Erectile dysfunction doesn’t make men any less intelligent. But it can make them vulnerable and gullible.
Research shows that ED has a big emotional impact on men. It can cause a loss of self-esteem, anxiety, and depression, and it can damage or destroy their relationships.
Men who are experiencing erectile dysfunction want to turn back the clock. They want things to be the way they used to be. But in most cases, medical science can’t do that. Medicine still can’t fix the problem.
So many men get desperate. And that makes them vulnerable to cynical scammers who will say anything to make money. And sadly, there are plenty of scammers… even some very big companies!
There are hundreds of different supplements, pills, and remedies being sold, all with the promise that they will increased your libido, cure your ED, even enlarge your penis. These products do not work. They are usually combinations of herbs, sometimes with some vitamins and minerals mixed in. Independent clinical studies have shown that these ingredients have little if any effect. (See “What You Should Know About Natural Herbal Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction“)
The companies that sell these products may say that their formulas are backed by science. They may say that they have uncovered a secret ancient formula. They may have dozens of testimonials. What they will not show you is independent, peer-reviewed clinical testing, published in a real medical journal. Because they can’t. Because their products don’t work, and everything they are telling you is a lie.
What’s even worse is that the companies selling these products cut corners to make even more money. Investigations have found that 40% to 80% of the herbal supplements being sold don’t even include the ingredients listed. And that includes major brands sold in big stores like GNC, Target, Walmart, and Amazon. Hundreds of products have been found to contain contaminants, including illegal drugs and insecticides!
The FDA regularly posts lists of products to avoid due to contamination and other problems.
Real Help for Erectile Dysfunction
The good news is that men experiencing erectile dysfunction don’t need to give up!
The first step is to see your doctor for a thorough exam. Your doctor can usually determine what is causing your ED, and in some cases that underlying cause can be treated. Whatever the cause, your doctor can prescribe drugs called PDE-5 inhibitors. These drugs, which include Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Stendra, and their generic equivalents, allow most men to achieve normal erections. In cases where the prescription drugs don’t work, your doctor may refer you to a urologist who can discuss other options.
For most men, erectile dysfunction is due – at least in part – to a vascular or circulatory problem. This is especially likely for older men. You may not be able to entirely cure vascular problems, but there are things that you can do to improve your condition, even without medications.
These things include:
- Switching to a low-sodium, heart-healthy Mediterranean diet
- Getting plenty of aerobic exercise (talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program)
- Establishing a regular sleep schedule
- Using a vacuum pump device to improve blood flow in the penis
- Not smoking or vaping
- Consuming alcohol only in moderation, or not at all
All of these things can have an impact on ED.
Another option for men with “vasculogenic” ED – caused by poor blood flow in the penis – is Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (LI-ESWT). Shockwave therapy uses sound waves to break up plaque that can block blood vessels, and triggers the growth of new blood vessels though a process called angiogenesis. Clinical studies have found that this is a safe and effective treatment option.
There are a lot of options for treating erectile dysfunction… just avoid the snake-oil salesmen who are trying to sell you worthless (and possibly dangerous) “male enhancement” supplements.