Intro
Are you unable to maintain an erection during sex? You may be dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence. You might have heard that magnesium supplementation can improve ED, but studies don’t show much to support this idea. Here’s more about ED, its symptoms and risk factors, and different treatment options available to you.
If you are having trouble keeping an erection from time to time, it’s usually not a reason for concern. When the issue is ongoing, however, it may indicate a bigger health concern like heart disease or diabetes.
The symptoms of ED include:
As much as 4 percent of men in their fifties and up to 17 percent of men in their sixties have ED. Younger men can also experience regular difficulty reaching and keeping an erection for a variety of reasons.
Getting an erection involves both the brain and the body, and many things can disrupt the balance. If you’re experiencing any ED symptoms and you have risk factors, you may want to visit your doctor for a checkup. The risk factors for ED include:
ED is typically diagnosed by asking for a person’s sexual history and by doing a physical exam. You may also have laboratory tests to check hormones and other levels. A psychosocial evaluation can assess you for any psychological factors that might contribute to your condition.
Magnesium is a mineral that is
You can find it in foods like nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables, or in various dietary supplements and certain medications.
In 2006,
There have been no recent studies conducted to back these claims. In the end, there’s little evidence that taking in more magnesium helps with ED.
Side effects of magnesium
If you choose to supplement regardless, do so wisely. Too much magnesium from food sources poses little threat to your health. Your kidneys help your body get rid of the excess through your urine.
Too much magnesium from supplement or medicine sources may give you unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects, including:
If you have kidney disease, excessive magnesium intake can be risky. Talk to your doctor before taking supplements or over-the-counter medicines containing magnesium.
Your best bet for maintaining healthy magnesium levels is a diet rich in healthy fruits, vegetables, legumes, and other mineral-rich foods. Still concerned you might be deficient? Your doctor can test your blood to determine your levels and prescribe the appropriate supplementation, if necessary, for your general health.
Lifestyle changes
If you suffer from ED, simple lifestyle changes may help.
Beyond modifying your lifestyle, there are various treatments your doctor may prescribe or recommend.
Medications
There are different oral medications that help to increase blood flow to the penis. These include:
These medications do have side effects, including headache, upset stomach, and nasal congestion. They also have interactions with other drugs. Many men, however, have taken them successfully.
There are also different medications you can administer with a needle or in suppository form. Testosterone therapy is another option for cases where ED is caused by low hormone levels.
Non-medicinal treatments
If medicines don’t do the trick, your doctor may also explore some of the following options and their associated risks with you:
Before you try treatment for ED at home, make an appointment with your doctor. Since ED can be a symptom of other health issues, it’s important to understand the root cause so you can find the best solution.
ED is a common issue for men of all ages, so don’t hold back any information that might help with your diagnosis. The more details you can give, the better chance your doctor can find the right course of action for you.
Erectile dysfunction is a complex issue that can affect you physically and psychologically. With the right treatment, including simple lifestyle changes, many men are able to find relief from their symptoms.
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