Beyond the Pill: Exploring Alternative Treatments for ED

The inability to perform in bed can deal a blow to a man’s confidence and self-esteem. Thankfully, in these modern times, it’s not as big a deal. Medication is readily available to be taken as needed. In recent years, prescriptions in the USA for sildenafil (Viagra), one of the most popular drugs for erectile dysfunction (ED), were filled 3.46 million times according to Statista.

Despite its popularity, it’s understandable why some would want to break free from reliance on pills. Fortunately for them, the little blue pill is far from the only solution. There is a variety of other medical interventions and lifestyle choices that can provide relief instead of or alongside pharmaceuticals.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is a common condition many men have where they can’t get hard or maintain a stiff erection long enough for satisfactory sex. Globally, this condition impacts around 322 million adult males. In the US, it affects 30 to 50 million men according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

40% of men don’t talk about their condition, according to surveys seem to suggest, even with a professional healthcare provider. Those that do seek treatment often go with pills like Tadarise 20 or other PDE5 inhibitors. Some, however, prefer to avoid the tablets and might try alternative treatments or lifestyle changes.

What are the Causes of ED?

Impotence is a multifaceted sexual dysfunction with many possible causes. According to John Hopkins the most common cause lies with damaged or hardened blood vessels in the penis. Prevalence for this naturally rises as men age. Risk factors include obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. Erectile dysfunction could be a sign of heart disease in some.

Diabetes is another common cause. Of the 11 million adult men with this condition, 35 to 50% are impotent. If not managed properly, it can lead to peripheral neuropathy, nerve damage that may involve nerves in the penis, leading to ED. Hormone imbalances like low testosterone, prolactin or thyroid hormones could also be the culprit. Drugs, alcohol abuse, depression and anxiety are other likely risk factors for ED.

How Is Impotence Normally Treated?

The most popular way to treat erectile dysfunction is with medication. They usually come in the form of pills, oral jelly, or chewable tablets. Vidalista 20, a generic brand treatment, contains tadalafil, a fast-acting, long-lasting ED drug that begins working within an hour and lasts for up to 36 hours. This medication belongs to a category of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors

They work by boosting nitric oxide and blocking the enzyme that breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), one of the most important components of gaining an erection. cGMP helps widen the blood vessels so that when stimulation is initiated, blood will rush in and stiffen the penis into a solid erection that lasts.

Implants, Injections, and Devices

Not everyone enjoys having to take a pill every time they’re in the mood. For them, there are other ways of administering treatment. Injections, for example, start working within 5-15 minutes of administration. The downside is that the user must inject the shot into their penis themselves, with turns many patients off from the idea.

Surgical implants are another option. This is a reliable long term method that allows men to inflate and deflate their penis with the help of a pump. This eliminates most of the wait time associated with medication, allowing for more spontaneous love making. Surgery has its risks, however, and takes several weeks of recovery.

For those who want something non-invasive, and can be combined with other treatments, the penis pump could be the answer. Its limited side effects and low cost are also a benefit that many enjoy.

Herbal Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction

While supplements often come in pill form, they are also available in powders and teas. Some have been utilized as a male vitality remedy for over 2000 years, such as Horny Goat Weed, an herb from traditional Chinese medicine, and Maca root from Peruvian medicinal traditions.

These are not quick fixes, nor are they as potent as pharmaceuticals. They also do not require the same approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that drugs do. This makes them cheaper and easier to obtain. The biggest benefit of natural ED treatments is the possibility of compounding long-term effects when taken daily for several months.

Mediterranean Diet for Sexual Wellness

Another slow-acting, long-term remedy comes from changes in eating habits. This makes sense because so many ED risk factors are related to obesity and heart health. That may be why scientists found replacing processed meats and junk with veggies, fish, legumes, fruit and nuts can not only reduce impotence, it also improves the subject’s performance in bed.

This Mediterranean diet also replaces saturated fats like butter with monounsaturated fats like olive oil, which can reduce erectile dysfunction by about 40% according to the University of Athens. While consistent diet changes can be hard, it’s worth it by improving overall health in and out of bed.

Where to Obtain Medication for ED?

Patients can rest assured that there is life after the pill for those who seek it, but there is no shame in using it in the meantime. Traditional pharmacies supply name-brand pills for impotence at exorbitant prices and require a prescription from a doctor to access. On top of that, busy men may not have the time to visit the pharmacy during store hours. Others just don’t enjoy the feeling of being exposed while purchasing sexual health medication.

Online pharmacies are changing the game with their low-cost, quality generics like Vidalista 20. No need to pick up the prescription at the drug store. Digital purchases are prescription-free and sent straight to the customer’s doorstep. There are also price-lowering opportunities. Order PDE5 inhibitors like Tadarise 20 in bulk to receive a discount that grows with the quantity of the purchase.