Vitamin D. Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Is there a correlation between the two?
As a matter of fact, there is indeed a correlation. And the good news is that you can treat it too.
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a multitude of factors, which can be neurogenic, psychogenic, cardiovascular, vascular, or hormonal in nature.
In many instances, ED is also a marker for early signs of cardiovascular disease.
The same holds true for low vitamin D levels, as they are often associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases in the future.
If you want to improve your symptoms of erectile dysfunction, this article will formulate ways for you to regain your sexual function.
Are ED and Vitamin D Deficiency Connected?
It may seem peculiar to think that a vitamin that’s produced in exposure to sunlight has anything to do with the penis.
But that couldn’t be further from the truth. According to a study published in the National Institutes of Health, there’s a strong relationship between these two variables.
In a longitudinal study conducted in the early 1990s, 45% of the US population had healthy serum vitamin D levels of 30 ng/mL.
This is different in a study done in 2004—with only 23% of the population having adequate Vitamin D levels.
And the most interesting part?
Incidences of erectile dysfunction have risen and are projected to rise over the years, from a worldwide number of 150 million cases in 1995 to a whopping 322 million cases by 2025.
What Are the Common ED Symptoms?
Symptoms of erectile dysfunction typically include:
- Poor libido
- Erectile dysfunction or impotence
- Inability to achieve an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse
- Infrequent or no erections
- Difficulty achieving an ejaculation
- Reduced volume of semen
- Flushing (reddening) of the face, neck, upper chest, or back
- Rapid heartbeat low blood pressure dizziness
- Sexual performance anxiety or depression
If you exhibit any of the symptoms and don’t see it resolving on its own, contact an ED doctor to address your concerns. They’ll be able to provide you with a long-term approach and guidance to treat erectile dysfunction safely and effectively.
4 Ways to Treat ED Due to Vitamin D Deficiency
Fortunately, there are ways you can restore and improve erectile function once again.
While professional medical support is strongly recommended, there are some at home lifestyle changes that can work in tandem with a medical diagnosis to improve erectile function caused by Vitamin D deficiency.
Here are some ways you can improve sexual performance.
Dietary Changes
Eating a diet rich in Vitamin D is one of the best ways you can naturally boost the Vitamin D levels in your body.
An alarmingly large amount of people don’t get exposed to the sun. The main reason is that we spend the majority of our time indoors and don’t always have the time nor leisure to get a good amount of sunlight coursing through our skin.
The good thing is that you don’t have to step outside to get your daily dose.
Here are some foods that you can implement in your next diet to get your levels up to the ideal and healthy benchmark:
- Salmon: Wild salmon is preferred over farmed salmon.
- Sardines: Other fatty fish such as herring, halibut, and mackerel make decent alternatives.
- Egg Yolks: If you’re allergic to seafood, egg yolks are another nutritious source.
- Soy Milk: Vitamin D is mostly found in animals or their byproducts—soy milk is a greener alternative.
- Mushrooms: Wild mushrooms make excellent sources for this vitamin, though commercially-grown ones aren’t as ideal of a source.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise not only builds your physical health, but it also contributes to a healthy sex drive.
Obesity is a leading contributor to ED, with a 40% increased risk for people with obesity to acquire ED.
Aside from following a strict diet regimen, one of the best ways to prevent the health risk of obesity is by exercising regularly.
Exercise releases endorphins that will help you stave off the mood swings and stress caused by erectile dysfunction.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week—or 30 minutes, 5 times a week—as an effective dose to increase Vitamin D levels.
This can come in various aerobic or anaerobic forms, including (but not limited to):
- Calisthenics
- Weight training
- Yoga
- Running
- Cycling
- Swimming
If you have any prior medical condition that prevents you from doing strenuous exercises, consult your doctor beforehand.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking can lead to a multitude of health risks. Aside from developing respiratory and lung issues, smoking can also lead to damage to the blood vessels, causing blood flow to course through your body inefficiently.
This affects people with ED as erectile function is reliant on a strong and steady blood flow to the body. The best way to prevent the worsening development of this health risk is by cutting smoking out of your daily routine altogether.
Take Vitamin Supplements
Taking a Vitamin D3 supplement is a great way to ward off any potential development of ED.
There are also other dietary supplements that may be helpful in treating erectile dysfunction.
Here are some supplements you can take daily to improve your sexual health and prevent vitamin deficiency:
- Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- Vitamin C
- L-arginine
Do note, however, that while they help manage symptoms — supplements aren’t the cure-all to erectile dysfunction. Ultimately, medical guidance is required to diagnose the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction and to determine an approach to treating sexual dysfunction in the short and long term.
Reclaim Your Sexual Wellness Today with an Effective Medical Approach to Treating ED
Erectile dysfunction does not need to be a lifelong problem.
There are lifestyle changes that you can implement in your daily routine to help make managing it easier. These lifestyle changes can help to support medical treatment options that a men’s clinic specializing in ED treatment can provide.
If you’re having issues with erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation, call the team at Proactive Men’s Medical Center in Cincinnati now to schedule an appointment to have a consultation with their experienced and specially trained medical staff. We are a leading men’s clinic providing ED therapy, PE therapy, Acoustic Wave therapy, hormone therapy, and much more to support men’s health and sexual wellness.