Tips to help prevent erectile dysfunction

The term erectile dysfunction covers a range of disorders, but usually refers to the inability to obtain an adequate erection for satisfactory sexual activity.

An occasional episode of erectile dysfunction happens to most men and is normal.

The best way to prevent erectile dysfunction is to make healthy lifestyle choices and to manage any existing health problems you have.

Limit or avoid the use of alcohol and other similar drugs

Both smoking and erectile dysfunction have often been associated - individually - with plaque build-up in the arteries, called atherosclerosis. The plaque obstructs blood flow through vessels, causing a host of circulatory problems throughout the body, such as erectile dysfunction. So, if you want to perform well in the bed, stop smoking.

Scientific studies have shown that men who exercise 3-5 hours a week have 30% less risk of having erectile dysfunction (impotence). The cardiovascular system is responsible for erectile function, so problems with circulation and heart disease often show up early as erectile dysfunction. Exercise, especially walking, running, biking and other cardiovascular exercises, reduces the risk of heart disease and maintains circulation.

Stress related to a job, marriage, or finances is a common cause of erection problems. Ongoing stress may result in erectile dysfunction. So, de-stress yourself by meditating or doing yoga.

Insufficient sleep and sleep disturbances make you feel low and lethargic. So, take proper rest and sleep for at least 7-8 hours a day to feel energetic and to reduce the episodes of erectile dysfunction.

Performance anxiety is where a person has an anticipation of some sort of problem occurring in the sexual act. As a consequence of which they develop a sense of anxiety, which often translates into an inability to achieve a good erection or an inability to go ahead and have sex. So, cut out anxiety and depression by thinking positive about yourself and your sexual health.

Work with your doctor to manage diabetes, heart disease or other chronic health problems.

See the doctor for regular checkups and medical screening tests so that any health problem like high blood pressure or diabetes, which may result in erectile dysfunction can be treated timely.