Erectile dysfunction (ED) means trouble getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex. It’s very common, especially with age, and very treatable. Erections depend on healthy blood flow, nerves and hormones, so ED can be an early warning sign of heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure. That’s why it’s worth a check-up, not just a quick fix. This page covers the everyday steps with the best support, the remedies people ask about, and important safety notes.
Get medical help first if…
- an erection lasts more than 4 hours, or is painful. Get emergency care.
- you get chest pain, shortness of breath or dizziness during sex. Stop and call 911 if it doesn’t settle quickly.
- ED came on suddenly after an injury, surgery or a new medicine
- you also have low desire, low energy, or you’re over 40 and haven’t had your heart, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checked recently
Everyday steps with the best support
- See your doctor. Checking your heart, blood pressure, blood sugar and hormones can find a cause, and prescription treatments are safe and effective for many men.
- Move most days. Regular aerobic activity has good evidence for improving erections.
- Work toward a healthy weight, especially around the middle.
- Don’t smoke, and keep alcohol low. Both affect blood flow.
- Try pelvic floor exercises (squeezing the muscles you’d use to stop urine flow). Small studies show benefit.
- Sleep, stress and your relationship matter. Talking with a counsellor or sex therapist helps many couples.
- Ask about your medicines: some blood pressure pills and antidepressants can play a part. Don’t stop them on your own.
Remedies people traditionally use
These have a long history of traditional use. Research on them is limited or mixed, so think of them as extras alongside the everyday steps and your doctor’s advice, not replacements.
- Panax (red) ginseng: the best-studied herb for ED, with some positive small trials. It can interact with blood thinners, diabetes medicine and some antidepressants.
- L-arginine: an amino acid the body uses to make nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels. Limited evidence; it can lower blood pressure.
- Maca: a traditional Andean root used for energy and libido. Research is limited.
- Horny goat weed (epimedium): used in traditional Chinese medicine. There’s little human research, and high doses have been linked to heart rhythm problems.
Worth knowing: many “natural male enhancement” supplements have been found to contain hidden prescription drugs, which can be dangerous, especially with heart medicines. Never combine any ED product or supplement with nitrate heart medicines (like nitroglycerin): it can drop blood pressure to a dangerous level.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting anything new, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, on medication or managing a health condition.
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Educational only, not medical advice. This information has not been evaluated by the FDA or Health Canada and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any remedy, supplement, or detox, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.