5 ways you can manage erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual activity. While it can happen occasionally, frequent or persistent ED may be a sign of an underlying health concern that deserves attention.

ED can affect more than your sex life. It may affect confidence, self-esteem, relationships, and overall quality of life. It can also be linked to conditions that affect blood flow and nerve function, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and blood vessel disease, and obesity.

The good news is that ED can often be managed. Depending on its cause, erectile dysfunction treatment may include lifestyle changes, addressing underlying health conditions, counseling, or medication. Finding the right approach starts with understanding what may be contributing to your ED.

Erectile dysfunction treatment at home

There is no single approach to managing ED. Improving your overall health can support sexual function, while medical treatment may be recommended when lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough.

Get moving

Regular physical activity can support better blood flow, heart health, and overall fitness—all of which can play a role in sexual function.

According to one Harvard study, walking for just 30 minutes a day was linked with a 41% lower risk of ED. Other research has also found that moderate exercise may help improve sexual performance in obese middle-aged men experiencing ED.

You don’t necessarily need an intense workout routine. Start with activities you enjoy, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, and aim to make movement part of your daily routine.

Reduce processed meat

What you eat can also influence your sexual health. A diet rich in natural, minimally processed foods—including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish—has been associated with a lower likelihood of ED.

Try to include more nutritious whole foods in your meals while cutting back on red and processed meats and refined grains. A balanced eating pattern can also support healthy blood vessels and help manage factors such as weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar.

Quit smoking

If you smoke cigarettes, quitting is one of the best things you can do for both your ED and your overall health.

Smoking is linked to heart and blood vessel disease, which can affect blood flow and contribute to ED. Because getting an erection depends partly on healthy blood circulation, protecting your cardiovascular health can also support sexual function.

Protect your mental health

ED isn’t always caused by a physical condition. Emotional and psychological factors can also contribute. Depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship conflicts may make it harder to get or maintain an erection.

If you notice that stress or emotional concerns are affecting your sex life, consider talking openly with someone you trust or seeking professional support. Taking care of your mental health is an important part of taking care of your sexual health, too.

Take your medicine

Lifestyle changes can help, but they may not be enough for everyone. If ED continues to happen, talk to a doctor. They can help identify possible causes and recommend an erectile dysfunction treatment that may be appropriate for you.

Depending on your situation, treatment may include prescription medication and other approaches. A doctor can consider your overall health, current medications, and possible underlying conditions before recommending treatment.