The Real Deal on Simple Tricks to Cure ED

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common and frustrating issue that affects an estimated 30 to 50 million men in the United States alone. This condition is characterized by the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sex—and it can take a serious toll on confidence, relationships, and quality of life.

The idea of a quick fix or “simple trick” regarding how to cure ED is tempting, and the internet is full of bold claims and miracle promises for doing just that. But the truth is, ED is a complex condition with a variety of causes, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

The good news? Science-backed treatment options for ED do exist—some of which you can start incorporating into your lifestyle right away. 

In this article, we’ll break down what actually works for ED, what doesn’t, and why a comprehensive approach is the best strategy for treating the condition.

To better understand why there’s no such thing as a simple trick to cure ED, it’s important to first get clear on the mechanics of erectile function. That’s because in order to effectively treat ED, you have to identify the underlying factors involved.

So, in order to have an erection, the following things need to happen: 

• Sexual arousal triggers the release of neurotransmitters and nitric oxide from the nervous system.

• Nitric oxide stimulates the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which relaxes smooth muscles in the arteries of the penis and allows blood to flow there more easily.

• Increased blood flow into erectile tissues is crucial for creating and maintaining an erection during sexual intercourse.

When this process is disrupted, so too is sexual function, which can present as ED. We’ll outline some potential causes of erectile dysfunction next.

Physical Causes of ED

Erectile dysfunction may result from a combination of physical factors. Men who have certain existing health conditions are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction.

For example, the following are related to a higher risk of ED:

• Obesity

• Type 2 diabetes

• Hypertension

• Parkinson’s disease

• High cholesterol or atherosclerosis

• Multiple sclerosis

• Thyroid disorders

• Penile injuries or deformities like Peyronie’s disease

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Kidney disease

• Low testosterone

But it’s not just physical. Keep scrolling to learn about how mental and emotional health can impact erectile function.

Psychological Causes of ED

ED isn’t always solely caused by physical reasons—psychological ED is also very real. Many men struggle with sexual performance anxiety. This may present as nervousness about performing that interferes with sexual function. 

Many others face anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions that can lead to or exacerbate forms of sexual dysfunction, including ED. 

Medications That May Cause ED

Medications are widely prescribed as a first line of treatment for numerous health conditions. Many of us are on medication of some sort and may also be using supplements or natural remedies.

While this isn’t inherently negative, certain side effects and drug interactions can be. In fact, several prescription drugs specifically list ED as a potential side effect. These drugs include: 

• Opioid pain medications

• Isotretinoin, a sebum suppressive medication for acne

• Antipsychotic drugs

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other antidepressants

• Blood pressure-lowering medications

If you’re seeking treatment for ED, always let your healthcare provider know what other medications you are also taking so they can help you avoid dangerous interactions and side effects.

Lifestyle Factors That Affect Sexual Function

Sexual health is a component of overall health. In other words, the way you live your life can influence the way you’re able to perform sexually.

Everyday factors that can contribute to the development of ED include:

• Poor sleep habits, diagnosed insomnia, or obstructive sleep apnea

• A sedentary lifestyle and general lack of physical activity

• Obesity or an unhealthy diet pattern

• Alcohol consumption, the use of recreational drugs, and smoking cigarettes

Improving these habits is a great start to help treat erectile dysfunction.

Far too many potential factors can cause ED for there to be one single effective erectile dysfunction treatment for every person.

But that reality doesn’t prevent targeted marketing from trying to convince you of the opposite. There’s no lack of gimmicky advertisements for penis pills or influencers who swear a magical potion took their sexual experiences from zero to 60.

Below are a few approaches that have been touted as natural ways to cure ED, despite lacking (or absent) scientific backing. Keep in mind that while some of them may help improve arousal or the ability for men to penetrate during sex, none actually address the underlying issue.

Herbs and Substances

Menthol

Some have considered using menthol (think Vicks VapoRub ^®) as a possible medicine-cabinet tool for ED. Why? Beyond its tingly feeling, menthol has been seen in limited studies to be a “vasodilator”—something that promotes vascular dilation (widening blood vessels).  

One study focused on a small group of men and saw positive results. But, it’s important to consider that menthol works on skin-level blood vessels, so it wouldn’t affect blood flow deeper inside your penis. Plus, the trial was performed on an arm, not a penis. Furthermore, menthol can lead to burning when applied to sensitive areas like the genitals.

Herbal Viagra

There’s also “herbal Viagra,” AKA the stuff you buy in gas stations. This and other herbal remedies peddle the same effects as prescription erectile dysfunction medications, but they’re made with “natural” compounds.

There’s some vague medical support behind a few of them. For example, while horny goat weed has shown promise for ED in animal studies, there’s no solid research on humans.

Overall, these treatment options for ED have limited demonstrated efficacy, plus they’re far from safe, with a high risk of potential side effects and contraindications. In fact, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against “gas station” male enhancement supplements.

Natural Aphrodisiacs 

Many herbs have been studied for potential aphrodisiac qualities, like Panax ginseng, maca, and saffron. Results are mixed, but even if they enhance arousal, they’re best used in conjunction with approved ED treatments to ensure long-term benefits.

Vitamins

Finally, some studies have suggested a link between sexual dysfunction and certain vitamin deficiencies. However, vitamins aren’t substitutes for FDA-approved prescription medications.

Gadgets

If you’re in the market for an ED cure, it might be tempting to try penis gadgets that can purportedly solve the problem.

While some devices may be promising, they don’t always work. Plus, they can pose potential risks and don’t address the underlying cause (or causes) of erectile dysfunction.

Penis Pump

Also called a vacuum erection device, a penis pump is a non-invasive option. It consists of a plastic tube that fits over the penis and a pump that creates a vacuum inside the tube. 

When the pump is activated, it draws blood into the penis and causes it to become erect. Once an erection is achieved, a tension ring or constriction band may be placed at the base of the penis to prevent blood from flowing back out. 

This approach does come with possible complications if used incorrectly. For example, it’s very important to remember to take the tension ring off in a reasonable amount of time (typically within 30 minutes) to prevent damage to the penis.

Cock Rings

A cock ring (aka a constriction ring or erection ring) is placed around the base of the penis. Though it won’t treat the underlying causes of ED, it can be used to help maintain an erection by restricting the flow of blood out of the penis. 

While cock rings keep the blood in, they don’t help get blood in there to begin with. 

Male Vibrators

Like female vibrators, male vibrators are designed to provide sexual stimulation, only to the penis. Most are shaped to fit around or over the penis and vibrate or provide other sensations.

Vibrators can help men with spinal cord injuries ejaculate and may be an enjoyable addition to your sex life.

Implanted Devices

Surgery is the last resort in most ED cases. A urologist can perform a procedure to implant a prosthetic device to make the penis erect. Penile implants can be inflatable, with a pump in the scrotum, or involve adjustable rods to manually position the penis.

Alternatively, a surgeon can reconstruct the arteries to increase blood flow to the penis.

It’s easy to get pulled into anything that sounds too good to be true. But typically, tried-and-true treatments are the best course of action for health issues like erectile dysfunction.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ED treatments with more scientific backing. 

PDE5 Inhibitors

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors) are medications that work by increasing blood flow to your penis, allowing for firmer, longer erections.

They were accidentally discovered while researchers were studying sildenafil citrate for its effects on chest pain. Three decades later, millions of men are grateful to the unsuspecting participants who experienced untimely erections during early trials.

Sildenafil citrate is now best known as Viagra^®, which is considered one of the gold standard FDA-approved prescriptions for ED. Other common PDE5 inhibitors include: 

• Tadalafil (generic for Cialis^® )

• Vardenafil (generic for Levitra^® or Staxyn^®)

• Avanafil (sold as Stendra^® )

Another option is our hard mints. These chewable ED meds contain the same active ingredients as Cialis, Levitra, and Staxyn but at personalized dosages.

Other ED Medications and Treatments

In addition to the PDE5 inhibitors, there are other medical options for treating ED. Alprostadil is an injectable medication that’s FDA-approved for ED and works in a different way than the PDE5 inhibitors. And the FDA also authorized a non-medicated topical gel for the treatment of ED that’s available without a prescription, called Eroxon.

Mental Health Support

ED isn’t always just a sexual health concern. It might be related to a mental health issue. Low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression could be contributing factors to ED.

Making matters worse, men with sexual performance anxiety may experience a negative feedback loop, as anxiety about sex turns into anxiety about not being able to get an erection. 

If this sounds like you, know that mental health support can make a huge difference in your bedroom performance and overall quality of life, and there are many types of therapy from which you can choose.

Lifestyle Changes

Healthy lifestyle habits are instrumental to sexual wellness and are among the best ways to cure ED—or at least manage it better. With so many lifestyle-related factors that can play a role in the development of ED, it’s important to engage in habits like these:

• Moving your body. Regular exercise benefits cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal health and helps support a healthy weight. If you have overweight or obesity, you have a higher risk of developing ED and other sexual health issues. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise at least five times a week.

• Eating a healthy diet. Nutrition is one of the most impactful factors of your health. A diet full of minimally processed foods like fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes and lean proteins, with limited amounts of added sugars, sodium, and processed meats, has been associated with better reproductive and overall health.

• Managing stress. We all face stressors, but how you handle your stress matters. Manage stress by journaling, exercising, spending time in nature, getting professional therapy, or leaning on your support system. 

• Getting enough sleep. Sleep experts recommend adults get at least seven hours of sleep per night. To help you catch enough Zs, try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Prepare a sleep-promoting environment and only use your bed for sleep and sex. Avoid interacting with technology before falling asleep, and use white noise machines or blackout curtains if needed.

Ultimately, ED is unlikely to go away on its own. To save money and further frustration, we recommend going straight for evidence-based solutions and avoiding products that market themselves as a simple trick to cure ED. The most effective approach to treating ED includes a combination of the following:

• Speaking to a healthcare professional. A healthcare professional is a great resource for sound medical advice and getting the treatment you need.

• Getting an appropriate prescription medication. Your provider may recommend a PDE5 inhibitor or other medication, which requires a prescription. They can also help you recognize side effects or indications that you need another option.

• Making healthy lifestyle changes. Exercise, improve your diet, practice stress management, and get consistent sleep. These everyday habits translate to better overall health and a potential boost in sexual function.

• Sharing with your partner. Don’t let ED become a long-term hindrance to your love life. Honesty and communication are key to a healthy relationship. The more you can share with your partner and come up with solutions together, the better the outcome will be.

Having ED is more than an annoyance. It can have lasting effects on your mental health, quality of life, and relationships.

If you need support in this area, we can help you navigate the next steps to get your sex life back on track. Start your online consultation today.