5 natural ways to overcome erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can occur for many reasons. Sometimes it is as simple as the side effect of a particular medication. But for roughly 75% of men, the cause is more complex. ED may result from vascular disease, neurological disease, or diabetes, or the result of prostate-related treatments or surgeries.

Whether you suffer from ED or are hoping to sidestep this condition, try these tips for better health and a better sex life.

1. Start walking. According to one Harvard study, just 30 minutes of walking a day was linked with a 41% drop in risk for ED. Other research suggests that moderate exercise can help restore sexual performance in obese middle-aged men with ED.
2. Eat right. In the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, eating a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and fish — with fewer red and processed meat and refined grains — decreased the likelihood of ED. Another tip: a chronic deficiency in vitamin B12 may contribute to erectile dysfunction. A daily multivitamin and fortified foods are the best bets for those who absorb B12 poorly, including many older adults.
3. Pay attention to your vascular health. High blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol and triglycerides can damage arteries in the heart (causing heart attack), in the brain (causing stroke), and leading to the penis (causing ED). Low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and an expanding waistline also contribute. Check with your doctor to find out whether your vascular system — and thus your heart, brain, and penis — is in good shape or needs a tune-up through lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medications.
4. Size matters, so get slim and stay slim. A trim waistline is one good defense — a man with a 42-inch waist is 50% more likely to have ED than one with a 32-inch waist. Getting to a healthy weight and staying there is another good strategy for avoiding or fixing ED. Obesity raises risks for vascular disease and diabetes, two major causes of ED. And excess fat interferes with several hormones that may be part of the problem as well.
5. Move a muscle, but we’re not talking about your biceps. A strong pelvic floor enhances rigidity during erections, and helps keep blood from leaving the penis by pressing on a key vein. In a British trial, three months of twice-daily sets of Kegel exercises which strengthen these muscles, combined with biofeedback and advice on lifestyle changes — quitting smoking, losing weight, limiting alcohol — worked far better than just advice on lifestyle changes.

5 Common Causes of Impotence

If there’s one condition that men hope to never get, it’s erectile dysfunction (ED). A man’s ability to get and sustain an erection is often equated with virility and masculinity. The inability to do so can greatly affect men’s self-esteem.

To help avoid preventable causes of impotence, it’s important to understand what may cause the condition.

Impotence can arise through multiple causes, both physical and psychological. Though it’s often assumed that such problems can be blamed on what’s in your head, only 15 percent are attributable to purely psychological causes

Take Care of Your Heart

A number of related heart conditions are common causes of ED, including:

·         high blood pressure

·         high cholesterol

·         clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)

·         heart disease

In fact, according to UMMC, men with ED are at higher risk to have a heart attack or stroke. Close to half of all men with ED also have high blood pressure. Diabetes, which is also associated with cardiovascular disease, is another risk factor for impotence

Brain and Hormones

Several neurologic and central nervous system conditions—such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis—have been linked to ED. Other causes are hormonal in nature, for example: troubles with the pituitary gland that lead to too-high levels of the hormone prolactin, and low levels of the hormone testosterone. 

However, while decreased testosterone is often blamed for impotence, UMMC reports that testosterone levels are only responsible for about 5 percent of ED cases

Injury Impacts

Some types of physical trauma and injury—particularly those that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord—may cause nerve damage that leads to erectile dysfunction. The following surgeries also can cause a decrease in or loss of sexual function:

·         orthopedic surgery

·         fistula surgery

·         surgeries for prostate, colon, or rectal cancer

NOTE: Vasectomies are not linked with ED. 

Medication and Dysfunction

A long list of drugs may affect sexual performance and cause impotence. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has identified many medications—both prescription and nonprescription—that can lead to ED in some men, including:

·         antidepressants

·         antihistamines

·         hypertension medicines

·         medications for Parkinson’s disease

However, these medications don’t affect all men in the same way. While some may experience signs of ED from use of certain medications, others may not. 

It’s Not All Physical

Mental health conditions and psychological states can also cause ED. Depression, anxiety, stress, relationship difficulties, and poor communication all may interfere with sexual feelings and could cause or worsen erection problems.

Anxiety is one of the most common contributors to psychological impotence according to UMMC. Relationship problems often directly impact sexual performance—particularly if anger and tension arise between partners.

Staying Healthy and Happy

Though not all causes of impotence are equally preventable, you can make a difference in the condition by making smart choices. Quit smoking, lose weight, and exercise often. These simple lifestyle changes can help circumvent underlying problems that may lead to ED.

Other actions that might help include improving communication in your relationships and seeking treatment for alcohol or drug problems. By practicing healthy habits, you can decrease your chance of developing ED.

5 Natural Male Enhancement Techniques

These 5 natural male enhancement techniques can be used to increase the size of your member. There are many different types of male enhancement products. Some methods such as pills can have side effects while others like suction can cause injuries. Natural male enhancement techniques offer a safe alternative without troubling side effects or risk of harm.

1. The Basic Stretch

 It is important to warm up the muscles in your penis and get blood flowing through the shaft. This is a natural male enhancement technique that will create an elongated penis. It is also easy to do and there is no risk of injury if followed correctly. Your member should be flaccid before performing this exercise. Stand up and gently lift your penis with your hands. You should not pull on it. Hold the penis in a horizontal stretch for approximately 30 seconds. Gently bring your penis back to starting position. Continue doing the basic stretch for a total of five repetitions.

2. Jelquing

 In order to entrap blood in the penis to maintain a larger size for an extended period of time you need to hold your member firmly at the base of the penis and slowly slide it to the tip of your shaft. It should take up to three minutes to slide your hand up your member. Continue to do this as many times as you would like. You should notice more girth and be able to feel the blood flow in your penis. This techniques can be performed as often as.

3. Horizontal Exercise

 This natural male enhancement techniques is used with two hands. Simply take the base of the penis with the left hand and press firmly. Place your other hand underneath the tip of the penis. Begin the exercise by sliding your right hand down the shaft until it meets your other hand. Then, slowly bring your hand back up again toward the tip. You may continue to do this as much as you would like.

4. Massager

 Using this device is a natural way to stimulate the penis and get blood flowing to your member. It is a natural male enhancement techniques that has no harmful side effects. You can perform penis exercises with it to increase girth and length.

5. PC Clenches

 The PC muscles control the flow of urine and can increase blood flow to the penis. PC clenches can entrap the blood and oxygen into the shaft. To perform these exercise correctly simply hold the PC muscle until the blood flows to your erect penis causing it to expand. This natural male enhancer can be performed up to 150 times a day. However, beginners should aim for just 50 clenches.

If you are looking for natural male enhancement techniques, you can increase blood flow and oxygen to your shaft without using creams, or vacuum suction devices. Look for gentle, safe solutions.

Why Your Premature Ejaculation Problem Is All In Your Head

It may sound impossible, even ridiculous, to suggest that your premature ejaculation problem is actually all in your mind. How can such a staggering, frustrating and debilitating problem be completely mental? I'll describe why this is the case and how you can even put it to the test to prove that your premature ejaculation problem is actually a mental problem.

  

First of all, sex in general is very much mental. So much of how we treat the idea of sex and how we approach the act of sex is layered in an enormous amount of anxiety, tension, nervousness, uncertainty, and confusion. Just thinking about sex or talking about it causes many of these issues to surface. One can imagine the act of sexual activity is layered even heavier with the above issues.

Nervousness, anxiety and stress are direct causes of premature ejaculation. Many guys have heard the locker room talk regarding an extremely attractive female and how it would be hard to last long if one had sex with her. Why is this? It's because the mind becomes overwhelmed with the attractiveness of the female so much so that it gets turned on very quickly and in turn one will likely ejaculate very quickly. There is also the male notion of wanting to impress the extremely attractive woman. There is a major nervous effort put forth to impress, which leads to a high stress, which in turn leads to quick ejaculation. So this shows how powerful the mind is for building up such staggering amounts of anxiety, and how this easily leads to ejaculating very quickly.

Another related mental aspect is masturbation. Most guys discover masturbation on their own and there is never a "guide book" discussing how long one should masturbate before actual ejaculation is to occur. Since there is no time limit, naturally the act is performed as quickly as possible. There is no mental effort to hold off ejaculation. So guys end up training their mind to ejaculate as quickly as possible. This is another negative mental anchor leading to guys coming too quick during sex.

Now for the trick to show you how powerful the mind can be when it comes to lasting longer in bed.

Many guys have heard of the "thinking about sports during sex to last longer in bed" trick. But have you ever actually tried it? Well, if you have, then you know that it actually works. How can this be? Your quick ejaculation issue is supposed to be some physical type of problem, yet here you are thinking about fourth down and four yards to go and what kind of play you are going to run and before you know it you've lasted an additional five minutes.

This proves hands down that premature ejaculating is a mental problem.

After all, you've essentially just cured the problem by thinking about a football game. Imagine if you could work harder on mentally curing this problem without having to think about linebackers and tight ends!

What is Premature Ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation happens when a man ejaculates earlier during sexual intercourse than they or their partner would like. If it happens infrequently, it's not cause for concern. However, if you regularly ejaculate sooner than you and your partner wish — such as before intercourse begins or shortly afterward it can be considered premature ejaculation.

Premature ejaculation is a common sexual complaint. It estimates vary, but as many as 1 out of 3 men may be affected by this problem at some time.

Both psychological and biological factors can play a role in premature ejaculation. Although many men feel embarrassed to talk about it, premature ejaculation is a common and treatable condition.

Medications, psychological counseling and sexual techniques that delay ejaculation can improve sex for you and your partner. For many men, a combination of treatments works best. 

 

Symptoms

The primary sign of premature ejaculation is ejaculation that occurs before both partners wish, causing concern or stress. However, the problem may occur in all sexual situations, even including during masturbation.

Doctors generally classify premature ejaculation as either lifelong (primary) or acquired (secondary).

According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine, lifelong premature ejaculation is characterized by:

·         Ejaculation that always or nearly always occurs within one minute of vaginal penetration

·         The inability to delay ejaculation on all or nearly all vaginal penetrations

·         Negative personal consequences, such as stress, frustration or the avoidance of sexual intimacy

Secondary premature ejaculation is generally understood to share the same symptoms as lifelong premature ejaculation, but with one key difference:

·         Secondary ejaculation develops after you've had previous, satisfying sexual relationships without ejaculatory problems

Causes

The exact cause of premature ejaculation isn't known. While it was once thought to be only psychological, doctors now know premature ejaculation is more complicated and involves a complex interaction of both psychological and biological factors.

Men Impotence Linked to Restless Legs Syndrome

The more frequent the symptoms, the stronger the connection, study finds.

The study, by researchers from Harvard University, builds on earlier research by the scientists that found that impotence, or erectile dysfunction, was more common among older men with restless legs syndrome — and the more frequent the symptoms of the sleep disorder the higher the risk of impotence.

For the new study, the researchers started with more than 11,000 men, with an average age of 64 at the start of the trial in 2002, who did not suffer from impotence, diabetes or arthritis. The trial, called the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, began with the men answering a standardized set of health-related questions.

Men were considered to have restless legs syndrome (RLS) if they met four RLS diagnostic criteria recommended by the International RLS Study Group and had symptoms more than five times a month.

The researchers went on to identify 1,979 cases of erectile dysfunction. And men with restless legs syndrome were approximately 50 percent more likely to become impotent, compared to men without the syndrome, even after the researchers compensated for the participants' age, weight, whether they smoked or used antidepressants, as well as the presence of several chronic diseases.

Men who experienced restless legs syndrome symptoms up to 14 times a month were 68 percent more likely to struggle with erectile dysfunction, the study found.

The research was presented at SLEEP 2011, the annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, in Minneapolis. Because the study was presented at a medical meeting, the conclusions should be viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

In the Jan. 1, 2010, issue of the journal Sleep, the same researchers reported that erectile dysfunction was more common among older men with restless legs syndrome than those without RLS, and the link was stronger among men with a higher frequency of restless legs symptoms.

"The mechanisms underlying the association between RLS and erectile dysfunction could be caused by hypofunctioning of [the brain chemical] dopamine in the central nervous system, which is associated with both conditions," study lead author Dr. Xiang Gao, an instructor at Harvard Medical School and an associate epidemiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, said at the time.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, restless legs syndrome triggers a powerful urge to move the legs, which become uncomfortable when lying down or sitting. Some people describe it as a creeping, crawling, tingling or burning sensation. Moving makes your legs feel better, but the relief doesn't last. Typically, there is no known cause for restless legs syndrome. In some cases, it can be caused by a disease or condition, such as anemia or pregnancy. Caffeine, tobacco and alcohol may make symptoms worse.