The function of a man’s erection revolves around blood, so it stands to reason that improving blood flow can work wonders to enhance sexual performance and reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction / ED. There are several other potential causes of erectile dysfunction, including medication and even psychological considerations, but those will be discussed separately. Most importantly, early detection and treatment are important. Many men, often out of embarrassment, wait months or even years as their sexual health declines before seeking treatment from a qualified urologist or men’s health specialist. Or they opt for supplements or generic medications without a complete picture of their sexual health. Ultimately, visiting a knowledgeable specialist and urologist like Dr. Kapadia is the best next step.
In the meantime, whether you are suffering from ED or not, here are some tips to improve blood flow and give yourself the best chance at a long and satisfying sex life.
For most urologists, the increase in the prevalence of ED is not a surprise. Over the past couple of generations in the United States, we’ve seen a general decline in overall health. This is mainly due to a societal trend towards poor eating habits and lack of exercise. Both these problems can lead to less blood flow around the body, especially in the genital area. Further, smoking and drinking lots of caffeine can have vasoconstrictive effects, limiting blood flow. Even conditions such as atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes, both common amongst the overweight and obese population, reduce the blood volume that can flow around the body.
Medical Therapies
It is essential to visit your men’s health specialists at the first signs of erectile dysfunction so we can work together to identify potential problems and implement solutions. Medication is ultimately a treatment versus a solution for ED. However, it can be a short- or medium-term option for many patients. Working with a specialist like Dr. Kapadia means approaching the problem holistically. We don’t just look at an immediate. Instead, we create a treatment plan that investigates other potential causes of ED, including lifestyle, psychological concerns, and even other medications that may inhibit your ability to have an erection. The key here is comprehensive care, as ED can be a sign of an underlying health issue that requires a multidisciplinary medical team to diagnose and treat effectively.
A note on supplements.
There is no shortage of supplements marketed toward men who have erectile dysfunction. While celebrities and regular folks may tout such supplements’ benefits, few have proven data from rigorous clinical studies. Of course, the concept of the placebo effect is very real, and taking a supplement, even if it doesn’t make any physical changes, can help in the short term. However, it is important to remember that the FDA does not oversee supplements, so their purity, quality, and effectiveness can be questionable, even if there is data to suggest that the ingredients may be beneficial. Before starting any supplementation regimen, you should speak to a qualified physician.
Stress Management
An often-overlooked cause of poor blood flow and a leading cause of psychological factors that can impede erectile function is stress. When stressed, our blood vessels narrow and reduce the blood volume reaching our extremities. Working on a stress-busting routine to address latent and acute stress can benefit you in many ways.
Penile Implantation
An inflatable penile prosthesis or penile implant is an option for patients suffering from severe erectile dysfunction. And while it is a procedure that should only be considered when other less invasive treatment options have not worked, it should not be regarded as drastic. Most patients treated with a penile implant are delighted with the results as the device works discreetly and reliably to restore a man’s sex life. It is also worth noting that Dr. Kapadia is one of the most experienced penile implantation specialists in Atlanta and was recently awarded the Coloplast Center of Excellence designation.
The Bottom Line
Only rarely does ED have a single cause, so if you have erectile issues, visiting Dr. Kapadia for a complete workup is essential to understand the reason. Most importantly, it is never too late to improve blood flow around your body to reduce the risk of new or worsened ED. Not only will your sex life benefit, but your overall health will be improved, as will your lifestyle. For more information and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kapadia, don’t hesitate to contact our office.
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