Erectile dysfunction or impotence is a condition that causes a man to fail to achieve an erection or to be unable to maintain an erection that is hard enough to perform sexual intercourse. This condition will frequently impair a man at some point in his life, with as many as 5 percent of men in their 40s, 15 percent of men in their 50s and 25 percent of men over 65 suffering from erection problems frequently, so there’s no need to be embarrassed.

Natural Remedies for Erection Problems

There are many therapies designed to help men overcome these difficulties. In most cases erectile dysfunction can be improved with natural remedies for erection problems that can be performed in private.

1. Take Natural Supplements

Several nutritional supplements including vitamins C and E, zinc, bioflavonoids, arginine and flaxseed meal have been cited as potential remedies for erectile dysfunction. Those that are low in dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA can take hormone replacements to balance these levels as a potential cure for erection trouble, but many doctors do not recommend this.

2. Try Herbal Remedies

Men often turn to Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, yohimbe and horny goat weed to address erection problems. Before trying these remedies speak to your doctor to ensure they are safe based on your personal medical history.

3. Boost Confidence and Relax

In many cases men lose confidence when they start having trouble achieving an erection. Thinking about past successful romantic encounters can help boost the self-esteem so you can get past this block.

If you are stressed while trying to perform sexually it can make your erection trouble worse. Practicing muscle relaxation or deep breathing can help you let this tension go so you can relax and enjoy the moment.

4. Exercise Regularly

Exercising can boost your self-esteem by making you feel more attractive. Over time you will tone your muscles and improve strength, which both improves your physique and your overall stamina. The endorphins raised during exercise can also help combat anxiety, tension and depression that can have an impact on your ability to hold an erection. On a physical level, exercise strengthens the heart, making it easier to get the necessary circulation for a healthy erection.

5. Check Your Medications

Some medications are known to cause erectile dysfunction. Antidepressants, blood pressure medication, antihistamines, appetite suppressants, tranquilizers or cimetidine may cause this trouble. Talk to your doctor about any new medications you are taking if you suspect they may play a role in your erection problems.

6. Quit Smoking

Studies show that smoking can cause blockage in the blood vessels leading to the penis, making it difficult to achieve an erection properly. Quitting smoking can help prevent this damage from becoming worse, though it will not erase the damage that has already been done.

7. Freshen Up Your Sex

Sometimes people simply get bored with their sex life. Try varying from your routine by wearing a special outfit, going to a hotel or different location and trying new positions to start enjoying sex again.

8. Stop Intercourse for Some Time

Many men will suffer from temporary erection problems such as during a stressful period or after drinking. If you put a great deal of emphasis on this failure it can start to impact your other sexual encounters. Abstaining from intercourse for some time and focusing on other types of romantic activity like cuddling instead can help you build back up to a healthy sex life by removing the threat of failure from the experience.

9. Try Masturbation

It is important to remember that you should enjoy your sexual experiences as well as pleasuring your partner. Masturbating can help you learn how to satisfy yourself. You can then slowly start incorporating these feelings into romantic situations with your partner so you can start enjoying sex more naturally.

10. Seek Medical Help

If you do not appear to have a medical reason for suffering from erectile dysfunction, consider getting psychological help. Anger, sadness, fear, guilt and other issues can have an impact on your sexuality. There are therapists available that specialize in these issues that can help you get your love life back on track.

Medical Treatments for Erection Problems

Besides natural remedies for erection problems, you can also try some medical treatments.

1. Psychotherapy

Those that are suffering from stress or anxiety related erection problems can see improvement from talk therapy. This gives them an opportunity to talk about stressors in their life that may be having an impact on their sexual function and intimacy. These sessions can be used to address financial issues, relationship trouble, work stress or other parts of life that are making it difficult to become intimate. Three to four sessions are typically standard. These may be performed in private or with your partner as necessary.

2. Medications

There are a number of medications on the market to help treat erection problems. Some of the most common are sold under the names avanafil, Cialis, Levitra or Staxyn and Viagra. These are phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. These medications relax the muscles in the penis which makes it easier to increase blood flow to this area to achieve an erection.

Most medications are taken orally around an hour before you have sex and cannot be used more than once a day. However, if this erection lasts longer than 4 hours it will be necessary to get medical assistance. Other potential side effects include muscle aches, headaches, flushing and runny nose. In rare cases people have reported a temporary green-blue shade to their vision.

3. Surgery

In very rare cases it might be necessary to perform surgery, which includes penile implant and vascular reconstruction, to overcome erection problems according to the NIH.