Many men are reluctant to address health issues until they affect their sex lives. Most males experience a problem getting or maintaining an erection sometime during their lives. While it may be more impactful to him than his partner, a partner as well as a relationship may also suffer if this becomes a regular occurrence. A recent Men’s Health article suggests several steps a male can take to help eliminate problems related to erectile dysfunction or premature
ejaculation.
#1 Check your medicine cabinet. Certain antidepressants, blood pressure medications, even hair growth products all list erection problems as possible side effects. Even allergy or cold medicines may be a cause. Check all labels and especially be wary of meds with Sudafed.
#2 Leave your work at the office. Work-related stress is a common component of sexual dysfunction. Many males who are financially successful work long hours and have a difficult time separating work time from leisure time. Making time for exercise and sleep to help reduce stress.
#3 Get enough sleep. Try and get at least 6 hours a night, but 7 to 8 is even better. Sleep affects testosterone, dopamine, and serotonin levels. Getting 5 hours a night or less can affect testosterone levels even in young males.
#4 Brush your teeth. Studies have shown that many males with erectile dysfunction also have gum disease. As your teeth decay, your immune system attacks pathogens in your mouth. The bacteria then seeps into your bloodstream damaging blood vessels and blood flow. Add flossing and regular visits to the dentist to the list.
#5 Limit alcohol consumption. Having more than 2 daily drinks may affect a male’s ability to get an erection, his ability to sustain an erection, and the firmness of his erection. Even if your sexual functioning is the same for now, heaving drinkers often have sexual problems later in life.
#6 Stay faithful. Being unfaithful to a partner may cause guilt and anxiety to the extent that sexual functioning is affected. Anxiety halts the release of neurotransmitters in charge of stimulating an erection.
#7 Get your laptop off your lap. Laptops generate heat and exposure to extended heat can reduce testosterone and sperm production.
#8 Stop smoking. There is a direct relationship between smoking and erectile dysfunction. Nicotine in any form may damage the lining of blood vessels which affects the smooth muscle in the penis and inhibits blood flow.
Any type of life style change can be extremely difficult, but if most men realize simple changes can make their sex lives better, they will at least think about it!
You also might find these posts interesting:
- Love Making: It’s About Connection, Not Erection
- Why Men Don’t Go to the Doctor
- Can You Break Your Penis?
