11/12/2023
6. S*x therapy or couples counseling
Around 10 to 25 percentTrusted Source of men with ED have no known risk factors. This condition, known as nonorganic ED, may be caused by a mental health condition like depression or by experiencing anxiety when having s*x.
A small 2020 study found that cognitive behavior s*x therapy (CBST) and medication were each effective on their own at reducing nonorganic ED. In addition, CBST was more effective at lowering anxiety among study participants.
It may also be helpful to attend counseling with your partner to help them understand your condition and discuss ways to support you.
The American Urological Association created a guideline for treating ED based on a review of studies. The association recommends talking with a mental health professional, especially with your partner, and says that therapy can improve communication between couples and help them integrate ED treatments into their s*xual relationship.
7. Stress reduction
Stress and anxiety are often linked to ED.
A 2019 studyTrusted Source found that stress was one of the main predictors of ED, in addition to anxiety and depression. The study suggests that chronic stress may affect testosterone or cause sleep deprivation, which may contribute to ED.
Still, other research indicates that the effect of stress on ED is still unclear. A 2020 study found no association between stress and ED.
Another small study from 2014Trusted Source found that an 8-week stress management program alongside ED medication was similarly effective for improving ED, compared with the medication alone.
Until more is understood about stress and ED, it’s still beneficial to reduce stress in your daily life to improve your overall health.
8. Alcohol reduction
Studies have shown mixed results for the effects of alcohol on ED.
Research from 2018Trusted Source found that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol (fewer than 21 drinks per week, as defined by the study) was associated with a lowered risk of ED. On the other hand, regular and high consumption didn’t significantly affect ED.
Still, other research has linked alcohol use with ED. A 2018 studyTrusted Source found that s*xual dysfunction, particularly ED, was common in people with alcohol dependence syndrome. In addition, research from 2020 also identified alcohol as a risk factor for ED.
More research is needed on the role of alcohol in ED. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source recommend that men consume two or fewer alcoholic drinks per day.
9. Smoking cessation
Smoking is another behavior that likely contributes to ED. This may be caused, in part, because smoking can damage blood vessels and prevent enough blood from reaching the p***s for an er****on.
Smoking may also reduce nitric oxide availability in the body, which is needed to cause involuntary muscle relaxation and increased blood flow that play a role in er****ons.
According to research from 2015Trusted Source, more frequent smoking was associated with an increased risk of developing ED and more severe ED.
Some damage from smoking may not be reversible. Still, the review concluded that quitting smoking, especially for men under age 50, may help improve ED.
It’s challenging to quit smoking, but there are many resources available to help. Stopping smoking has the potential to help ED and benefit many other areas of your overall health.
