Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Treatment: Causes, Solutions & Safe Supplements

Erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to the inability of men to attain and maintain an erect penis with sufficient rigidity to allow sexual intercourse. It occurs in middle-aged men and is common after the age of 65. Patients need to discuss this matter frankly with their doctor. ED prevalence increases with age, affecting 52% of men aged 40-70, rising to 70% at age 70.

Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is characterized by difficulty in maintaining an erection for satisfactory sexual activity. Impotence refers to the state of being impotent, which is an abnormal physical or psychological condition where a male cannot copulate due to the inability to have or maintain an erection. Sometimes, the term impotence is also used for a condition where a man can have an erection but cannot ejaculate semen.

Erectile dysfunction is a complex multi-system disorder with a variety of vascular, neurogenic, hormonal, pharmacological, or psychogenic causes.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

ED stems from diverse causes:

• With Reduced Libido (less desire for sex), causes may include:

  • Psychological: Anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship issues.

  • Hormonal: Hypogonadism, or reduced testosterone levels, often lowers libido.

• With Intact Libido (normal sexual desire), causes tend to be physical or psychological disorders that affect erection directly but not desire, including:

  • Mechanical: Less common causes include structural problems or injuries.

  •  Physical: 

    • Vascular insufficiency (problems with blood flow due to artery disease, like atheroma).

    • Diabetes mellitus. Among diabetic men, ED prevalence ranges from 20% to 71%, influenced by glycemic control and age. 

    • Excessive alcohol use.

    • Neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis.

    • Certain drugs, such as beta-blockers and diuretics.
      

  • Psychological problems like anxiety, depression, or stress. 

If the patient has erections upon waking in the morning, vascular and neuropathic causes are less likely. Stress and strain can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.

 

A variety of mechanical/prosthetic devices and surgeries have been used for erectile dysfunction, but drug therapy has made a significant impact recently.

An important diagnostic clue is the presence of morning erections; if those are intact, psychological causes are more likely.

Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction

Here are symptoms of erectile dysfunction:

• Difficulty getting an erection sometimes or consistently

• Trouble maintaining an erection long enough for sex

• Reduced sexual desire or libido

• Absence of sexual urge

• Inability to achieve an erection at all

• Decreased firmness or stiffness of the penis

• Possible psychological distress, like anxiety or low confidence

These symptoms often worsen over time and may indicate underlying health issues like heart disease, diabetes, or psychological factors.

Cureveda Male Mate: A Natural Ayurvedic Solution

Cureveda Male Mate is an Ayurvedic supplement crafted to help men overcome ED and boost overall sexual health. It combines six potent herbs, including Tribulus, Mucuna, Safed Musli, and Ashwagandha, known to:

• Boost testosterone levels naturally.

• Improve libido, stamina, and confidence.

• Support sperm quality and infertility.

• Enhance energy and reduce performance anxiety.

 

 

Unlike some supplements, which may cause side effects like acne or digestive issues, Male Mate is gentle, safe, and suitable even with other medications when taken as directed. The recommended dosage is usually two tablets before bedtime, continued for up to three months for best results.

Herbs Useful for Treating ED:

• Panax Ginseng: Effective for erectile dysfunction, particularly red ginseng, often called "Herbal Viagra." Side effects include insomnia.
• Pinus pinaster: Requires long-term administration. Side effects include mouth ulcers, dizziness, and headache.
• Safed Musli (Chlorophytum arundinaceum): Prescribed for impotence and debility. Acts as an aphrodisiac tonic, a refrigerant, and an anti-fatigue. Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) shows aphrodisiac and anti-fatigue effects, enhancing sexual performance and hormone levels in clinical trials.
• Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans): Treats debility and impotence (Ref: Dravyagun Vigyan, Indian Materia Medica).
• Salabmishri (Orchis latifolia): Acts as a vitalizer, nervine, and brain tonic. It is restorative, invigorating, and aphrodisiac, used in diseases related to weakness or sexual powers (Ref: Indian Materia Medica, Charak Samhita).
• Konch (Mucuna prurita seeds): Aphrodisiac, prescribed for impotence (Ref: Dravyagun Vigyan).
• Yohimbe: Found in the bark of an African tree. Studies show promising results for erectile dysfunction, but side effects include kidney failure and a heart attack. It should be taken only with a doctor’s prescription.
• Saw Palmetto: Used for erectile dysfunction due to an enlarged prostate. However, clinical trials show it is not effective for dysfunction due to an enlarged prostate.

Consult a doctor before taking these herbs.

Natural Home Remedies

1. Garlic (Allium sativum): Take 2 to 3 crushed garlic cloves with honey three times a day. Garlic acts as a powerful aphrodisiac, increasing hydrogen sulphide production, which helps relax blood vessels. Allicin in garlic stimulates blood flow. Remove the outer layer of garlic, boil 5 to 6 de-skinned cloves in a cup of milk, add sugar, and take twice daily.
2. Papaya (Carica papaya): Advisable as it contains arginine, which is also present in Viagra.
   
3. Black Gram with Onion (Allium cepa) juice: Take once a day.
   
4. Dried Dates: Have aphrodisiac properties.
   
5. Black Raisins: Advisable.
   
6. Herb Mixture: Take a mixture of Bala, Ashwagandha, Vidari, and Safed Musli twice a day with lukewarm milk (for quantity, contact the author).
   
7. Saffron Milk: Add a pinch of saffron to a cup of hot milk and drink before bed.
   
8. Garlic Paste: Crush garlic, make a paste, and add one-fourth of the paste to hot milk. Drink twice a day. Garlic increases blood supply. Garlic combined with tadalafil improved ED symptoms 30% more than tadalafil alone in a controlled trial 
   
9. Garlic and Honey: Make a paste of garlic, add honey, and take one teaspoon twice a day.
   
10. Pomegranate Juice: Drink twice daily.
    
11. Herbal Mixture: For psychological issues, mix Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), and Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi). Take 1 teaspoon of this mixture in 2 cups of water, boil until reduced by half, filter, and drink once a day.

Use flaxseed oil for cooking. It has been observed that individuals with erectile dysfunction often have low levels of zinc. Foods rich in zinc include dairy products, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and brown rice.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) churna (1 teaspoon) taken twice daily with milk is advisable. Ashwagandha supplementation significantly improves sexual function, testosterone levels, and sperm quality in men with ED.

L-Arginine: An amino acid found in dairy products and fish that helps expand blood vessels. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Contraindicated for people taking Viagra or blood pressure medication.

Lifestyle Tips for Better Sexual Health

• Give a gap of four days after each intercourse.

• Include ghee in your meals.

• DHEA: A steroid hormone naturally produced by the body, helps in conditions with low testosterone levels, which are rare and unlikely to cause erectile dysfunction. DHEA can produce side effects like acne and reduced HDL (good cholesterol).

 

 

What to Do (DO’s)?

• Take Abhyanga (bath) with medicinal herbs after consulting an Ayurvedic doctor.
• Proper physical exercise followed by relaxation is advisable.
• Perform certain yoga postures after consulting a yoga teacher.
• Massage the body with an Ayurvedic oil, including the pubic area.

What to Avoid?

• Avoid oily and spicy food.
• Prevent indigestion and constipation.
• Avoid working in a stressful atmosphere.
• Avoid exercise before sexual performance.

Partner's Role

A sympathetic partner can help overcome this problem and may increase the confidence level of the person affected by erectile dysfunction.

Granthokta Preparations

• Dhatupoushtic Churna
• Musali Pak
• Ashwagandha Lehyam
• Shilajit Capsule
• Manmath Ras

Though the quantity of ingredients in some natural home remedies is mentioned, it is advisable to consult an Ayurvedic physician before use.

FAQs

1. What is erectile dysfunction, and how common is it?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. It is common, especially in men over 65, but it can affect middle-aged men as well. It’s a complex condition with various physical and psychological causes.

2. What are the main causes of erectile dysfunction?
ED can stem from psychological factors (e.g., anxiety, depression, stress) or physical issues (e.g., vascular insufficiency, diabetes, alcohol excess, multiple sclerosis, or medications like β-blockers). Low libido may be linked to hypogonadism, while intact libido may point to other causes like vascular or psychological issues.

3. How can I tell if my erectile dysfunction is physical or psychological?
If you experience erections upon waking (nocturnal penile tumescence), it’s less likely to be caused by vascular or neuropathic issues, suggesting psychological factors like stress or anxiety may be the cause. Consulting a doctor for a proper diagnosis is essential.

4. Are there natural remedies for erectile dysfunction?
Yes, natural remedies include:

• Garlic: 2–3 crushed cloves with honey or boiled in milk, taken daily, to improve blood flow.
• Papaya: Contains arginine, which may help with erections.
• Black raisins, dried dates, and pomegranate juice: Known for their aphrodisiac properties.
• Herbal mixtures: Combining herbs like Ashwagandha, Safed Musli, or Shankhapushpi with milk or water. Always consult a doctor before use.

5. Which herbs are effective for treating erectile dysfunction?
Herbs like Panax ginseng (red ginseng), Safed Musli, nutmeg, Konch (Mucuna prurita), and Salabmishri are traditionally used for ED. Yohimbe shows promise but has serious side effects (e.g., kidney failure, heart attack) and requires a doctor’s supervision. Saw palmetto is not effective for ED caused by an enlarged prostate.

6. What lifestyle changes can help with erectile dysfunction?

• Engage in regular physical exercise followed by relaxation.
• Practice yoga postures under guidance.
• Massage with Ayurvedic oils like Shree Gopal oil.
• Include zinc-rich foods (e.g., pumpkin seeds, dairy, brown rice) and flaxseed oil in your diet.
• Avoid oily, spicy foods, stress, and constipation.