Based on current statistics, the majority of men will suffer from erectile dysfunction at some point in their lives. Doctors use a rough rule of thumb: 40% of men in their 40s have ED, 50% of men in their 50s, 60% of men in their 60s, and so on.
There are many things that can cause ED, but the most common is a vascular or circulatory problem. Achieving and maintaining an erection depends on blood flow, and anything that limits blood flow can weaken erections.
It's important to know that for most cases of ED - and for vascular ED in particular - there is no cure. There are treatments, including oral medications such as Viagra and Cialis, or injections such as Caverject. These treatments may allow men with ED to achieve an erection, but they won't fix the underlying problems. And no, the magic herbal remedies that you buy online won't cure ED either. In fact, clinical studies show that they are less effective than the prescription medications, and they can have serious side effects.
Barring advances in medical science, once you have ED you will probably have it for the rest of your life. And that's why it's important to prevent ED before it becomes a problem.
To minimize your chances of having erectile dysfunction, you need to maintain good cardio-vascular health. The "secret" of avoiding ED is the same advice that your doctor nags you about on every visit:
• If you smoke, stop. Doctors often call tobacco an "erection killer."
• Use alcohol moderately, if at all.
• Get regular cardio-vascular exercise.
• Eat a heart-healthy Mediterranean diet.
• Make sure that your diet includes the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc. (Deficiencies of these vitamins and minerals have been linked to ED.) Note that vitamins are like oil in an engine. You need enough oil for the engine to run properly, but adding more oil doesn't make it run better! In other words, as long as your diet includes enough of these vitamins, taking more won't help you in any way.
There are no guarantees, but a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your chances of having erectile dysfunction as you age. Maybe if doctors stressed that fact, men would take their dietary advice more seriously!
