Men don’t often just talk about their sexual health to anyone. However, it is also one of the most important things that they need to take care of primarily because sex is a vital part of life for males. From their first understanding of their sexual organs, to the stage of puberty, and until they get older, men’s reproductive health plays a part in the different stages of their lives.
If you are a man and you are starting to think about your sexual health, it is good to know that you are not alone. This concern will only intensify if you already have a life partner and are starting to ponder on starting a family.
Maintaining a healthy reproductive life does not only mean you are cleared from physical diseases. Issues like erectile dysfunctions can sometimes be attributed to psychological distress.
According to a Canadian lifestyle magazine, almost half of men living in Canada have erectile dysfunction or ED. This condition is the inability of a man to sustain or start an erection. Both physical and emotional factors cause ED. These factors include high cholesterol levels, low testosterone levels, urological surgery damages, severe anxiety, depression, constant stress, or personal issues.
How will you know if it’s time to talk to a doctor regarding your reproductive issues? Here are the things that you need to ask yourself first:
1. Do you have a decreased sex drive? Libido is a person’s natural desire for sexual activity. Different men also have varying levels of sex drive. Your “normal” may be different from another man’s “normal”. If there is a sudden drop in your libido, do not panic. Wait for at least two weeks. If your urge to have sex does not return after that time, let a physician know.
2. Do you have the urge but don’t have the energy or endurance? You want to engage in sexual activities. The problem is, you are unable to finish what you started or you end up unusually exhausted after sexual contact. If this is not usually you, open up to your health care provider.
3. Do your erections feel weaker? You want to have sex and you can still satisfy your partner but you notice that your erections have somewhat become weaker. Observe this for about a month. If your erections become less strong or if your partner starts to notice, contact your doctor right away.
If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction, there are various treatments available right now. If you want to ask a doctor about this, visit your local walk in clinic Hamilton to consult about the different treatments suitable for you. The doctor can advise you to take medicines that improve erection. Or he can refer you to undergo treatments like having a silicon rod implant, prostaglandin injection, or vacuum suction. If you want to stay away from these medical procedures, you can also try natural remedies or lifestyle changes in the meantime.
Here are some things you can do:
1. Drink ginseng. Considered as nature’s Viagra, red ginseng (also called Panax ginseng), has anti-inflammatory properties and is known to improve blood flow and respiratory function. In 2008, a study showed that drinking 600 to 1000 mg of red ginseng thrice daily improves a man’s erection.
2. Start exercising seriously. If you have not yet thought about exercise as something that can benefit you holistically, then it’s time for you to change your mindset and start moving. The key to fighting erectile dysfunction is to improve your blood circulation. Exercise is a very effective method that properly facilitates blood flow in your body. You can begin by doing cardio exercises like walking or jogging in the morning or the afternoon. You can also seek the help of a fitness expert if you want to have an exercise regimen.
3. Eat right. The more meat and grease the better. Not anymore. If you want to improve your erection, start eating properly. The food you eat may affect the strength of your erection. If you are bent on starting an exercise regimen, then you should couple this with the right diet. As much as possible, put the following things on your plate: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fish. Minimize intake of food made of refined flour and red meat. The right calorie intake can also facilitate weight loss. According to a study, a man who is overweight is more likely to have erectile dysfunction than a man who maintains his pounds.
4. Stop smoking. If your ED is caused by narrowing or blockage arteries. One of the side effects of smoking is the thinning of the blood vessels. This is why it is recommended that you ditch those packs of sticks for your sex life to come alive again. Ask your doctor for help if you finally decide to quit smoking.