It’s getting hot and heavy. You start taking your partner’s clothes off, and the next thing you know you’re both entangled in bed.

But something feels… off.

Your partner reaches down to your crotch and looks back up to you, confused. Suddenly, you realize you don’t have an erection. After your partner spends some time trying to get it up, you both give up, feeling frustrated.

You don’t want to admit it to yourself, but you realize you might have erectile dysfunction. It’s a tough thing for any person to admit, but it happens to millions of people every year.

So, now you need to know how to deal with erectile dysfunction so you can start enjoying sex again. We’ve got you covered! Keep reading for everything you need to know about ED.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

The first step in dealing with erectile dysfunction is determining what the cause is. Your ED may be caused by physical or psychological issues, or due to substance abuse.

Physical Causes

The older you get, the more likely it’ll be that you experience erectile dysfunction. But it’s not necessarily age that causes ED, it’s certain diseases and issues that are prevalent in older individuals. Here are some of the physical causes of ED.

• Heart disease
• High cholesterol or blood pressure
• Clogged arteries
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Metabolic syndrome
• Sleeping disorders

If you’re experiencing ED and it may be caused by one of these problems, visit your doctor right away.

Psychological Causes

In addition to physical causes, there may be some psychological causes responsible for ED. Here are some common psychological causes of erectile dysfunction.

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Any other mental illness
• Stress
• Relationship Problems

If you think your ED is caused by mental illness or stress, try to pinpoint exactly what the issue is and see a doctor or therapist to go over your options

ED Caused by Drugs or Alcohol

Oftentimes, erectile dysfunction is caused by substance use. If you are a heavy drinker, smoke tobacco, smoke marijuana, or use any other illicit drugs, that could be what’s preventing you from getting an erection. If you can, try cutting back on using drugs and alcohol and see if the ED goes away.

Medications can also cause ED, which can be a bit more difficult to deal with. Some medications list erectile dysfunction as a side effect, and if it’s something you need to take, you’ll need to work a bit harder to overcome your ED.

Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction

There are three main symptoms of erectile dysfunction: you can’t get an erection, you can’t keep an erection, or you have little to no sexual desire.

If you don’t have sexual desire, your ED may be caused by mental illness or a side effect of medication. If you still have strong sexual desire, but can’t get an erection, it’s likely a physical issue that’s preventing you from getting an erection.

How to Deal with Erectile Dysfunction: Treatment Options

Now comes the big question: how can erectile dysfunction be treated? Well, it really depends on what is causing the ED, and you’re own preference. Here are some of the options you have for treating ED.

Lifestyle Changes

If your erectile dysfunction is a result of substance use or living an unhealthy lifestyle, then you may be able to reverse it by simply living a healthier lifestyle.

Try giving up alcohol, tobacco, and other illicit drugs as a starting point. You should also make it a priority to exercise regularly and eat healthy foods.

In fact, there are actually foods that can help you overcome erectile dysfunction. Start incorporating those foods into your diet and see if that helps.

Natural Remedies for ED

Prescription medication for erectile dysfunction can be pricey, and it’s never good to rely on a prescription drug if you can help it. Luckily, there are several natural remedies that can help reverse erectile dysfunction.

Horny goat weed (yes, that’s what it’s called) has been shown to increase blood flow and improve sexual function. There are also several studies that show that red ginseng can treat ED.

Some vitamins that may help improve your sexual ability include:

• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin B3
• Vitamin D
• L-Arginine

Another option would be to use a male enhancement supplement to deal with erectile dysfunction.

Prescription Medication

When thinking of treatment options for ED, the first thing that pops into people’s head is Viagra or Cialis. These are just two of the prescription medications available for erectile dysfunction.

If you have tried lifestyle changes to no avail, speak to your doctor about getting a prescription medication to help you overcome ED.

Visit a Sex Therapist

If your erectile dysfunction is caused by psychological issues, such as performance anxiety or feeling embarrassed, visiting a sex therapist might be just the thing you need.

Your sex therapist will help you work through why you feel anxious about sex, and how you can start feeling confident about yourself in bed. By changing your mindset and overcoming performance anxiety, erectile dysfunction will be an issue of the past.

Living with Erectile Dysfunction

Learning how to deal with erectile dysfunction is the first step towards a happier life. While it may seem helpless at first, there are plenty of options for people who start experiencing ED.

Did you enjoy this content? Be sure to check out our useful tips blog page for more helpful information!