Conquer Erectile Dysfunction (ED)!: Raise Testosterone, DHEA, LH, Oxytocin (Love and Orgasm Hormone). Lower Estrogen, Prolactin. Overcome Stress, Performance Anxiety, Relationship Challenges, Trauma.

By J.M. Swartz M.D. and Y.L. Wright M.A.

Read this book and learn the secrets to safely overcome erectile dysfunction, so you don’t have to take expensive drugs like Viagra. In "Conquer Erectile Dysfunction (ED)!" readers will find a comprehensive guide that addresses all three major causes of erectile dysfunction—physical causes, psychological causes, and lifestyle causes.

Erectile dysfunction can affect men of any age. While age can be a contributing factor to the development of ED, it's not the sole determinant. Learn what you can do right now to overcome erectile dysfunction, no matter how old you are.

Take a quick test to evaluate your own degree of erectile dysfunction and find out about natural approaches to overcome ED. Learn when to seek medical help. Understand the similarities and differences between Cialis and Viagra.

Read this book to empower yourself to overcome all of the barriers to fantastic sexual function. Get expert advice and practical strategies needed to navigate all of the challenges of erectile dysfunction and embrace a fulfilling, confident future.

Sure, that Viagra pill may solve the problem, but maybe that quick fix isn't the optimal solution. Before your doctor tries to railroad you out of the little exam room in less than fifteen minutes with the magic blue pill, urge him or her to look at the big picture. If you want to hit all the bases and score the home run for your team (you and your partner), you have to take the time to explore any and all of the root causes for ED.

Erectile dysfunction is often a symptom of underlying diseases. By performing a thorough physical examination, your physician may uncover life-threatening medical conditions that should be promptly addressed. Any good physician is aware of the fact that any man with new-onset erectile dysfunction is a cardiac patient until proven otherwise. And heart problems aren't the only disease that can cause erectile dysfunction. Read this book and discover how eight common medical conditions may underlie erectile dysfunction.

A common cause of ED is not having enough testosterone. We will look at measures that you can take to say good-bye to andropausal hormone imbalances that affect your sexual well-being. The pros and cons of testosterone replacement will be discussed.

Discover how to communicate with your partner to deepen intimacy. Build more self-esteem and a better body image. You can renegotiate past traumas that live in your body and finally allow healing to take place.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jan 4, 2024
• ISBN: 9781304745675

Book preview

CONTENTS

CONTENTS

Introduction: WHY CAN’T I GET IT UP?

Physical Factors

Hormone Imbalances

Psychological Factors

Lifestyle Factors

Natural Approaches to Overcome ED

How Serious Is Your ED?

International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) Questionnaire

When to Seek Medical Help

Excessive duration of erections

Identify underlying causes

Health and medical history

Viagra May Not Be the Best Solution

Differences Between Cialis and Viagra

Treatment Goals

Chapter 1: PHYSICAL FACTORS FOR ED

Age

Medical conditions

Cardiovascular issues

Diabetes

Obesity

Neurological disorders

Medications

Injury or surgery

Sleep disorders

Pelvic Floor Issues

What Is Man-O-Pause (Andropause)?

Chapter 2 HORMONAL IMBALANCES

Inflammation

Common triggers of chronic inflammation

Too Much Estrogen

Inhibit aromatase activity

Strategies to decrease excess estrogen

Elevated Prolactin

Suppression of Testosterone Production

Impact on Dopamine

Physical Changes in the Testes

Libido and Mood Changes

Low Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

How to raise DHEA levels

Low Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

How to raise LH levels

Proper testing

Low testosterone

Symptoms of low testosterone

How to raise testosterone with lifestyle changes

If you are in your forties with low testosterone

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)

When testosterone levels normalize

Oxytocin – the love and orgasm hormone

Prostaglandin E (alprostadil/MUSE)

Chapter 3: PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS

Performance Anxiety

Understanding performance anxiety

Impact on erectile function

Emotional and relational effects

Coping strategies

Professional help

Underreporting and Stigma

Tips for individuals

Tips for partners

Tips for healthcare professionals

Addressing Prevalence with Open Dialogue

Breaking the silence

With partners

In healthcare settings

In society

The Impact on Quality of Life

Psychological effects

Emotional impact

Relationship effects

Overall well-being

Seeking help and support

Communicating with Partners to Address ED

Recognizing communication challenges

Effective communication strategies

Sharing information

Building Intimacy and Connection

Professional support

Self-Esteem and Body Image Challenges

Self-Esteem and Body Image

Effects on relationships

Coping strategies

Professional help

Physical health and well-being

Stress and Anxiety

Relationship Problems

Past Trauma

Overcoming Psychological Barriers

Acknowledging emotions

Coping strategies

Communication and support

Reframing negative thoughts

Professional help

Lifestyle changes

Exploring new experiences

Chapter 4: LIFESTYLE FACTORS

Exercise and Physical Activity

Dietary Considerations for Erectile Health

Eat plenty of protein

Avoid sugar

Diversify plant fiber intake

Avoid processed foods.

Weight Management and Body Composition

Manage Stress

Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking

Adequate Sleep

Regular Health Check-ups

Avoid Recreational Drug Use

Chapter 5: NATURAL APPROACHES

Role of Herbal Supplements

Acupuncture and Alternative Therapies

Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels)

Mindfulness and Meditation Techniques

Hydration and Sexual Health

Moderation in Alcohol and Caffeine Consumption

Natural Approaches in Conjunction with Medical Advice

The Future of Ed Treatment

A holistic approach to sexual well-being

Embracing A Fulfilling Future

REFERENCES

Introduction: WHY CAN’T I GET IT UP?

WHEN A MAN’S PENIS DOESN’T GET HARD ENOUGH FOR SEX, IT IS CALLED ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (ED).  Erectile dysfunction is defined as the consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.

Read this book and learn the secrets to safely overcome erectile dysfunction, so you don’t have to take expensive drugs like Viagra. In Conquer Erectile Dysfunction (ED)! readers will find a comprehensive guide that addresses all three major causes of erectile dysfunction:

1. Physical causes (including low testosterone).

2. Psychological causes.

3. Lifestyle causes.

Read this book to empower yourself to overcome all of the barriers to fantastic sexual function. Get expert advice and practical strategies needed to navigate all of the challenges of erectile dysfunction and embrace a fulfilling, confident future.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is common.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common and often misunderstood condition that affects men of various ages. It's important to recognize that occasional difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection are normal and may not necessarily indicate a chronic issue.

Many men all over the world have ED, even though they do not often admit it. It is hard to pinpoint the true prevalence of ED, because many men do not report the condition to their doctors. There is a lot of embarrassment, shame, and societal stigma surrounding the condition. Many men hesitate to seek medical help at all, leading to a lack of accurate data on the full scope of the issue. But rest assured, ED is experienced by all men sooner or later. Now let’s find out what causes it and what you can do about it.

What Causes ED?

Erectile dysfunction can arise from a combination of physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Well-meaning, but hurried physicians may ignore the underlying causes of ED and go straight to writing that scrip for Viagra. After all, this usually takes care of the problem immediately. It is a very effective Band-Aid. But to resolve the problem without having to resort to pills, it is important to understand all of the underlying issues so that they can be treated.

Before your doctor tries to railroad you out of the little exam room in less than fifteen minutes with the magic blue pill, urge him or her to look at the big picture. If you want to hit all the bases and score the home run for your team (you and your partner), you have to take the time to explore all of the root causes for ED.

Physical Factors

We discuss common physical factors resulting in ED in Chapter 1. All of the physical factors must be explored with your doctor if you want to understand the true causes of ED. These can include age and medical conditions, especially cardiovascular issues (like hypertension and atherosclerosis).

ANY MAN WITH NEW-ONSET ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION IS A CARDIAC PATIENT UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE.

Other common medical issues that can lead to ED include diabetes, obesity, neurological disorders (like multiple sclerosis), the effects of the medications that are taken, and injuries or surgeries that affect blood flow or nerve function. Sleep disorders are much more prevalent than are commonly recognized and play a huge role in the development of ED. Pelvic floor issues also deserve recognition as a causative factor in erectile difficulties.

And we cannot forget to address the natural aging transition that all men go through. Andropause (also known as male menopause) cannot be overlooked as a physical factor. In andropause, there is a decrease in important hormones that boost sexual performance, like testosterone, DHEA, and LH, and an increase in hormones that act to dampen erectile ability, like estrogen and prolactin. A common cause of ED is not having enough testosterone. We will take a look at measures that you can take immediately to say good-bye to andropausal hormone imbalances that affect your sexual well-being.

Hormone Imbalances

Chapter 2 may well be the most exciting chapter in the book, because you will learn how to bring back the hormone balance that you enjoyed as a healthy young man. To attain great sexual health, you need to learn how to remove the common hormonal triggers of chronic inflammation. To do this, you will need to lower estrogen and prolactin levels that are too high. You must also raise low levels of testosterone, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone),² and LH (luteinizing hormone).³ Optimizing oxytocin, the love and orgasm hormone, is very wise indeed. We will also discuss the use of Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), commonly known as alprostadil, a hormonal medication used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).⁴

Psychological Factors

In Chapter 3 we will examine the psychological aspects that play into ED. The mind-body connection plays a significant role in sexual function. Performance anxiety, communication issues with your partner, self-esteem and body image, stress and anxiety, relationship problems, and past traumas can all contribute to ED.

Mental health issues that underlie performance anxiety can be overcome. You will master strategies for coping with and overcoming the psychological barriers to ED. Discover how to communicate with your partner to deepen intimacy. Build more self-esteem and a better body image. You can renegotiate past traumas that live in your body and finally allow healing to take place.

Lifestyle Factors

In Chapter 4 lifestyle behaviors will be evaluated. Unhealthy lifestyle choices can negatively impact erectile function. Unhealthy lifestyle choices typically include poor dietary choices, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use.

After determining which lifestyle factors are contributing to ED, we can then consider options for correcting the problem behaviors in order to overcome the ED. Strategies may include hormone optimization, pharmaceutical interventions, counseling, stress management, exercise programs, and bodywork.

Natural Approaches to Overcome ED

In Chapter 5 you will learn specific natural approaches to overcome erectile dysfunction. These include supplements, alternative therapies, pelvic floor exercises, meditation techniques, and dietary considerations. We will also take a quick look at the future of ED treatment.

How Serious Is Your ED?

Take this test to get a more accurate idea about the seriousness of your condition.  Then add up your scores. 

International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) Questionnaire

The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) is a widely used instrument for the evaluation of male sexual function and for diagnosis of ED severity.⁵

Please choose the response that best describes you over the past 6 months. Then add up your scores.

1. How do you rate your confidence that you could get and keep an erection?

Very low (1)

Low (2)

Moderate (3)

High (4)

Very high (5)

2. When you had erections with sexual stimulation, how often were your erections hard enough for penetration?

Almost never or never (1)

A few times (much less than half the time) (2)

Sometimes (about half the time) (3)

Most times (much more than half the time) (4)

Almost always or always (5)

3. During sexual intercourse, how often were you able to maintain your erection after you had penetrated your partner?

Almost never or never (1)

A few times (much less than half the time) (2)

Sometimes (about half the time) (3)

Most times (much more than half the time) (4)

Almost always or always (5)

4. During sexual intercourse, how difficult was it to maintain your erection to completion of intercourse?

Extremely difficult (1)

Very difficult (2)

Difficult (3)

Slightly difficult (4)

Not difficult (5)

5. When you attempted sexual intercourse, how often was it satisfactory for you?

Almost never or never (1)

A few times (much less than half the time) (2)

Sometimes (about half the time) (3)

Most times (much more than half the time) (4)

Almost always or always (5)

Add up your scores.

1-7: Severe

8-11: Moderate

12-16: Mild-moderate

17-21: Mild

22-25: No Erectile Dysfunction

When to Seek Medical Help

Experiencing occasional difficulties with erections is normal and may not necessitate medical intervention. However, if the problem persists over a few weeks or months and begins to affect your self-esteem, relationships, or overall quality of life, it's time to seek medical assistance. A healthcare provider can conduct a thorough assessment, including medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests to identify the underlying causes.

ED can sometimes be an early warning sign of underlying cardiovascular