Your sex hormone levels start dropping at 30, and by the time you are 40, they are almost half what they were in your 20s. This drastic change can trigger uncomfortable symptoms like mood disorders and low libido. The latter, in particular, can significantly affect your romantic relationships. Despite your efforts to make things work, erectile dysfunction can cause strife between you and your romantic partner. Fortunately, you do not have to live with this symptom of low hormone levels. Esteemed Downingtown erectile dysfunction specialists can provide multiple effective treatments to help you maintain an erection. Here is a look at the most common options you and your healthcare provider may consider.

Psychotherapy

Sometimes, erectile dysfunction is caused by a combination of psychological and physical problems that are best addressed through psychotherapy. During psychotherapy, you will discuss your sexual trauma, religious beliefs, mental health concerns, and emotional distress with a trained healthcare provider. To help manage your erectile dysfunction symptoms, your doctor will recommend mental health interventions or psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Alternatively, couples therapy may also be recommended to help address any conflicts between you and your partner that may cause reduced sexual desire.

Balanced Diet

Making healthy food choices is vital in maintaining your sexual performance and lowering your risk of erectile dysfunction. For instance, a diet rich in whole grains, fish, vegetables, and fruits can directly prevent erectile dysfunction. Eating a healthy diet also helps you maintain a healthy body weight, which is important because obesity increases your risk of erectile dysfunction. Obesity also increases your risk of other health problems like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Stress Reduction

Work pressure, anxiety, depression, and daily stressors can also increase your risk of erectile dysfunction. Chronic stress lowers the production of testosterone hormones or leads to sleep deprivation, possibly contributing to reduced sexual drive. To help manage your erectile dysfunction symptoms, your doctor will walk you through a stress management program in which you will train your body to respond better to stress-causing agents. 

Healthy Sleep Routine

Getting adequate sleep is not only important in preventing erectile dysfunction but also improves your overall health. A recent study proved that men with poor sleep patterns were at an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. There is a direct relationship between sleep quality and the level of sex hormones such as testosterone. Your body’s testosterone levels will increase with improved sleep patterns. This is because your sleep patterns help your body determine when to produce certain hormones. Moreover, adhering to a healthy sleep schedule reduces your risk of developing sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia.

Lifestyle Modifications

Your physician may recommend various forms of lifestyle change to help lower your risk of erectile dysfunction. In most cases, you may be required to limit your drug and alcohol consumption. Excessive drug and substance abuse can cause devastating sexual and physical health complications in the future. These changes, combined with regular physical exercises, can help manage your erectile dysfunction symptoms.

Is It Time to Discuss Erectile Dysfunction with Your Doctor?

Regardless of their age being old, middle-aged, or young, erectile dysfunction is a major health challenge for many male patients today. The symptoms of erectile dysfunction can cause distress in your romantic relationships and, in the worst case, divorce. There are many ways to treat your symptoms of erectile dysfunction, and the best treatment solutions depend on the underlying cause. If you happen to notice a reduced sexual drive that is affecting your relationship, consider visiting your healthcare provider. They will help you determine the immediate causes of your erection problems and devise various treatments to help restore optimal sexual health.