Some thoughts on Erectile Dysfunction- Really
By Dr. Tim Fargo, Chiropractor
Guys, can we chat a minute? E.D. (Erectile Dysfunction) is the most common sexual problem in men, and one which no one really wants to talk about. I figured though, since you now see television commercials in prime time about it, that it is not so taboo that I cannot write a blog about it. First of all, erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to get and keep an erection sufficient for sex. Simple. The problem is that this unwelcome phenomenon is the result of many different and overlapping causes. There are physical causes such as heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, side effects of the medications used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions, diabetes, obesity, alcoholism, smoking, sleep disorders, surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord, and low testosterone. If you are noticing that many of the above factors are common to and compounded by aging, you would be correct. Older men are more prone to E.D. precisely because they are more likely to have some of the above physical factors.
As if physical causes were not enough, there are also psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, stress and relationship issues. When you combine all of this you have a condition that is very prevalent; estimates vary widely, but suffice it to say that this condition is very common and compounded by aging. To be clear, it is not only older men who suffer with E.D.; young men also experience difficulties.
The impact of condition can be significant with negative consequences for intimacy, relationships, self-confidence, self-esteem, and even reproductive success.
Treatment, in the traditional medical setting, typically involves the use of medications such as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis (all vasodilators) and/or hormone therapies to boost testosterone. By all reports these medications do work but, thinking in a more holistic fashion, it might be better to address the underlying causes of E.D. Herewith some tips to help alleviate E.D.:
- Manage your obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and blood sugar issues (diabetes). A simple ketogenic weight loss program such as Ideal Protein, which we offer at Chiropractic Health and Wellness, can work wonders.
- Stop smoking, limit or avoid alcohol altogether.
- Exercise regularly.
- Take steps to reduce stress and alleviate depression and anxiety.
This discussion would not be complete without mentioning the role that chiropractic can play in the alleviation of E.D. As with all organs and parts of the body, the male (and female) reproductive organs are connected to the brain by nerves. These nerves, and the spinal cord from which they emanate, are protected by the spine. Alterations in spinal alignment and movement can significantly impact the messaging that travels between the brain and the reproductive organs. The job of a chiropractor is to correct these misalignments so that the messages from the brain are received and clearly understood. When that happens the organ in question simply responds as nature intended.
In my years of clinical practice, I have seen countless men with various degrees of E.D. and have helped many by simply locating and correcting spinal misalignments, and by providing proper nutritional support. You can choose to take a pill every time you want to be intimate, or you can actually solve the underlying problem. Let the doctors at Chiropractic Health and Wellness know if you need help with E.D.