Blood Flow Improvements to Treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a physically and emotionally disruptive concern for men that often revolves around impaired blood flow to the penis. Many men follow lifestyles that don’t promote efficient blood flow, which can increase the risk or worsening of ED. In this article, we discuss several ways to improve blood flow, and while this may not entirely prevent or reverse erectile dysfunction, it does give patients the best chance of maintaining their erectile function longer.

Quit Smoking

Beyond the risk of cancer, asthma, and COPD, smoking constricts blood vessels around the body, increasing blood pressure and reducing blood flow. This, in turn, can lead to worsened atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries) and permanent constriction of these blood vessels. While we know how difficult it may be to stop smoking, the possibility of causing or worsening ED may be just what patients need to push them in the right direction.

Stay Hydrated

Since our bodies are composed primarily of water, it’s no wonder that we need to remain hydrated for peak physical and mental performance. Proper hydration helps virtually all bodily systems and can affect a man’s ability to develop and maintain an erection as well. Most of us should drink at least 64 ounces of water daily. Very active men should drink even more. Patients may also need more in hot or cold conditions.

Pro Tip: If you avoid drinking liquids because of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), consult your Georgia Urology specialist for a treatment plan. LUTS can often be treated successfully and minimally invasively, whether caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia, a urinary tract infection, or otherwise.

Lose Weight

Excess weight and obesity are leading causes of atherosclerosis and, consequently, heart disease. Atherosclerosis, as mentioned above, reduces the usable diameter of blood vessels, forcing the heart to pump harder and ultimately reducing blood flow throughout the body, including the penis.

Exercise stimulates blood flow throughout the body and generally improves health, including that of the blood vessels. Those with a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to suffer the effects of erectile dysfunction than men who exercise regularly.

Diet, too, is a critical component of any weight loss and sexual health plan. Patients should prioritize the intake of lean meats, including poultry and fish, as well as cruciferous vegetables, whole fruits, beans, and legumes. On the other hand, foods high in saturated fat, like fatty red meat, should be avoided as much as possible. Of note, some foods with high levels of dietary cholesterol, like eggs and shellfish, have been proven not to affect serum or blood cholesterol, so don’t avoid them. Also, be mindful of the difference between naturally derived and added sugar. Our bodies need glucose to function, but added sugar can be problematic. Even artificial sweeteners can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, so keep foods as unadulterated and simple as possible.

Speak to Your Urologist About Medications

Some patients may correlate reduced sexual function with a recently started medication or any changes to their prescription. If this is the case, a discussion with a trusted primary care physician or urologic specialist to understand if the new drug or combination may be causing ED is important. Often, the medical team has options to address these side effects.

Address Stress and Libido

Something must also be said about mood and attitude toward one’s partner and life. Having a positive outlook, working on your relationship, and maintaining an uplifted mood can address low libido, which can be mistaken for ED. Anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns, among others, are known to cause a lack of desire, and it is essential to address these conditions as resultant ED often makes matters worse, causing a vicious cycle.

Next Steps

While, for most men, it may be hard to admit that the concern is indeed erectile dysfunction, patients should take heart in knowing that it is common, affecting about 50% of men over 50. For most patients, ED worsens gradually, and medications such as Viagra/sildenafil or Cialis/tadalafil are excellent first-line options for improving blood flow to the penis and thus allowing for stronger and longer-lasting erections.

That said, the lifestyle changes mentioned above and even ED medications may not be sufficient to restore sexual function for some men, including those recovering from a prostatectomy (prostate removal) or radiation therapy for prostate cancer. For patients still suffering from ED after following Georgia Urology‘s comprehensive post-prostatectomy rehabilitation and restoration plan or trying conservative options, we encourage exploring permanent ED solutions like a penile implant or prosthesis. This is an effective and long-lasting device to help restore a satisfying sex life and lifestyle.

Georgia Urology is the leading penile implant specialist practice in Atlanta and the surrounding area. We have Center of Excellence surgeons for both major implant brands: Coloplast Titan and the Boston Scientific AMS 700 devices.

The Bottom Line

Erectile dysfunction is treatable at any severity, and with the assistance of a qualified urologist like those at Georgia Urology, we can work through the problem to find a solution. Any man with erectile dysfunction will benefit from blood flow improvements from an improved lifestyle, including quitting smoking, exercising, and proper diet. However, for some, erectile dysfunction is more severe, and in these cases, we have safe and effective solutions for any stage. The most crucial first step is to speak to a trusted urologist like those at Georgia Urology. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation using our convenient self-scheduling option.