A brief ED-ucation on natural ways to manage ED
According to Harvard Medical School, erectile dysfunction is something around 1% of men in their 40s contend with, but it increases to around 17% of men in their 60s and almost 50% of those who are 75-plus. More than 40 million prescriptions for ED medications like sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis) are filled in the U.S. annually. And those meds have additional benefits: Regularly taking 5 milligrams of Cialis decreases all-cause mortality in men and women (women use it for pulmonary hypertension) by about 20% in multiple studies.
But there's a lot you can do to prevent, reverse or improve ED without taking meds. One review of 11 high-quality studies found that men who did running, biking or walking for 30 to 60 minutes regularly saw improvement in mild to moderate ED that was comparable to the benefit of taking sildenafil and tadalafil or from testosterone replacement.
Other proven remedies include:
-- Aim for a 32-inch waist! If a man has a 42-inch waist, he is 50% more likely to contend with ED than those with a slimmer profile.
-- Enjoy a Mediterranean diet. One study found that it lowered the risk for ED by improving lipid and glucose metabolism, increasing antioxidant defenses, and promoting nitric oxide activity, dilating blood vessels.
Do 30-40 Kegel contractions daily (tighten the muscles that stop urine flow). One study found that six months of "workouts" reversed ED in 40% of participants. And for more info on improving your cardiovascular and sexual health, check out "YOU: The Owner's Manual revised edition."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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