Erectile dysfunction or ED is a widespread and disruptive concern for men and revolves around blood flow to the penis. After all, it is the blood that is necessary to fill the Corporal bodies of the penis to create and maintain an erection.
Unfortunately, many of us follow lifestyles that aren’t conducive to efficient blood flow around the body, which can significantly increase the risk of ED. In this blog, we will discuss several ways to improve blood flow. While this may not prevent or reverse erectile dysfunction, it does give you the best chance to maintain sexual function for as long as possible.
Quit smoking. Beyond the risk of cancer, asthma, and COPD, smoking constrict blood vessels around the body, increasing blood pressure and reducing blood flow. While we know how difficult it may be to stop smoking, the possibility of ED may be just what you need as a bit of push in the right direction.
Stay hydrated. Since our bodies are composed primarily of water, it’s no wonder that we need to remain hydrated. This helps virtually all bodily systems and can affect your ability to develop and maintain an erection as well. Most people should be drinking 64 ounces of water each day. Very active patients should drink even more.
If you avoid drinking enough water because of lower urinary tract symptoms or LUTS, visit Dr. Kapadia for a proper treatment plan. Whether the result of a prostatectomy, BPH, or otherwise, lower urinary tract symptoms can often be treated successfully.
Lose weight. Excess weight and obesity are one of the leading causes of heart disease. Atherosclerosis is the narrowing of the arteries due to plaque formation on the arterial walls. This reduces the opening of the blood vessel, forcing the heart to pump harder, and ultimately reducing blood flow throughout the body, including the penis.
Exercise. Exercise stimulates blood flow throughout the body and generally improves health. Those with a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to suffer the effects of erectile dysfunction versus those that exercise regularly.
Check your meds. If you correlate reduced sexual function with a recently started medication or any changes to your prescription, speak to your primary care physician or specialist to understand if the new drug or combination may be causing your ED. Often, your medical team has options to reduce symptoms.
There’s also something to be said about your mood and general attitude toward your partner and life. Having a positive outlook, working on your relationship, and generally maintaining an uplifted mood can also ward off ED. If you believe that you have a problem with anxiety or depression, it is essential to treat these conditions as resultant ED often makes matters worse.
Lifestyle change may not restore sexual function for some men recovering from a prostatectomy. After following Dr. Kapadia‘s post-prostatectomy rehabilitation and restoration plan, if you are still experiencing significant erectile issues, we encourage you to explore the concept of a penile prosthesis, an effective and long-lasting implant to help you restore the life and lifestyle you want with your partner. Dr. Kapadia is one of the leading penile implant specialists in Atlanta, Georgia, and the surrounding area. He uses both the Coloplast Titan and the Boston Scientific AMS 700 devices. Other penile implants are also available depending on the patient’s circumstance. Don’t hesitate to contact us or fill out the form for a consultation.