Erectile dysfunction (ED) is currently impacting more men than at any time in the past. ED, also referred to as impotence, is often classified as the inability for a man to get an erection or keep a firm erection during sexual intercourse. Although occasional ED is normal and common, when it occurs frequently is can be a sign of health problems that need to be treated. It is often linked to times of stress or hardship.

There are numerous erectile dysfunction treatments available today, but they are generally oral medications or injections. Read on for a list of natural methods to treat ED:

1. Acupuncture

Studies focusing on psychological ED have shown acupuncture to be an effective treatment. The needles are placed along the abdomen, hands, and legs for the purpose of treating ED. More research needs to be done in this area, but it could be an efficient means of treating ED related to emotional causes.

2. Ginkgo biloba

Many have used ginkgo biloba to improve their memory, but now it is being used to increase blood flow to the penis. The use of ginkgo biloba was researched for memory when men reported that they experienced better erections. It has also proven to be effective for men who have experienced ED due to certain medications.

3. Arginine

It has been discovered that arginine, or L-arginine, is what helps form nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is essential for dilating blood vessels as well as for improving the blood flow to cause an erection. It is for this reason that it is heavily recognized and praised for a non-pharmaceutical treatment for impotence.

4. Panax ginseng

Research has shown that taking high doses of Panax ginseng are ideal for treating erectile dysfunction. These high doses open the blood vessels wide, in turn improving the blood flow to the penis. Ginseng has also been regarded in the Chinese culture as an aphrodisiac.

5. DHEA

DHEA is typically named among one of the primary ingredients for baby formula, but is now being watched closely for its positive impact on erectile dysfunction. While it does increase libido in women, it can also be used to widen the blood vessels and improve erections in men. DHEA is best in low doses, but it may cause acne as a side effect.

Natural treatments have fewer side effects and they are being researched heavily to learn more about how these options benefit men with sexual dysfunction overall. Those who are suffering from erectile dysfunction can feel good about having more options outside of traditional medications and injections.