Dealing with Impotence Naturally

Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, is the inability of a male to attain or sustain an erection sufficient for intercourse. It can be a persistent condition; however, almost half of all men experience impotence occasionally. Impotence can have either physical or psychological (or both) causes. Although some doctors used to believe differently, most researchers and doctors now believe that a majority of men suffering from impotence have physical causes. Psychological counseling can be helpful, however, if the impotence is related to emotional factors. There are several physical contributors to impotence, including atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypothyroidism, multiple sclerosis, chronic alcohol use, or what doctors sometimes call "venous leakage" of blood. Certain medications can also be the culprit.

Lifestyle changes that may be helpful: Impotence that cannot be linked to physical causes has been successfully treated by hypnosis.1 In this trial, three hypnosis sessions per week were used initially, later decreasing to one per month during a six-month period. Three out of every four men in the trial were helped.

Nutritional supplements and other natural therapies that may be helpful

Dilation of blood vessels necessary for a normal erection depends on a substance called nitric oxide. In turn, the amino acid arginine and ornithine is needed for nitric oxide formation. In aging rats, arginine supplementation increases nitric oxide levels and improves erectile response.2 In a group off fifteen men with erectile dysfunction given 2,800 mg arginine and ornithine per day for two weeks, six were helped, though none improved while taking placebo.3 Although little is known about how effective arginine will be for men with erectile dysfunction or which subset of these men would be helped, available research looks promising and suggests that at least some men are likely to benefit.

Low blood levels of the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) have been reported in some men with erectile dysfunction. In one double blind trial, forty men with low DHEA levels and impotence were given 50 mg DHEA per day for six months.4 Significant improvement in both erectile function and interest in sex occurred in the men assigned to DHEA but not in those assigned to placebo. No significant change occurred in testosterone levels or in factors that could affect the prostate gland. Experts have concerns about the safe use of DHEA, particularly because long-term safety data do not exist. See the DHEA article for more information about the safety concerns.

Niacin - Your heart isn't the only organ that can be affected by this pernicious clogging. The arteries to your brain and other key body parts, like your legs, can also get clogged with plaque. Cut off the blood flow to your brain, and the result is a stroke. Limit the flow to your legs, and you're almost guaranteed to have chronic cramps and leg pain. In men, too little blood flowing to the penis can cause another related problem—impotence.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.

 Vitamins and minerals that may be helpful:

Zinc & Magnesium: When it comes to a man's sexual functioning, zinc is really the last work. Zinc deficiency will likely impair sexual growth and maturation, because this mineral appears to be essential for the manufacture of testosterone.

There are another nutrients essential to erections. Two very important minerals for good health are calcium and magnesium. We usually think of calcium as primarily needed to make strong bones and teeth, but it is also important in sexual functioning. Calcium provides an essential link between the brain, hormonal glands, and the mechanical processes. However, what is important to realize is that without magnesium, the benefits of calcium are lost because without it, calcium deposits in soft tissue and forms blockages that can cause erectile problems.

Doctors have long noticed the detrimental effect certain pharmaceuticals have on sexual function, but have wondered why calcium channel blockers are not among them. They know calcium is important to sexual performance, and therefore, cannot understand why a drug which blocks the entry of calcium would not cause problems. The answer to this puzzle is a diet low in magnesium.

Without calcium interfering, magnesium dilates the arteries, relieving pressure and blockages. Probably the most beneficial nutritional discovery of our time is the finding that magnesium is a calcium channel blocker. 5

The addition of magnesium in a treatment program for high blood pressure would decrease the need for calcium channel blockers and their subsequent side effects. 6

So, how bad is this deficiency? It's dreadful. In a 1982 to 1989 study of a variety of nutritional elements, compared to the recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences (the people who come up with the RDAs), it was found that magnesium was low among teenage girls and boys, adult women, and older men and women. 7 Certainly those of you plagued with sexual problems should consider upping your intake of magnesium and zinc.

 Herbs that may be helpful:

Yohimbe dilates blood vessels, making this herb useful for treating male impotence. Yohimbe (the primary active constituent in yohimbe) has been shown in several double blind studies to help treat men with impotence;8 9 negative studies have also been reported.9 10 Somewhat surprisingly, yohimbe appears to help regardless of the cause of impotence. A tincture of yohimbe bark is often used in the amount of 5–10 drops three times per day. There are also standardized yohimbe products available for the treatment of impotence. A typical daily amount of yohimbine is 15–30 mg. It’s best to use yohimbine under the supervision of a physician.

Damiana is a traditional herb for men with impotence. However, no modern studies have confirmed its effectiveness.  

Ginkgo biloba, by increasing arterial blood flow, may help some impotent men.11 One unblinded study, involving 30 men who were experiencing erectile dysfunction as a result of medication use (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other medications), found that approximately 200 mg per day of ginkgo had a positive effect on sexual function in 76% of the men.12 (Research)

Asian ginseng has traditionally been used as a supportive herb for male potency, although there are no studies to support this usage.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Refer to the individual herb for information about any side effects or interactions.

Plumbing-Promoting Nutrients

For maximum absorption, take supplements with meals

Nutrient Suggested Dosage

Ages Garlic:1 tablet three times daily

Arginine/Ornithine:3-4 capsules before bed daily

Enzymes: 1 capsule before meals

Niacin:1 capsule with meals

Flaxseed Oil: 1 capsule with meals

Saw Palmetto extract: 160 mg twice daily

Vitamin E: 2 capsules (800 IU) daily

ZMA: 3 capsules before bed daily

Yohimbe: 1-2 capsules twice daily

Ginkgo Biloba extract: 60 mg twice daily

Multi-Vitamin/Mineral: 1 with an meal

References:

1. Aydin S, Ercan M, Çaskurlu T, et al. Acupuncture and hypnotic suggestions in the treatment of non-organic male sexual dysfunction. Scand J Urol Nephrol 1997;31:271–74.

2. Moody JA, Vernt D, Laidlaw S, et al. Effects of long-term oral administration of L-arginine on the rat erectile response. J Urol 1997;158:942–47.

3. Zorgniotti AW, Lizza EF. Effect of large doses of the nitric oxide precursor, L-arginine, on erectile dysfunction. Int J Impot Res 1994;6:33–36.

4. Reiter WJ, Pycha A, Schatzl G, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a prospective, double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled study. Urology 1999;53:590–95.

5. Smith,P.J., and Talbert, R.L., "Sexual Dysfunction with Antihypertensive and Antipsychotic Agents, " Clinical Pharmacy, v. 5, p. 373-384, 1986.

6. Touyz, R.M., "Magnesium Supplementation as an Adjuvant to Synthetic Calcium Channel Antagonism in the Treatment of Hypertension, " Medical Hypothesis, v. 36, p. 140-141, 1991.

7. Pennington, Jean A.t., Ph.D., RD and Young, Barbara E., "Total Diet Study of Nutritional Elements, 1982-1989, " Journal of The American Dietetic Association, v 91, n 2, p. 179-183, February 1991.

8. Ernst E, Pittler MH. Yohimbine for erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. J Urol 1998;159:433–36.

9. Carey MP, Johnson BT. Effectiveness of yohimbine in the treatment of erectile disorder: Four meta-analytic integrations. Arch Sex Behav 1996;25:341.

10. Kunelius P, Häkkinen J, Lukkarinen O. Is high-dose yohimbine hydrochloride effective in the treatment of mixed-type impotence? A prospective, randomized, controlled double-blind crossover study. Urol 1997;49:441–44.

11. Mann K, Klingler T, Noe S, et al. Effect of yohimbine on sexual experiences and nocturnal tumescence and rigidity in erectile dysfunction. Arch Sex Behav 1996;25:1–16.

12. Sohn M, Sikora R. Ginkgo biloba extract in the therapy of erectile dysfunction. J Sec Educ Ther 1991;17:53–61.

13. Cohen AJ, Bartlik B. Ginkgo biloba for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. J Sex Marital Ther 1998;24:139–43.

Researchers at Valparaiso University in Indiana found that yohimbine had more beneficial effects on most aspects of sexual response in men with erectile dysfunction than in sexually functional men, including an increase in the frequency of sexual activity and increased sexual arousal and erectile.