Baking Soda for ED: Should You Try It?

Baking soda is a true multitasker. It can get the stench out of your sweaty shoes, help muffins rise, and, when combined with vinegar, even clean surfaces. But is it also a baking soda for ED? 

Is baking soda an effective erectile dysfunction (ED) solution?

The thinking behind this claim is that baking soda neutralizes acid in the body, creating an environment where blood flows freely and hormones are balanced. But this is more wishful thinking than well-researched fact.

Below, we explore the truth behind baking soda ED treatment, plus actual evidence-based interventions for improving your sex life.

Baking soda has many uses. It readily absorbs odors and can even help whiten teeth. But when it comes to treating ED, though, there’s not much science backing up baking soda. 

So, why do people claim baking soda can benefit your sexual performance? 

Here’s the thinking: baking soda’s alkalizing (base) properties can help neutralize stomach acid and potentially improve pH balance. Some baking soda ED proponents believe this alkalinity can translate into better nitric oxide production, blood flow, and overall circulation. 

Among drinks for erectile dysfunction, a 30 second tonic with pure baking soda won’t cut it. 

There’s no direct evidence that baking soda has any effect on erectile function. 

The majority of studies on baking soda’s health benefits focus on athletic performance and pH regulation, not on testosterone levels or ED. 

Here’s the thing: There’s no newer evidence to back this up. So until more research can connect the dots, that’s a wrap on baking soda for ED.

ED is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection (even if you’re not struggling with sex drive). It can significantly interfere with sexual performance and enjoyment, not to mention self-confidence. 

Erectile dysfunction (ED) isn’t just about a single bad date or feeling off your game now and then. It’s a common challenge that might signal an underlying issue. 

Some of the most common causes of ED include: 

• Cardiovascular issues. Poor heart health can restrict blood flow to your penis, making it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection. Heart disease and ED can often coexist in men. Be aware of your heart health risk factors, like high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, or high triglycerides (dyslipidemia).

• Hormonal imbalances. Low testosterone or other hormone abnormalities can interfere with your sexual desire and ability to perform when you want to.

• Mental health factors. Psychological stress, anxiety, and low self-confidence aren’t “just in your head” — they can build a mental barrier that makes it difficult to get hard. Research shows that men with anxiety may be at higher risk for ED.

• Lifestyle habits. Sedentary behavior, poor diet, and lack of exercise can lead to conditions like obesity or diabetes, both of which increase the risk of ED. 

In other words, ED is often a symptom, not the problem itself. 

Addressing what’s really going on underneath the hood can lead to more than just improvements in the bedroom. It can have positive effects on your overall health, too. 

While baking soda seems pretty harmless, the dose (and improper use) can make the poison. Here are a few risks that can come with ingesting too much baking soda.

Excessive Sodium Intake

First, there’s the potential for sodium overload. 

Baking soda’s chemical name is sodium bicarbonate. Too much sodium can lead to hypernatremia which is the medical term for sky-high sodium levels in your body. 

When there’s too much sodium running through your bloodstream, this can mess with your blood pressure. This is especially dangerous if you have existing cardiovascular or kidney disease. 

Plus, when your blood pressure is high, it puts more strain on your heart — the last thing you need when dealing with ED.

Metabolic Alkalosis

Ingesting large amounts of baking soda can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called metabolic alkalosis. 

In this state, your body can’t control the pH of your blood, which is typically tightly controlled. 

Metabolic alkalosis can cause muscle weakness and spasms and even changes in your brain’s ability to function properly. Left unaddressed, it can trigger an irregular heartbeat and eventually lead to death. 

Digestive Side Effects

Then, there’s the gastrointestinal fallout. 

Bloating, nausea, and diarrhea aren’t exactly a recipe for a relaxing evening, let alone a romantic one. 

Overdoing it with baking soda can lead to major digestive upset.

Interactions with Medications

If you’re already taking meds for other conditions, like acid reflux or high blood pressure, tossing baking soda into the mix could cause more harm than good. Some antibiotics can also interact with baking soda.

When it comes to treating ED, science-backed methods are your best bet. 

Let’s break down the evidence-based solutions.

PDE5 Inhibitors

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors are prescription medications that work by increasing blood flow to your penis, making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection.

You’ve likely heard of at least a couple of these before: 

• Viagra® (sildenafil)

• Cialis® (tadalafil)

• Levitra® (vardenafil)

• Stendra® (avanafil)

PDE5 inhibitors are the gold standard treatment for ED — the MVPs of ED medications.

Hormone Therapy

Sometimes,  low testosterone levels can trigger or worsen ED. 

For men who have low T, hormone replacement therapy can help restore balance and improve sexual function.

Read more about how to increase testosterone levels naturally in our guide.

Lifestyle Changes

More often than not, lifestyle habits play a role in nagging health conditions — and ED is no different. It never hurts to reevaluate your everyday nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management choices.

For instance, regularly moving your body helps improve blood circulation and benefits your mental health. 

Optimizing your nutrition (like increasing your intake of fruits and veggies) can make all the difference in reducing inflammation, relaxing your arteries, and supporting overall health. 

Stress can be a major factor in ED as well. Ever heard of performance anxiety? 

Improving your sleep (experts say 7-8 hours a night is ideal) and implementing things like therapy, meditation, or yoga are also key to minimizing the adverse effects of stress. 

Alternative Therapies

Sometimes, alternative approaches to your health — like acupuncture or pelvic floor exercises — can complement traditional treatments. 

While not a cure-all, these may provide additional support when guided by a healthcare provider.

At the end of the day, baking soda isn’t going to help you achieve an erection, but there’s also no one-size-fits-all treatment. What works for you may not work for other guys.

If you’re still interested in home remedies, check out our guide on 16 home remedies for ED and our blogs that examine the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar for ED and olive and lemon juice for ED. 

To determine the best treatment option for you, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider. They can help you identify the underlying cause(s) and go from there. 

While baking soda may be the jack-of-all-trades for household tasks, its role in treating ED isn’t backed by science. 

Let’s recap what we know about baking soda ED treatment:

• There’s no evidence behind it. Baking soda lacks scientific evidence as a remedy for ED, and its risks can outweigh any anecdotal benefits.

• Other, more effective options exist. Evidence-based treatments like PDE5 inhibitors, lifestyle changes, and hormone therapy offer proven paths to managing ED effectively.

• A professional is your best bet. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential for safe, tailored, and effective ED treatment options. 

If you’re dealing with ED, know that you’re not alone — millions of men have experienced this condition at one point or another, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

Instead of trying home remedies like baking soda and hoping for the best, you’re much more likely to experience benefits from proven treatments for ED. 

Need more guidance? Check out our men’s sexual health resources and consider taking our free online assessment to connect with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice and prescription recommendations.