ED is a common issue as a result of which men have trouble getting or maintaining an erection. This issue is more common in men as they get older. Approximately 40% of men are affected at age 40, and nearly 70% are affected at age 70. The process of achieving an erection has two components; mental arousal and physical arousal – the former stimulates the latter. To have a healthy erection, you must be physically and mentally healthy.
Our bodies have many interlinked systems that work together to perform different functions, which is why arousal is both a physical and mental process. Mental processes can be hindered by mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. Couples facing relationship issues can also experience ED. On the front of physical processes, blood flow and overall physical health are important. These can also be hindered by health issues such as chronic illnesses and diseases.
Understanding these processes helps us know the potential causes of ED and establish a treatment plan accordingly.
Causes of ED
Physical Causes
A range of physical issues can cause ED. As mentioned previously, ED has a lot to do with our circulatory health. An erection is achieved when mental stimulation causes our brain to increase blood flow to the lower regions of our body. Clogged blood vessels, a weak heart or poor quality of blood can hinder this process, leading to ED. Many illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis are reasons for deteriorating circulatory health leading to ED.
Mental Causes
Mental arousal itself is a complicated process which involves numerous other systems of our bodies. Any issues associated with this arousal can result in ED. Depression and anxiety can common causes. As a result, it becomes harder to get and maintain an erection when the mind is preoccupied with overwhelming negative thoughts. Similarly, if an individual is not attracted to their significant other due to any reason, it can cause ED in quite the same way. Furthermore, often these mental issues turn into a cruel cycle where a man cannot achieve an erection due to these issues, which in turn cause more mental trauma.
Thanks to the latest medical research, numerous treatment plans are available for men. Based on the actual causes, a treatment plan could range from prescription medication like generic viagra or to simple lifestyle changes like yoga.
What is Yoga
Yoga started in ancient India and is a physical, mental, and spiritual exercise. The practice of Yoga traces back thousands of years, and while there are many various interpretations and forms, the ultimate purpose of yoga has been the same, which is to increase strength, mindfulness, and equilibrium in the body and mind. The physical practice of asana (a series of postures) is most generally associated with the yoga of today. Its main goals are to increase endurance, enhance flexibility, create inner harmony, and relax the body.
Yoga and ED
Yoga is a drug-free way to relax the body and mind. A growing body of research suggests that yoga can help with ED. Erectile function can be significantly improved by various kinds of yoga sequences.
Physical Health Benefits
Healthy erections are a good mark of an individual’s cardiovascular health. Men who experience ED most likely will also have cardiovascular issues later in life. Regularly exercising is a sure way to maintain good cardiovascular health. This also dramatically increases the quality of blood flow to lower regions of the body. Studies have shown that 40 minutes of activity 4x every week followed by a stretch is one of the best ways to improve ED symptoms.
Generally, all exercise is good for your overall health. However, many exercises such as weight lifting, sports and cardio can take up a lot of time and can even result in injuries if not done correctly. Yoga is the best alternative, particularly for those individuals who have generally been inactive in their adult life. Yoga also brings increased strength, mobility, flexibility, and general health. These further improve a man’s performance in the bed.
Mental Health Benefits
Yoga extensively focuses on breathing and body awareness. This is a proven way to relax and reduce stress and is often used in therapy as well. In addition, yoga calms the sympathetic nervous system (the flight or fight response), which is often responsible for inhibiting blood flow away from the lower regions of your body and towards your arms and chest.
Yoga can significantly straighten the mind-body connection through body awareness. This helps individuals stimulate their parasympathetic nervous system (the rest and digest response), ultimately making them more resilient and flexible toward stressful situations. In addition, a stronger mind-body connection is beneficial to your overall mental health and how your body responds to aversion stimuli.
When beginning yoga, it is important that you follow an instructor or even an online zoom class. If done without proper instruction, even yoga can result in injuries. Firstly it is important that you begin with the basics and not push yourself too far. We are aiming to turn yoga into a habit and something you can do regularly. Secondly, it is important that during all of the yoga poses, try to practice mindfulness and be only present in the current moment to help reduce stress and anxiety.
Treating ED
Making lifestyle changes like yoga can make a big difference in treating ED for most men. Other similar changes may include a healthier and balanced diet along with giving up unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking. In most cases, these changes will work to overcome ED. However, some men may have to go a little further and that may require medications.
Some common ED medications include Viagra, , Levitra, and Sildenafil. These drugs are easily and widely available today, and it can be tempting to just buy cheap generic viagra on your own, but it is important that you first see a doctor to establish the cause of your ED and the most suitable treatment option.
IQ Doctor
IQ Doctor is a UK pharmacy that is fully licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to sell medicines online. IQ Doctor offers its customers a wide variety of ED medications. You can visit their website and get a free consultation with a medical professional to determine what medicine may be suitable for you. Once you place your order, the medication will arrive at your doorstep without delay.
