Your lifestyle plays a significant role in your sexual health. Here are some straightforward ways to combat erectile dysfunction.
Dental Health
Believe it or not, brushing and flossing regularly does wonders not just for your teeth but for your overall health. Interestingly, men with gum disease are three times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction (ED), likely due to the systemic inflammation and vascular damage associated with periodontal disease, which can impair blood flow necessary for an erection [2].
Stress
Managing stress and ensuring you get enough sleep can really help in the battle against ED. Chronic stress affects hormone levels and can lead to decreased libido and sexual function, emphasizing the need for effective stress management techniques [3].
Diabetes
This often overlooked factor can significantly contribute to ED. Fluctuating blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, which may lead to long-term erectile issues. In fact, up to 75% of men with diabetes may experience ED, primarily due to vascular and neurological complications [1].
Stop Cradling Your Laptop
The cells in your testicles are quite sensitive to heat. The warmth from your laptop can impair sperm production and contribute to ED. Elevated temperatures can negatively affect spermatogenesis and may also disrupt erectile function [4].
Get and Stay Slim
Men with larger waistlines are more likely to suffer from ED. If you're thinking about losing weight, consider this as an extra motivation. Obesity is linked to increased oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which can exacerbate erectile dysfunction [5].
Quit Smoking & Drinking.
Both smoking and excessive drinking can disrupt neuro-signals and blood flow, which are crucial for normal testicular function. Smoking is known to induce endothelial dysfunction, further contributing to the complications associated with ED [3].
Workout
A simple daily workout or a half-hour jog can significantly improve sexual performance in men dealing with obesity-related ED. Regular physical activity enhances blood circulation and can improve erectile function by reducing body fat and improving cardiovascular health [1].
Have any questions? Talk to a doctor now ->
References:
- Serap Gur, Wayne J G Hellstrom. Harnessing Stem Cell Potential for the Treatment of Erectile Function in Men with Diabetes Mellitus: From Preclinical/Clinical Perspectives to Penile Tissue Engineering.. PubMed. 2020.
- Zeeshan Anwar, Vishal Sinha, Sayantanava Mitra, Ashwani Kumar Mishra, Mahboobul Hasan Ansari, Abhishek Bharti, Vipin Kumar, Ashwini Kumar Nigam. Erectile Dysfunction: An Underestimated Presentation in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus.. PubMed. 2017.
- Ângela Castela, Carla Costa. Molecular mechanisms associated with diabetic endothelial-erectile dysfunction.. PubMed. 2016.
- Feng Zhou, Yu Hui, Yongde Xu, Hongen Lei, Bicheng Yang, Ruili Guan, Zhezhu Gao, Zhongcheng Xin, Jianquan Hou. Effects of adipose-derived stem cells plus insulin on erectile function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.. PubMed. 2016.
- Angela Castela, Pedro Gomes, Valentina F Domingues, Paula Paíga, Raquel Costa, Pedro Vendeira, Carla Costa. Role of oxidative stress-induced systemic and cavernosal molecular alterations in the progression of diabetic erectile dysfunction.. PubMed. 2015.