Erectile dysfunction (ED), affecting 10% of men, is a condition where men have trouble maintaining an erection regularly. Men do struggle with maintaining an erection here and there but when it becomes a regular occurance it is classified as ED.
ED is defined as the lack of ability to get or maintain an erection during sexual activity. ¼ of ED culprits are medication side effects. Regular alcohol intake is another cause behind ED.
Symptoms of ED include:
- The Inability to get an erection
- The Inability to keep an erection
- A reduction in libido
Medications
There is a prescription medication called Sildenafil which is used to treat ED. It contains a chemical known as a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor. It works to combat ED by blocking the enzyme responsible for regulating the blood flow in the body including the penis. Blocking the phosphodiesterase type 5 in the body reduces blood flow resistance allowing improved blood flow to the penis. Sildenafil is the generic version of Viagra; they are chemically identical.
One common misconception of the drug is that Sildenafil results in random erections, however this is far from the truth and only results in an erection with the presence of a sexual stimulus.
Take an assessment to see what ED treatment is right for you
Vitamins for Erectile Dysfunction
If you do not want to take medication, there are many vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies that can also treat erectile dysfunction. However, there is not a lot of conclusive data that supports taking supplements alone can treat ED. There are some vitamin treatment options which have good evidence behind it.
Some vitamins that have been researched to improve erectile dysfunction is:
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B9 (folate)
- Vitamin B3 (niacin)
- Vitamin C
Best Vitamin for ED
One vitamin studied in depth is Vitamin D. Vitamin D is technically a steroid hormone that has a link to sexual function and cardiovascular health. A review in 2020 analysed multiple clinical trials and the findings between Vitamin D deficiencies and severity of ED. They found that low Vitamin D levels might exacerbate symptoms of ED compared to adequate Vitamin D levels. The NHS already recommends that we take Vitamin D supplements everyday in the autumn and winter months and the UK has less sunlight hours.
Another vitamin called B9 or folate is needed by your body to make DNA and other genetic material. Folate is also essential for your body to help your cells divide. Folate plays a key role in breaking down an amino acid called homocysteine which can exert harmful effects in the body if present in elevated amounts. A comprehensive study looking at the effects of serum folic acid on ED confirmed that proper serum folic acid levels significantly improved ED.
Vitamin B3 is an essential vitamin involved in metabolic function in the body. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects which have been linked to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. A study in 2011 found that a 12 week course of Niacin showed improvement in men with ED and high lipid levels.
View our range of vitamins and supplements
Supplements for ED
If you suspect you might have low Vitamin D levels you can go to your GP to get a blood test. The recommended daily dose of Vitamin D is 10 micrograms to take and it is easily purchasable from any pharmacy.
Folate levels can also be measured in the blood by a simple blood test and easily supplemented with over the counter folic acid. Niacin can be found as a supplement but it is also present in multiple food sources like red meat, fish, whole-grain cereals, eggs, legumes and seeds.
Sildenafil, Viagra, and Viagra Connect
If you would like to try Sildenafil, At Simple Online Pharmacy, you can order yourself Sildenafil after doing an assessment. One of our healthcare professionals will medically review your answers, and if they have no concerns, will prescribe you Sildenafil. You can also purchase Viagra Connect “over the counter” – simple answer a few safety questions and we can organise delivery, We will then post it straight to your doorstep. Get yours today from a trusted UK pharmacy.
