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Erectile Dysfunction Information
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of a male to attain or sustain an erection
sufficient for sexual intercourse.
It can be a persistent condition; however, almost half of all men experience ED only
occasionally. ED can have physical, psychological, or drug-induced causes.1
Although some doctors used to believe differently, most researchers and doctors now believe
that physical factors are responsible for the majority of ED cases.
Several conditions may contribute to ED by impairing blood flow to the penis. These include
atherosclerosis, diabetes,
hypothyroidism, multiple sclerosis, and
chronic alcohol abuse.
What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?
ED is defined by the symptoms listed above. Symptoms may also include loss of sexual desire
(libido), premature ejaculation, or inability to achieve orgasm.
Medical treatments for erectile dysfunction
Prescription drug treatments for ED include male hormone replacement therapy, such as
testosterone (Delatestryl® Injection, Depo-Testosterone® Injection, Androderm®
Patch, Testoderm® Patch), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA),
sildenafil (Viagra®), yohimbine (Yocon®), and alprostadil (Caverject®,
Muse®), which is inserted or injected into the penis.
Depending on the cause, therapy may include psychological and behavioral counseling,
treatment of underlying cardiovascular
disease, and avoidance of medications such as
cimetidine, antihypertensives, and MAO inhibitors. Penile vacuum devices and surgical
options, such as penile implants and vascular repair, are usually limited to those who have
not responded to other treatments.
Lifestyle changes that may be helpful for erectile dysfunction
Men who smoke have been shown to have an increased incidence of ED.2
Nutritional supplements that may be helpful for erectile dysfunction
Low blood levels of the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) have been reported in some men with ED. In one
double-blind trial, 40 men with low DHEA levels and ED were given 50 mg DHEA per day for six
months.3 Significant improvement in both erectile function and interest in sex
occurred in the men assigned to take DHEA, but not in those assigned to take placebo. No
significant change occurred in testosterone levels or in factors that could affect the
prostate gland. Experts have concerns about the safe use of DHEA, particularly because
long-term safety data do not exist.
Dilation of blood vessels necessary for a normal erection depends on a substance called
nitric oxide, and nitric oxide formation depends on the amino acid arginine. In a preliminary trial, men with ED were
given 2,800 mg of arginine per day for two weeks. Six of the 15 men in the trial were helped,
though none improved while taking placebo.4 In a larger double-blind trial, men
with ED were given 1,670 mg of arginine per day or a matching placebo for six
weeks.5 Arginine supplementation was found to be particularly effective at
improving ED in men with abnormal nitric oxide metabolism. Although little is known about how
effective arginine will be for men with ED or which subset of these men would be helped,
available research looks promising and suggests that at least some men are likely to
benefit.
In a double-blind study of men with erectile dysfunction, supplementation with 120 mg per
day of Pycnogenol®, an extract of the bark of a certain tree (Pinus pinaster),
improved erectile function, whereas placebo treatment had no effect.6
Are there any side effects or interactions with Erectile Dysfunction?
Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.
Herbs that may be helpful for erectile dysfunction
Yohimbine (the primary active constituent in
yohimbe) has been shown in several double-blind trials to help treat men with
ED;7 8 negative results have also been reported, however.9
10 Yohimbe dilates blood vessels and may help, regardless of the cause of ED. A
tincture of yohimbe bark is often used in the amount of 5 to 10 drops three times per day.
Standardized yohimbe extracts are also available. A typical daily amount of yohimbine is 15 to
30 mg. It is best to use yohimbe and yohimbine under the supervision of a physician.
Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng)
has traditionally been used as a supportive herb for male potency. A double-blind trial found
that 1,800 mg per day of Asian ginseng extract for three months helped improve libido and the
ability to maintain an erection in men with ED.11 The benefit of Asian ginseng
confirmed in another double-blind study, in which 900 mg three times a day was given for eight
weeks.12
Ginkgo biloba may help some men
with ED by increasing blood flow to the penis. One double-blind trial found improvement in men
taking 240 mg per day of a standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) for nine
months.13 A preliminary trial, involving 30 men who were experiencing ED as a
result of medication use (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other medications),
found that approximately 200 mg per day of GBE had a positive effect on sexual function in 76%
of the men.14
Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is
a traditional herbal treatment for men with ED. However, no modern clinical trials have
confirmed its effectiveness.
Are there any side effects or interactions with Erectile Dysfunction?
Refer to the individual herb for information about any side effects or interactions.
Holistic approaches that may be helpful for erectile dysfunction
ED that cannot be linked to physical causes has been successfully treated by hypnosis.15 In one trial, three hypnosis
sessions per week, later decreased to one per month, over a six-month period led to
improvement in 75% of men in the trial.
Acupuncture might be of some benefit for
men with ED. Electroacupuncture, which is acupuncture accompanied by electrical stimulation,
was performed on various acupuncture points in men with ED in a preliminary trial of men with
this condition.16 Two treatments were administered every week for one month. An
improvement in quality of erection was observed in 15% of the participants and an increase in
sexual activity was reported by 31% of the men. Another preliminary trial17 found
good results in over half of the men treated, but the only controlled trial of
electroacupuncture for ED18 found that placebo also produced a large improvement in
sexual function—an effect similar to that of acupuncture. Controlled trials with larger
groups of men are necessary to better test the efficacy of acupuncture therapy for men
suffering from ED.
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Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in
vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article.
The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of
the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter
medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or
pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before
making any changes in prescribed medications.
References:
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