Over the counter medications can help with erection dysfunction but there are also simple health changes that could help improve blood flow – and get men back to peak performance
The internet is awash with tips, tricks and hacks to fix minor medical problems. But how much of it is accurate and can be trusted? In an age of misinformation and social media ‘experts’, it is always better to ask someone who is in the know about your health woes.
Each week, Superintendent Pharmacist Claire Nevinson will answer our readers’ questions on everything from insomnia and skin complaints to trapped wind and toilet troubles. This week, her colleague Dr Megha Pancholi, GP and Sexual Health Lead at Boots Online Doctor has advice on erectile dysfunction…
Q. My husband has been having trouble in the bedroom, what can we do to address his issues?
A. “ED is a common condition, particularly in men over 40, but we are seeing that it is increasingly affecting younger men too. We also know that some men may struggle with performance anxiety related to ED, especially if it’s something they’ve experienced before.
“Whatever their age, most men experience failing to get or keep an erection at some point in their lives, usually caused by everyday stress, tiredness, feelings of anxiousness or drinking too much alcohol, which can reduce blood flow, alter nerve signals and cause hormonal imbalance to the penis.
“It is completely normal to experience ED from time to time and is generally nothing to worry about. However, erectile problems can be an early sign of conditions like cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. It’s important to speak to your GP to help understand the cause and check for any underlying health conditions you may need support with.
“In most cases, ED can be treated with over the counter or prescription medicines. There are also some lifestyle changes that could help improve blood flow and help those experiencing erectile dysfunction.”
The five lifestyle changes Dr Megha suggests are:
Take regular physical activity
“Getting active can help too, but it’s important to speak to your GP before starting any new forms of exercise if you have an existing medical condition or have not exercised in a while. Evidence also suggests that regularly performing kegel exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor – a muscular band that stretches from the tailbone to the pubic bone – and help with ED.”
Stop smoking
“Smokers are more likely to be impacted by ED because of the damage to blood vessels smoking can cause. Some research shows stopping smoking can improve erectile function and the sooner you stop smoking, the better the outcome.”
Manage everyday stress
“Blood flow to the penis that helps to create an erection can be affected by daily stress. This can become a vicious cycle as experiencing ED may increase feelings of stress and anxiousness, so identifying and managing your stressors can be helpful.
“On a related note, men who are regularly unable to get an erection, or who are unable to keep an erection for long enough to have sex, may experience feelings of low self-esteem or anxiousness, and avoid talking to their partner or even shy away from relationships altogether.
“Talking to your partner is an important step in reducing the emotional impact of ED. Open communication can help to build trust and understanding in a relationship which can, in turn, support you to overcome ED, if there are no other underlying health conditions.”
Reduce your drinking
“If you’re experiencing ED and you drink, it’s a good idea to reduce how much alcohol you consume. Avoid drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week.”
Eat a healthy diet
“A healthy, balanced diet is always a good idea for general wellbeing, but can also help with maintaining a healthy weight and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The focus should be on a healthy and balanced diet, such as a Mediterranean-style diet, prioritising fibre and unsaturated fats while limiting unhealthy fats and excessive sodium.”
The Boots Online Doctor Erectile Dysfunction Treatment service* offers access to expert advice and treatment, if appropriate. Boots also offers over-the-counter ED treatment, including products that contain Sildenafil or Tadalafil.
Those who are regularly unable to get an erection, or who are unable to keep an erection for long enough to have sex, should speak to their GP to understand the cause and check for any underlying health conditions they may need support with.
* Access to treatment is subject to an online consultation with a clinician to assess suitability. Subject to availability. Charges apply.