Herbs and Natural Alternatives to erectile dysfunction drugs, alternatives to prescription medications

Male erectile dysfunction is defined as the consistent inability to obtain or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual relations. For many years patients relied on medications for treatment, but now there is a growing number of effective herbs and supplements, providing a natural alternative to these ED drugs.

Caution: There is a higher rate of heart disease in men with erectile dysfunction. All men, particularly older men, with difficulty in maintaining an erection and no cardiac symptoms need a medical evaluation, detailed cardiac assessment, blood pressure measurement, lipid profile and blood sugar test, as well as lifestyle advice regarding weight, diet, and exercise.

Passion Rx for more sexual pleasure and enhancement

Supplements used for erectile dysfunction include lj100, Passion Rx, horny goat weed herb, maca, and catuaba, semen cuscutae, or cuscuta seed. Consider learning more about libido enhancement.

Later on we discuss the various factors factors involved in psychological and organic causes of this conditon, but for now we wanted to let you know about a discovery regarding years of research in formulating an herbal blend to enhance sexual stamina and support healthy erectile function. We are proud to announce a wonderful blend called Passion Rx which has more than a dozen aphrodisiac herbs.

Can I use Viagra or Cialis in combination with Passion-Rx Yohimbe male enhancement pill for my ED? I'm 49 and want results for ED and easier ejaculations. No problems with the sex drive, but I could use some sensitivity aid. Also, how can this work for my male symptoms and a woman?
   Passion Rx should not be taken the same day as Viagra or Cialis, but can be taken 2 consecutive days before intimacy. The sexual enhancing effects of this natural herbal product can linger a day or two after stopping it. Male and female sexual response are much more similar than people realize in terms of the biochemistry involved. Please have approval by your doctor. Many people find that a lower dosage of the prescription ED drugs works just as well once they have the herbal aphrodisiacs in their system.

I have been confronted with erectile dysfunction for almost three years now. I taken most of the leading brands of medications, and herbs including the expensive and painful Boston Medical group treatment but no avail. Does Passion Rx Yohimbe treat erectile dysfunction challenge and early ejeculation challenge?
   Passion Rx with yohimbe is a very popular product, and many people also like alternating it with Prostate Power Rx. Please discuss with your doctor regarding the use of these supplements. There is no way to predict any individual person's response. We wonder what the Boston Medical group treatment is.

Supplements that have a negative effect
I want to know when taking 5-htp supplement can it be taken with traditional Chinese herbs that treat ED and impotence. Will 5-htp decrease the level of blood flow in the genital area.
   This serotonin precursor does decrease sex drive and the ability to have a strong erection.

Supplements with no effect
Does CoQ10 improve erectile dysfunction?
   Coq10 does not seem to play a major role in erection, at least it does not have a quick effect on sexual enhancement.

How common is it?
Data from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study has indicated that the prevalence of erectile dysfunction of any degree is 50% in men between the ages of 40 to 70 years.
  
Age as a factor
Erectile dysfunction is part of normal aging in men, while urinary or bowel function doesn't necessarily decline with age.

Understanding the causes
Erectile dysfunction can be classified simply under two headings. Psychological erectile dysfunction: that is, mental; or Organic: that is, due to some form of physical or medical problem. Organic erectile dysfunction becomes more common as men get older.

Psychological causes
The causes of psychological erectile dysfunction are numerous, and it is difficult to list them all, but most often erectile dysfunction is related to depression, performance anxiety, marital stress or relationship problems, life crisis, financial difficulties, religious repression, or some type of mental illness. Improving erectile dysfunction in these cases may require addressing the underlying causes. Psychotherapy may help some individuals overcome psychological causes. Stress and anxiety are leading causes of temporary problems.

Organic causes
There are four major causes of organic erectile dysfunction: Vascular, Neural, Hormonal, and Drug-induced. The type of erectile dysfunction determines the treatment approach.

Vascular causes
Alterations in the flow of blood to and from the penis are thought to be a common cause of male erectile dysfunction. For instance, medical conditions such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high cholesterol, hypertension, or diabetes reduce blood flow to the penis and genital organs thus leading to difficulty with erection or genital swelling. Erectile dysfunction could be an early indication of oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction. A vascular problem in the penis may precede a wider, systemic problem in other blood vessels in the body. Patients with cardiovascular disease and patients with diabetes represent the largest group with this condition. Lowering cholesterol through diet, supplements, or medicines improves erectile dysfunction.
Metabolic syndrome can increase inflammatory markers in blood and negatively influence endothelial function resulting in poor vasodilation and a higher incidence of erectile dysfunction.
   Additional factors that can impede blood flow include penile injury and surgery in the pelvic and abdominal area. Smoking can reduce genital blood flow. Some men with erectile dysfunction may have an underlying vascular disease such as atherosclerosis.

I'm looking for a product that just mainly increases blood flow to the penis and helps with creating new tissues. I've heard that Ginko Biloba is really good for that. Ive also heard Aveena Sativa, wheat grass and Fo Ti were some of the best things for blood flow to the genitals as well. Can u help me with some advice on what the best herbs are for increasing blood flow to the penis?
   Most of the aphrodisiac herbs are of benefit in this regard.

Cardiac Patients
Erectile dysfunction is common in cardiac patients and shares the same risk factors - smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus. Sexual activity is not unduly stressful to the heart and, providing patients are properly assessed using established guidelines, sexual intercourse can be enjoyed without increased risk. Erectile dysfunction in asymptomatic patients may be a marker of silent vascular disease or increased vascular risk factors and should alert the physician to the need for cardiac risk screening.
   Physical fitness positively influences sexual desire and performance.

A German study focused on 1,519 men from 13 countries who had heart disease. The men were asked in a questionnaire whether they suffered from ED and at what degree they were impotent (mild, mild-to-moderate, moderate or severe). They were given follow-up questionnaires after two years and at their final visits five years later. During the five years, some men were given specific drugs for heart disease, such as ACE inhibitors including ramipril, telmisartan or a combination. These drugs relax blood vessels and decrease the heart's workload. Others were given placebos. After the five years, patients with ED tended to be older and had a higher prevalence of hypertension, stroke, diabetes and lower urinary tract surgery than those without ED. And deaths from all causes occurred in 11 percent of the patients who reported ED but in only 5 percent of those with no or mild ED at the start of the study. if a man has erectile dysfunction, he needs to ask his physician to check for other risk factors of cardiovascular disease and take positive changes such as improved diet and weight loss. Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, 2010.

Smoking causes erectile dysfunction by harming the health of blood vessels.

Neural causes
Nerve damage from disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and stroke affect the brain’s ability to respond to sexual stimulation and cause erectile dysfunction. In women, abdominal or pelvic operations can occasionally lead to nerve damage. Erectile dysfunction is common in men undergoing surgical treatment for prostate enlargement or cancer. Sitting on a bicycle too long. Men who log several thousand miles a year on their mountain bikes suffer scrotal damage that could reduce their fertility.

Spending too much time on a bicycle seat can compress the artery and vital nerves leading to the penis and in some men can cause erectile dysfunction. A male cyclist has a significant part of his body weight on his perineum, an area between the scrotum and the anus where the nerves and arteries to the penis pass. This pressure -- and a narrow saddle seat -- can injure the arteries and nerves. Even as little as a few hours a week of cycling can increase the risk. One option while riding is to take frequent breaks to allow the blood vessels an nerves of the perineum to readjust and function normally. The good news is that erectile dysfunction from cycling is almost always temporary and reversible.

Hormonal causes
Low levels of androgens, such as testosterone, are sometimes a component of erectile dysfunction. Testosterone levels decline about 1 percent each year in men, which may contribute to erectile dysfunction with aging. Testosterone also declines with age in women leading to a decrease in female libido. Replacement of androgens can sometimes be helpful in those with age related erectile dysfunction. Testosterone is available by prescription only. An over the counter hormones, such as DHEA, converts into testosterone and thus has a positive influence on erectile dysfunction. Pregnenolone is another over the counter hormone that may increase testosterone levels and thus improve erectile dysfunction. Many herbal aphrodisiacs also have a positive influence on erectile dysfunction. Routine hormone blood studies for erectile dysfunction evaluation are not needed during the initial evaluation but perhaps later if treatment modalities are not successful. Prominent diseases of the endocrine system, such as diabetes mellitus, hypogonadism, and hyperprolactinemia, may cause erectile dysfunction. Sometimes erectile dysfunction treatment with hormones such as DHEA or testosterone can be effective.

Drug or Medication-induced
Drugs that interfere with erectile function include some anti-hypertensives, SSRIs (like Prozac), sedatives, and beta-blockers. SSRIs - treatment for depression - cause erectile dysfunction mostly due to their effect on serotonin metabolism. Serotonin has an inhibitory effect on erectile function and sexuality. Beta blockers such as propranolol, atenolol, and others, are some of the most common medications that cause erectile dysfunction.
Surprisingly, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen also cause erectile dysfunction. Regardless of the reason for taking them, painkillers classified as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) apparently increase the likelihood that middle-aged and elderly men will develop erection difficulties. A study involved 1126 men, between 50 and 70 years of age, without erectile dysfunction in 1994 when they completed a questionnaire that included, among other things, questions about erectile function and medication usage. The questionnaire was then re-administered five years later. The investigators found that the erectile dysfunction rate was 93 cases per 1000 persons per year among NSAID users compared with just 35 cases among nonusers.
Some chemicals involved in the human sexual response include dopamine, acetylcholine, and nitric oxide. All these three natural chemicals and others can be manipulated n the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Alcohol's negative affect on sex drive increases with age. Heavy smoking is an important risk factor for erectile dysfunction in men.

It has been known for quite some time that certain drugs cause impotence or erectile dysfunction. The most common of these drugs are the SSRI antidepressants such as Prozac, and beta blockers such as propranolol. Beta blockers are used for cardiovascular conditions. However, it was a surprise when researchers in Finland found that the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increases the risk of erectile dysfunction in middle-age and elderly men. NSAIDs include prescription and over the counter drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen mainly used for arthritis or musculoskeletal pain.

After reading your article, I have come to the conclusion that I am one of those men over 50 who are experiencing ED. Recently, I was unable to maintain an erection hard enough for anal intercourse with my lover. During our time together, I noticed he went to the bathroom very briefly and returned with a 'flagpole' erection. Excuse me for being blunt but he returned with a 'bone hard' erection. Our encounter was very brief and seemed 'staged.' After researching the literature, I believe that he must applied a 'prostaglandin-derivative' cream to his penis. He also gave me the number for a clinic that specializes in ED. I am hesitant about using alprostadil cream; since the sex is so matter of fact or wham bam, thank you man! What do you think I should do? Below is a list of Rx and supplements that I take daily; as well as my exercise regimen and drinking habits. Lisinopril 10mg/day/am I was diagnosed with idiopathic HTN at age 49. Zoloft 50mg for depression / moodiness. DHEA 50mg for better resistance and stamina, glucosamine and chronditin complex for joint ache and pain, table wine with evening meal (1-2 glasses) 2-3 times a week.
   Zoloft and other SSRI drugs used for depression can cause ED and so can certain blood pressure medications and excess use of hormones.

Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions cause erectile dysfunction or reduce libido, performance, or enjoyment. These include hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, obesity, peripheral vascular disease, neurologic disorders, and insomnia. Erectile dysfunction  is almost twice as common in men with symptoms of overactive bladder as it is in men without overactive bladder. Tobacco, alcohol and recreational drugs can all damage a man's blood vessels and/or restrict blood flow to the penis, causing problems. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Cardiac Patients
Erectile dysfunction is common in cardiac patients and shares the same risk factors - smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus. Sexual activity is not unduly stressful to the heart and, providing patients are properly assessed using established guidelines, sexual intercourse can be enjoyed without increased risk. Erectile dysfunction in asymptomatic patients may be a marker of silent vascular disease or increased vascular risk factors and should alert the physician to the need for cardiac risk screening.
Physical fitness positively influences sexual desire and performance. Moderate exercise may help boost sexual function in men with heart failure. The results may be good news for some men with erectile dysfunction, because Viagra and other similar erectile dysfunction drugs can have dangerous interactions with medications commonly prescribed to treat heart failure.

How effective are Erectile Dysfunction Drugs?
The relative benefits and harms of pharmacologic therapies for ED, as well as the value of hormonal testing in men with ED, are uncertain. To evaluate the efficacy and harms of oral phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors and hormonal treatments for ED and assess the effect of measuring serum hormone levels on treatment outcomes for ED. Two independent reviewers abstracted data on study, participant, and treatment characteristics; efficacy and harms outcomes; and prevalence of hormonal abnormalities. Data, primarily from short-term trials (≤12 weeks), indicate that PDE-5 inhibitors were more effective than placebo in improving sexual intercourse success. The proportion of men with improved erections was significantly greater among those treated with PDE-5 inhibitors than with placebo. The PDE-5 inhibitors were associated with increased risk for any adverse events compared with placebo (for example. In 4 head-to-head RCTs comparing sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil, improvement of ED and adverse events did not differ among treatments. Results from 15 RCTs evaluating hormonal treatment of ED were inconsistent on whether treatment improved outcomes. Evidence was insufficient regarding whether men with ED had a higher prevalence of hypogonadism than men without ED. Many RCTs were of low methodological and reporting quality, particularly those involving hormonal treatments or directly comparing different PDE-5 inhibitors. Most RCTs provided only short-term efficacy and harms data. Oral PDE-5 inhibitors improved erectile functioning and had similar efficacy and safety profiles. Results on the efficacy of hormonal treatments and the value of hormone testing in men with ED were inconclusive. Annals of Internal Medicine Nov 2009.

Etana effectiveness
J Impot Res. 2009;
A new herbal combination, Etana, for enhancing erectile function: an efficacy and safety study in animals. Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Petra University, Amman, Jordan.
We present herein a new herbal combination called Etana that is composed of five herbal extracts including Panax quinquelotius (Ginseng), Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali), Epimedium grandiflorum Horny goat weed, Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) and flower pollen extracts. Most of the above-mentioned extracts have a long historical and traditional use for erectile dysfunction (ED). On the basis of the mechanism of action of each of the above, a combination is introduced to overcome several physiological or induced factors of ED. This study was conducted to show an enhancement of erectile function in male rats. The animals were observed for 3 h after each administration for penile erection, genital grooming and copulation mounting, and the penile erection index (PEI) was calculated. When compared with sildenafil citrate, Etana induced more pronounced PEI than 0.36 mg kg(-1), but similar to 0.71 mg kg(-1) of sildenafil. Furthermore, full acute and sub-acute toxicity studies showed no toxic effects of Etana. In conclusion, this study describes a new and safe combination of herbal components that enhance erectile function in male rats. Clinical studies are warranted for evaluating Etana's significance in ED.

Erectile dysfunction natural therapy and remedy questions
Q. I am 55 and have had this problem for several years. I have been on testosterone therapy and Cialis for about a month. It is not working sufficiently. All it is doing is keeping me preoccupied with what it is not enabling me to do and keeping me awake at night with the desire but no capability. I want to try the Passion Rx but I wanted to get some guidance from you first. I have started to walk and do resistance exercises to lose weight and hopefully restore some blood flow. I am diabetic but not seriously yet. I'd like to be able to satisfy my wife like I did in the old days. Will Passion Rx really help me to any extent for erectile dysfunction?

Q. I have read a study of using Propionyl L-Carnitine and Acetyl-L-Carnitine coupled with Viagra to combat erectile dysfunction in diabetics. However, has any study results revealed that this treatment is effective with those who suffer high blood pressure and are taking high blood pressure meds. I specifically take Lisinopril, Valsartan, and hydrochlorothiazide.
   A. We are not aware of any studies that have evaluated the combination of acetyl carnitine or other carnitine supplements in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in combination with prescription medications for blood pressure or other purposes. If one is already taking prescription medications and wants to begin taking supplements, it is wise to begin with low dosages.

Q. I'm a 52-year old man who is having erectile dysfunction. I've been seen by a doctor and apparently my heart is in pretty good shape, my cholesterol levels are excellent, blood sugar levels good; I guess I'm just getting older. Passion Rx sounds like it might be worth a try, but I've had nosebleed problems for many years. Could Passion Rx cause nosebleeds? I sure don't want to add to my problems.
   A. Passion Rx has been sold for over 4 years and we have not even had one case of nosebleed reported.

Please help me, I'm a diabetic and I'm currently taking metformin 500mg twice a day. I'm suffering from erectile dysfunction and I'm thinking about taking l-citrulline 750mg three times a day and l-arginine 500mg three times a day, do you think I will get some got results far as being harder and firmer?
    It is not possible for us to predict whether a supplement or medication will work. It is quite likely, though, with trial and error, and with medical supervision, that you will find a supplement or formula that helps you.

Q. Recently saw an ad in Golf magazine about Zyrexin as an enhancer for erectile dysfunction and started to do my research on this product. I had never heard of Zyrexin before. While doing research, I came across your web site. I had recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer and had the radical prostatectomy. It's been about 8 months and still can't seem to get a full erection. Was wondering if this type of erectile dysfunction product would help me. My doctor gave me a perscription for Levitra. But I hesitate to get involved with that just yet. I was hoping for a more natural recovery with natural supplements. So, I started to research the ingredient "nitric oxide". Can you advise?
   A. We prefer not to comment on other products unless they make claims that are truly untruthful. On the Zyrexin website we quickly noticed one untruthful statement, " Zyrexin is the world's only natural sex pill to be awarded the exclusive rights to the compound butea superba." This is not true since butea superba is a natural herb that can be used by anyone. Hence, we find it unnecessary to continue reading the Zyrexin website any further.

Q. I have erectile dysfunction and have tried various Internet best male enhancement pill products plus prescriptions. Will Passion-Rx Yohimbe help with that condition like say Viagra? Are there other products that I should be looking at?
   A. There are many herbs and herbal formulas used for erectile dysfunction treatment and it is difficult to predict in any one individual which product will work for them best. Sometimes it takes a trial with 2 or 3 different ones to find one that works really well. Passion Rx is a popular and effective sexual enhancing formula.

How well does yohimbe bark extract work as an erectile dysfunction treatment?
   Yohimbe extract alkaloid yohimbine is a prescription medication currently available but not prescribed as much since the advent of ED drugs such as sildenafil and its cousins. However, this herb is effective as a natural ED treatment.

I'm 20 years old and starting last two weeks ive only had one succesfull erection out of three. my health could be a factor but im not sure. im 5'10 and 210lb and i would like to know if any of the products would help me. i hear diet is also a big factor but i need to find out for sure.
    Perhaps some of the information on this page could be helpful to you.

I am a 74 year old male in perfect health. I do weight -training 3 times a week and walk once or twice a week. I follow a healthy eating regime. The only prescribed medication I is 0.1mg of Levothroxine daily. I take 1/4 of 1mg Ativan for a good nights sleep (about 5 times per week). My blood tests are all normal. Approximately 20 years ago, I experienced some ED and my Urologist prescribed penile injections. These worked very well. However, my wife passed away 4 years ago and since then I have experienced low libido but more importantly have been UNABLE TO REACH CLIMAX AND EJACULATE INSIDE MY PARTNERS VAGINA. (I have been successful about 3 times in the last year). I acquired Passion Rx and am now on a second bottle. It has improved my libido and I am also able to achieve erections for a short period of time. I take 1/2 capsule Mon, Tues and Thursday and Friday. Sexual intercourse is usually initiated over the weekend. In addition, although I am able to achieve erections (from the penile injections) (Note Viagra etc. don't do the job), I become very anxious and experience palpitations. I have tried 1 mg Ativan and 10mg of propranolol separately, and while they have helped to reduce the palpitations, I am still unable to ejaculate during intercourse. I am able to ejaculate during masturbation, but often this takes a very long time. I have looked at a number of websites re delayed ejaculation. I have considered going to see a therapist but have no idea where to find one in New Zealand. My Doctor has not been able to recommend anyone. I feel that I need to increase the sensitivity of my penis.
I also feel that if I could possibly increase my dopamine levels this may assist me. I believe that Mucuna Puriens may assist in this regard unless you have other recommendations. Is there some type of sedative that would alleviate my anxiousness and palpitations without impairing my ability to ejaculate? Is there some herb or medication that can increase sensitivity? Is there some herb or medication that can increase my Dopamine levels? Are you aware of any therapists in New Zealand who would be able to assist?
    You may wish to read more about heart palpitations and anxiety information. Many of the aphrodisiac herb can improve sensitivity but they can increase heart rate. Passion flower and ashwagandha can reduce anxiety.

I have a question about herbal sex enhancers for someone who has undergone prostate surgery. My prostate has been removed along with one side of the nerves, resulting in ED. Have people with these conditions written in having success with such herbal products? I am 51 years old. Would an herbal prostate formula be something to consider also?
    It is difficult to predict the outcome with the use such natural herbal formulas after this kind of surgery. Even Viagra and its cousins don't work too well in this condition. However, there may be some benefit and if your doctor approves it is worth a try.

Can a person take a natural herbal enhancer every other day and vitamin E in between those days? I heard vitamin E is good for ED also.
    Vitamin E should not interfere with the use of natural aphrodisiacs.

I have Hypertropic Obstructive cardio Myopathy. And Also Diabatic of Range 110 / 160. and Lucoderma Patches in face, lip, fingers, hand, stomach area, and leg. Do u have any strong medicine to cure for all above medical disorder. Now My chronic Problems is impotence for men. I was taken Inderal 40 for the last 10 year. Due to this low lipido started. Mow Dr change to Lopressor 50 tablet my heart. Can you help me to overcome impotence.