Physical attraction and sex are an important part of romantic relationships. Getting your game on is as crucial as it can be since it lays the foundation of how a couple is going to be compatible with each other in other situations. But ED or erectile dysfunction can damage the healthiest relationships. Research shows that 50% men over the age of 50 suffer from erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction affects almost half of the male population but it is rarely ever discussed due to the stigma attached to it.

Erectile dysfunction is caused by a combination of factors. Nerves in the penis produce nitric oxide which dilates blood vessels and allows them to flood chambers in the penis, which brings about a sustainable erection. In the absence of enough nitric oxide, the erection may not be sustainable or there may be a bigger blood vessel problem, such as blockages or arterial walls that cannot relax enough for blood to flow freely. Men with diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and heart diseases are more prone to erectile dysfunction than men without these health issues.

The most common way to treat this problem is by taking over-the-counter medicines that include Viagra, Cialis, Stendra, and Levitra. They belong to the drug class PDE5 which makes it easier for the blood to flow into the penis, thus causing an erection. These pills usually work with more than two-thirds of men. They, however, come with their own side effects which usually include headaches, dizziness, a runny nose, and indigestion. Effects of this medication may also vary from person to person. The dosage of these medicines, duration of their effect and side effects will change according to the physical condition of a person. In case medicines are not suitable for someone, a doctor could also suggest penile implants, surgery or pumps.

The most effective treatments for ED have nothing to do with medicines but rather lifestyle changes. Like every other medical condition, it is important to identify and eliminate the source of discomfort of ED. Most effective treatments for ED are as follows:

• Watch your weight
  Excess weight causes flab, which in turn causes inflammation and converts testosterone into estrogen. Both these phenomena are bad for erection. Overweight men usually have trouble with erection due to excess weight, and they can reverse their ED by adopting a healthy lifestyle and exercising. Men with sedentary lifestyles are at risk of ED as well as other lifestyle diseases.
• Control smoking and drinking
  Alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine are major libido killers. Alcohol may increase your need for sex but will decrease your ability to do it. Smoking affects the ability of blood vessels to relax. It is also essential to cut smoking and drinking over a period of time because the body may or may not be able to digest a large number of intoxicants.
• Change your diet
  Foods that are good for the heart are usually great for penile health as well. Men with diabetes who follow a Mediterranean diet have a very low risk of erectile dysfunction. Asian herbs like ginseng are also effective in reversing ED if used over a period of time and can prove to be one of the most effective ED treatment. Low calorie and high protein foods work very well too.
• Take care of your medication
  If you are seeking medication for hypertension, cardiovascular diseases or diabetes, make sure to check your medication since side effects from these medicines are known to be a leading cause of ED. Hence, most effective ED treatment involves taking care of your medications as well.
• Counselling
  ED may also be a consequence of stress, anxiety or depression, or the inability to get an erection may be a reason that creates stress which in turn affects the ability to achieve an erection. Counselling can help resolve any underlying issue that becomes dominant enough to start affecting your daily life on a physical level. Visiting a counselor often helps.
• Communication
  ED will bring about a stressful time for the one suffering from it as well as his partner. It is common for men suffering from ED to feel depressed, frustrated and angry. It is, therefore, important to stay open to communication and try to ease the emotional, physical and mental pressure. For most effective ED treatment, communication is essential to achieve a successful diagnosis.
• Change timings
  Sometimes, people with ED may not be able to perform at nights. You can try to change or shuffle timings to see if the conditions persist or a deviation from regular settings helps.  

Above were some of the most effective ED treatments. Suffering from ED is one thing, but living with someone who has ED can also take a huge toll on the partner. It is important to find the underlying cause of ED but remember to take care of yourself first. Staying positive help in more ways than one.