9 Natural Erectile Dysfunction Treatments (2024)

The best natural remedies for erectile dysfunction can include changes to diet, exercise, and alcohol consumption. Keep in mind that doctor-prescribed medications might also be necessary.

• Diet | Skip to details
• Exercise | Skip to details
• Sleep I Skip to details
• Weight loss | Skip to details
• Psychotherapy | Skip to details
• Sex therapy or couples counseling | Skip to details
• Stress reduction | Skip to details
• Alcohol reduction | Skip to details
• Smoking cessation | Skip to details

Erectile dysfunction (ED) happens when someone with a penis can’t get or maintain an erection.

ED is not uncommon. In fact, a 2022 study of over 12,000 men suggests that over 40% of men may experience ED, especially if they’re older, overweight, and smoke or drink alcohol regularly.

ED is also very treatable using a combination of medical and natural approaches.

Read on to learn more about the 9 best natural remedies for ED, including diet, exercise, weight loss, and more.

Treatment for ED depends on the cause. ED is most common in people who:

• are older
• have health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
• have had an injury to the spinal cord, penis, or pelvis
• take medication like antidepressants or blood pressure medications
• have anxiety or stress
• are overweight
• smoke

Depending on your lifestyle and risk factors, some possible treatment options might include:

• FDA-approved prescription medications, such as sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis), to treat underlying physiological issues
• devices like penis pumps or co*ck rings to increase sensation or erectile function
• penis enlargement surgery to implant permanent silicon material into your penis

But lifestyle changes and other home remedies can also help improve ED, including:

• getting 30 minutes of moderate daily activity
• getting at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep every night
• maintaining a healthy weight for your body type
• seeking professional mental health resources, such as therapy or counseling

There are many natural remedies for ED. They can include lifestyle changes like modifying your diet and getting exercise, as well as seeking mental health or relationship counseling.

It’s best to talk with your doctor before trying a new remedy. They can help identify the cause of your ED and recommend effective ED treatment options, whether conventional, natural, or a combination.

1. Diet

Eating a balanced diet may help maintain sexual function and decrease your risk of ED.

A 2020 study found that men who more strictly followed a Mediterranean diet or Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 diet had a reduced risk of developing ED. In particular, they consumed less red or processed meat and primarily ate:

• fruits
• vegetables
• legumes
• nuts
• fish

Research from 2018 similarly found that eating more fruits, vegetables, and flavonoids (compounds found in produce, coffee, and other foods) lowered the risk of ED in men ages 18 to 40.

These foods are important for your overall health, so helping maintain or improve your sexual function as well is a win-win.

2. Exercise

Research indicates that physical activity may help protect against and improve ED. It may be particularly effective if obesity, inactivity, or cardiovascular disease, among other conditions, contribute to your ED.

Research from 2018 found that moderate to intense aerobic exercise for 40 minutes a day, four times per week for 6 months, helped reduce ED. This includes exercises like:

• running
• brisk walking
• bicycling
• swimming
• skiing

Physical activity helps improve blood vessel health, lower stress, and raise testosterone levels, which can all help with ED.

3. Sleep

Getting enough sleep each night is important for your overall health. Sleeping regularly may also improve your ED.

A 2016 study found that men working night shifts who reported worse sleep quality were at higher risk of ED.

Research from 2018 also indicated that people with a sleep disorder had a greater risk of developing ED. Other research has linked obstructive sleep apnea to an increased risk of ED.

Not getting enough sleep can lower your testosterone levels, which may contribute to ED. Medical professionals also associate a sustained lack of sleep with conditions related to ED, like diabetes and high blood pressure.

4. Weight loss

Weight may be another factor in ED.

According to research from 2020, ED was significantly more common in men with obesity, who had overweight, or had a larger waist circumference.

Research from 2017 found some improvements in ED after bariatric (weight loss) surgery.

If weight contributes to your ED, exercise and a balanced diet may help you lose weight and improve your ED.

In addition, weight loss medications such as semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) are now available.

But keep in mind that these medications — especially semaglutide — have documented side effects and are not appropriate for everyone.

Contact a doctor to better understand if weight loss medications may be right for you.

5. Psychotherapy

In some cases, ED results from a combination of physical and psychological issues. These may include fear of failure, religious beliefs, and sexual trauma.

ED can lead to additional mental health issues, including emotional distress and lower self-esteem, which can further worsen ED. Therapy may help address these issues to improve ED.

According to research from 2021, psychological interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) were especially effective when paired with ED medications. Mental health interventions may also be effective, but more research is needed.

A small 2018 study involving 4 weeks of mindfulness-focused group therapy indicated that this type of therapy may help improve ED and sexual satisfaction.

More research should be done to determine the most effective types of psychotherapy for ED.

6. Sex therapy or couples counseling

Around 10% to 25% of men with ED have no known risk factors. This condition, known as non-organic ED, may be caused by a mental health condition like depression or by experiencing anxiety when having sex.

A small 2020 study found that cognitive behavior sex therapy (CBST) and medication were each effective on their own at reducing non-organic ED. In addition, CBST was more effective at lowering anxiety among study participants.

It may also be helpful to attend counseling with your partner to help them understand your condition and discuss ways to support you.

The American Urological Association created a guideline for treating ED based on a review of studies. The association recommends talking with a mental health professional, especially with your partner, and says that therapy can improve communication between couples and help them integrate ED treatments into their sexual relationship.

7. Stress reduction

Healthcare professionals often link stress and anxiety to ED.

A 2019 study found that stress was one of the main predictors of ED, in addition to anxiety and depression. The study suggests that chronic stress may affect testosterone or cause sleep deprivation, which may contribute to ED.

Still, other research indicates that the effect of stress on ED is unclear. A 2020 study found no association between stress and ED.

Until more is understood about stress and ED, it’s still beneficial to reduce stress in your daily life to improve your overall health.

8. Alcohol reduction

Studies have shown mixed results for the effects of alcohol on ED.

Research from 2018 found that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol (fewer than 21 drinks per week, as defined by the study) was associated with a lowered risk of ED. On the other hand, regular and high consumption didn’t significantly affect ED.

Still, other research has linked alcohol use with ED. A 2018 study found that sexual dysfunction, particularly ED, was common in people with alcohol dependence syndrome.

More research is needed on the role of alcohol in ED. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that men consume two or fewer alcoholic drinks per day.

9. Smoking cessation

Smoking is another behavior that likely contributes to ED.

This may be caused, in part, because smoking can damage blood vessels and prevent enough blood from reaching the penis for an erection.

Smoking may also reduce nitric oxide (NO) availability in the body. Your body needs NO to cause involuntary muscle relaxation and increase blood flow, which plays a role in erections.

A 2023 review article noted a strong link between smoking and ED because of harm to cell tissues by chemicals in cigarettes and e-cigarettes. But the study also found that quitting smoking can help reverse ED symptoms.

It’s challenging to quit smoking, but there are many resources available to help. Stopping smoking has the potential to help ED and benefit many other areas of your overall health.

Note that quitting smoking also includes avoiding vaping, which is a source of nicotine.

Lifestyle changes may be an effective home remedy for ED and may improve your overall health. But many changes — such as losing weight, quitting smoking, or eating a balanced diet — may be difficult.

It may also take time for natural treatments to have an effect. Depending on the cause of their ED, some people may not show improvements without medications or other treatments. It’s helpful to work with your doctor to find a treatment that works for you.

Depending on the cause of your ED, natural remedies may not be effective for you. If this is the case, your doctor may prescribe you a proven ED medication. These medications are only available with a prescription.

However, if you’re looking to avoid an in-person meeting with your doctor, you can be evaluated online by a healthcare professional through companies like Hims.

Here’s a quick look at some of the erectile dysfunction treatments available through Hims:

Side effects of these medications may include headaches, indigestion, and dizziness. Do not use these medications if you’re also taking nitrates or medications for chest pain.

Due to the long history and research around these medications, specifically sildenafil and tadalafil, healthcare professionals generally consider these medications to be very safe, especially when taken as directed by your doctor.

Additionally, many of these medications are available online through reputable services like Roman, Hims, and the Optum Store. They can all connect you with a doctor and — if prescribed — can ship the medications directly to your door.

It’s not uncommon to lose an erection from time to time. It can even be caused by stress.

That said, it’s worth talking with your doctor if:

• you often find it difficult to get or maintain an erection
• ED is causing you distress or straining your relationship

ED can be a sign of an underlying condition. Even if ED isn’t causing you any distress, it might be wise to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the issue, as it can be a sign of an underlying health concern.

If you suspect your ED is caused by stress, trauma, or relationship issues, consider speaking with a therapist.

ED is a common condition that can affect confidence, relationships, and quality of life. The most effective erectile dysfunction treatment depends on the cause of your ED. Still, natural remedies may help improve your ED and your overall health.

It’s best to talk with your doctor about ED. They can help identify the right treatments for you. It can also be beneficial to approach your condition together with your partner.

Remember that treatment may take time, particularly lifestyle changes like losing weight and getting more exercise. Work with your doctor to find the treatment or combination of remedies that work best for you.