5 Things You Need to Know About Alternative Treatments for Erection Problems

1. Say no to Drugs

While erectile dysfunction (ED) medications are rampant today, many men do not want to risk the side effects of drugs like Viagra and Cialis. In addition, most insurance companies won't pay for ED medications and they can get pretty expensive, especially if you want to have an active sex life. There has always been a market for sexual enhancing tools and lotions and now even more choices are available for men out of the closet with their impotencies.

2. Try Herbs and Vitamins

A man's health plays a big role in being able to perform sexually. Adding supplements of vitamins C and E, mixed with iron and flaxseed can help many men with erection problems. Ginseng and ginkgo biloba are widely touted as supplying that little bit of oomph for a good erection. Some men, diagnosed with low hormone levels, take a supplement containing DHEA, but this treatment is relatively new and long-term side effects are not well known.

3. Body Work

Ancient natural remedies such as acupuncture and massage can help relieve the causes of sexual dysfunction. In acupuncture, small needles are inserted into the pressure points that block the sensations that create an erection. These needles may be placed on your face and near the heart to improve brain function and blood flow. Massage works to relax the entire body. Often stress and tension work against a good erection more than any kind of physical impairment. Deep breathing and meditation also can prepare you for a sexual encounter that is satisfying and complete.

4. Suck it up

Vacuum devices that are placed over the penis to get it hard are safe and effective if you follow the directions. A plastic cylinder is placed over the penis and pumped to pull the blood up and to stimulate the glands. Although this method is an effective means of achieving an erection, it is not very sexy. It takes nearly five minutes to complete the task. A ring is placed at the base of the penis to sustain the erection. Unfortunately, only part of the penile shaft is hardened, so it can inhibit sexual pumping motion. Also, bruising can occur.

5. Surgical Implants

Many men who don't want to rely on outside stimulus turn to penile implants. One type of implant is a pump that is inserted inside the penis. When activated, the pump sends saline up the shaft to create the erection. The saline is released when you are done. A penile prosthesis can be inserted into the penis. This device consists of bendable rods that can be manipulated to create an erection. Another kind of implant involves soft blocks that are inserted in the penis and can be inflated when needed.