IT CAN feel like there’s a lot riding on being able get an erection, so having trouble performing can leave men feeling pretty deflated.
Erectile dysfunction – when you have difficulty getting or staying hard – is more common than you think.
Most men over the age of 40 will have difficulty maintaining an erection at some point or other.
In many cases, lack of sleep, stress or a few too many drinks might be the cause – but frequent bedroom woes might have their roots in common conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
If you’re suffering from ED, the NHS first advises you make a few lifestyle changes that could help.
Being overweight can up your risk of the condition so it’s worth trying to lose a few pounds if you’re having issues in the bedroom, as well as trying to exercise daily and switching to a healthier diet.
As stress and anxiety are also common culprits for ED, looking into ways to reduce them may have an effect too.
It’s also advised you quit smoking and limit your drinking.
You should see a GP or go to a sexual health clinic if you keep getting problems with your erection.
But if you want to go the extra mile to lower your risk ED, you can look down the supplement route.
Dr Donald Grant, a GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, said some supplements could help men improve their wellbeing and reduce the risk of this common condition.
“Overall, there’s a vast variety of supplements offering differing benefits for men – including lowering their risk of erectile dysfunction.
“However, when taking supplements, of any kind, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly and reduce alcohol or smoking – as these two activities can increase the risk of ED,” he noted.
“For further, more tailored advice on the most suitable supplements on an individual basis, people may find visiting their GP useful.
“This can provide clarity of any potential health risks and ensure individuals receive the most suitable supplements or additional treatments.”
Dr Grant said various supplements may help lower men’s risk of experiencing ED in the first place.
“These supplements have been proven to boost blood flow and genital function, helping men achieve and maintain an erection for longer periods,” the GP claimed.
“Let’s take a look at these key supplements and how they may help reduce men’s ED risk.”
He suggested four key supplements men could use.
1. L-arginine
First on Dr Grant’s list of supplements men could try to lower the risk of ED was L-arginine.
The GP said : “L-arginine is an amino acid found in various foods – including red meat, fish and dairy – but it can also be taken separately, as a supplement, to boost intake.
“It’s effective at managing men’s risk of ED as it relaxes blood vessels, dilating them and making it easier for blood to reach the penis.
“This can enhance men’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection, helping protect against the condition.”
You can nab a bottle of L-arginine capsules for £3.60 at Holland and Barrett.
2. Ginseng
Another blood flow-boosting supplement in Ginseng, according to Dr Grant.
“Ginseng, extracted from the Panax plant, is another great supplement, helping lower men’s risk of ED,” he said.
“The supplement has many benefits, including improving focus and boosting the immune system – however, it can also improve blood flow and reduce stress, two key factors for negating the risk of ED,” Dr Grant claimed.
“By increasing blood flow to the penis, men can enjoy sexual encounters without interference.
“Ginseng is a herbal supplement that can provide much-needed relief from ED while helping those without the condition avoid it.”
A pack of 60 ginseng tablets will cost you £7 at Boots.
3. Zinc
Zinc was Dr Grant’s third suggestion.
“The importance of zinc for male sexual function cannot be undermined,” he said.
“The mineral is required for maintaining healthy testosterone levels and a lack of zinc can lead to problems with libido and general sexual function.”
What is erectile dysfunction?
ERECTILE dysfunction - also known as impotence - is very common, especially in men over 40.
Erectile dysfunction is when you are either:
- Unable to get an erection
- Unable to keep an erection for long enough to have sex
Depending on the cause, you may still be able to get an erection at other times, such as when you wake up.
Sometimes you might also have low sex drive.
It’s not usually the sign of something serious but you should speak to a GP about it, especially if it’s causing you distress.
Possible causes include stress, tiredness, having too much booze, as well as some medicines.
But if your ED is persistent, it might be caused by:
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Depression or anxiety
- Hormone problems
According to the GP, loading up on zinc may also help improve blood flow, which is tantamount to healthy erections.
“The vital mineral can be found in foods such as beef, cooked lobster and pumpkin seeds, but supplements are a great way of attaining zinc too,” Dr Grant went on.
“Vitamins such as Zarbee’s Immune Support (120ml) include several key nutrients, including zinc.”
Zarbee’s Adult Immune Support will cost you £4.74 at Boots.
4. Dehydroepiandrosterone
Dr Grant’s final supplement recommendation was was dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
This is a natural chemical compound produced in the body’s adrenal glands, the GP said.
“It’s a key source of testosterone and required to maintain sexual function, so supplementing when testosterone levels are depleted is an effective way of reducing men’s ED risk.”
He cited an American study from 2018, which found that low levels of DHEA were associated with a higher risk of the condition.
What are the physical causes of erectile dysfunction?
There are four main types of physical condition that can cause impotence in men:
- Vasculogenic disorders such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes affect the flow of blood to your penis and cause erectile dysfunction.
- Neurogenic conditions, which affect the nerves and include disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, are also responsible.
- A hormonal disorder, affecting your hormones, is another example of a physical problem that can lead to impotence.
- An anatomical condition is something that affects the tissue or structure of the penis and is the fourth physical cause. Old age is also commonly associated with impotence.
