity, tobacco use, alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse, sleep disorders, multiple sclerosis are some of the health conditions that can increase the risk for ED. Stress, anxiety, and depression can also cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.

Depending on the cause, treatment of ED may include medications such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra, testosterone replacement therapy, surgery to place an implant or