Erectile Dysfunction (ED), is no laughing matter. Research shows that approximately one out of ten men experiences ED or a loss of libido at least once in their lives. ED has numerous causes, and according to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 5% of 40-year-old men and between 15% and 25% of 65-year-old men experience ED on a long-term basis … and it is becoming increasingly more common in younger men.
More commonly, men experience the occasional failure to achieve an erection, which can occur for a variety of reasons, such as too much alcohol, too much stress, lack of sleep, self-consciousness and weight gain. Failure to achieve an erection less than 20% of the time is not unusual and treatment is rarely needed. Failure to achieve an erection more than 50% of the time, however, generally indicates there is a problem requiring treatment. Do I Have To Settle For Subpar Sex?
In order for your man’s flag to fly high in the wind, four things that must be in working order:
- The nerves in the penis must be functional;
- There must be adequate blood supply to the penis;
- The penile veins must trap the blood;
- Stimulus must be received from the brain.
Some of the most common reasons for ED are: nerve dysfunction; atherosclerosis; venous dysfunction; chronic illness; medications; diabetes; hypertension; depression; anxiety; work stress; performance anxiety; and injury.
So, what can you do to help your significant other decrease the risk of developing ED? For starters, encourage your man to do the following:
1. Eat better. A healthy diet is key to not only preventing ED, but to maintain your bodies overall health and performance. A diet that is rich in omega-3-fatty acids has been proven to be crucial in reducing systemic inflammation in the entire body. A balanced nutrition plan with lean proteins, healthy carbs, plenty of fiber, fruits and vegetables is just what the doctor ordered. 10 Tips To Avoid Emotional Eating
2. Exercise daily. Being overweight encourages increases in estrogen levels. Maintaining a healthy weight by lifting weights three days per week will lead to increased muscle mass, which means increased testosterone and sexual performance.
3. Rest up. Research has demonstrated that eight hours of rest is essential to sexual performance, adequate testosterone and growth hormone levels.
4. Brush and floss. Men with periodontitis (gum disease) have higher rates of impotence, according to Dr. Dan Sindelar, author of Refresh Life. Not to mention bad breath is a turn-off … yuck! Encourage regular visits to the dentist every six months. Study Links Erectile Dysfunction To Poor Dental Hygiene
5. Reduce stress. Chronic, unmanaged stress can and will affect all areas of your man’s life. Unchecked stress can lead to weight gain, excessive drinking, overeating and other unhealthy behaviors. Encourage regular exercise, healthful eating, plenty of rest and seek out other relaxing activities that the two of you find enjoyable together. Stress Management: Balancing Work And Love
6. Drink less. Excessive drinking will suppress a man’s testosterone level, and if it has been long enough, completely hijack the pathways necessary for testosterone formation. Less testosterone means less hanky panky!
7. Have more sex. Sex itself can be a great relaxer, as sex is associated with endorphin release into the bloodstream. This in turn creates further relaxation, and the more relaxed you are, the more sex you have. Sounds like a win/win! 6 Surprising Habits That Could Hurt A Man’s Sex Life
