(NaturalPath) According to Texas A & M University, erectile dysfunction, also known as ED or impotence, doesn’t have to be inevitable, but instead is more likely related to an underlying physical or psychological condition. The researchers did the math and note that the likelihood of ED does increase with age (22 percent of men over the age of 60 and 30 percent of men over the age of 70 suffer from it).
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/02/160208183449.htm
Click the arrows to move through the slideshow
Medical Conditions
Since the cause of heart disease is very similar to the cause of ED, they could be related. ED symptoms may occur earlier than those of heart disease due to cardiovascular issues like atherosclerosis (the narrowing of blood vessels). This is a common cause of ED and a warning sign of a future heart attack or stroke. Other medical conditions linked to ED are diabetes, chronic kidney disease, multiple sclerosis and Peyronie’s disease.
Medications
Certain medications can cause impotence. These include antidepressants, antihistamines or blood pressure medications. It is because, while they treat a condition, they can also affect hormones, nerves or blood circulation, which can all increase the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Emotional Distress
The study notes that emotional stress can affect your physical body. Have you been fighting with your partner? Relationship problems causing stress can lead to struggling in the bedroom. Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, guilt, and fear of sexual failure are other contributing factors.
Lifestyle Choices
Lifestyle choices are very important. Some men may experience ED if they are overweight, habitual smokers, alcoholics, or substance abusers. A lifestyle change to reduce the risk of ED would be adding in foods high in flavonoids, like blueberries. Flavonoids also help men smoke less, drink less and exercise more.
Physical Injury
While studies show that there was no relationship between prolonged cycling and ED being cautious of any physical activity that could injure your lower half is key.
Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.
