Sex and Romance: Working Together to Relight the Fire
If
you’re experiencing erection problems, you’re probably not alone. Your spouse
or partner is also affected. Fortunately, there’s plenty both of you can do to
overcome ED and enjoy better and more intimate sex.
Get a Checkup
The
first step when you begin to notice persistent problems getting an erection is
to make an appointment to see your doctor. Erectile dysfunction is a vascular
disease (a blood vessel problem) and often is associated with other vascular
diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
The
ability to develop and maintain an erection depends on healthy blood vessels.
When arteries become clogged with cholesterol or damaged by high blood pressure,
blood flow into the penis can be impaired.
Men
over 55 with erectile dysfunction have a 50% greater risk of developing heart
disease than men without erection problems. Younger men with erection problems
have an even higher risk of heart disease.
Tweak Your Diet
Smarter
food choices can help reduce risk factors linked to erection problems,
including high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol. As with many
conditions, when more risk factors are present, they increase the risk of the
disease.
The basic advice may be familiar, but many men still don’t follow it:
Eat
more fruits and vegetables – 5 to 9 servings a day.
Consume
less salt by eating less processed food,
which is often high in sodium.
Eat
more fish, poultry, and other sources of lean protein.
Cut
back on red meat.
Choose
low-fat or non-fat dairy products.
If
weight is a problem, gradually trim your portion sizes.
Making
changes in the way you eat isn’t easy, of course. When a couple makes healthy
changes together, they improve the chances of success.
Lose a Few Pounds
Being
overweight gets in the way of good sex in many ways. It can make a man feel
less than sexy. And let’s face it, your partner may not find that beer belly so
appealing either.
Obesity
is also associated with lower than normal testosterone levels in men, which can
cause a loss of sex drive. Consuming fewer calories by eating less and burning
more calories by increasing physical activity are effective ways to lose
weight.
Move It
Regular
physical activity not only helps maintain a healthy weight, it also improves
the function of heart and blood vessels. That, in turn, could help improve the
quality of your erection. Some studies have indicated that men who exercise
regularly have a reduced risk of erectile dysfunction. In addition, the more
fit you are, the more energy you’re likely to have for sex. Finding activities
to do with your partner can help strengthen your relationship and enhance your
sense of intimacy.
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