Welcome back to our Balls Deep podcast! For the second part of our erectile dysfunction (ED) series, Dr. Joe Pazona, a Board Certified Urologist, and his co-host Cat Williams explore the natural methods of handling ED. Keep reading to learn more from their humorous, yet informative, discussion:
Four Pillars of Wellness: Your Foundation of Better Health
Before getting into the details of particular treatment methods, Dr. Pazona discusses how it is necessary to address the root causes of ED, as most of them come from chronic health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, tobacco use, and high cholesterol. Here is how the four pillars of wellness can assist:
Nutrition
It’s important to eat heart-healthy foods that also promote good blood flow. The key would be consuming whole foods with minimal sugar and fewer processed items for better vascular health.
Cut down on alcohol consumption since drinking in excess may affect testosterone levels and circulation.
Exercise
Walking is a great place to start, but it’s not enough exercise in the long run. Add high-intensity cardiovascular training to enhance blood flow and include resistance training to maintain muscle mass and boost testosterone.
A mix of cardio and weight training exercises not only enhances erections but helps prevent ED from worsening over time.
Sleep
Sleep is necessary. Studies indicate that chronic sleep loss may result in diminished testosterone levels; thus sleep is vital for both health and sexual function.
Stress Management
Stress wreaks havoc on your body, triggering hormonal imbalances that can lead to ED. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, therapy, or lifestyle changes can significantly improve performance.
Testosterone Optimization
Testosterone is a critical hormone when it comes to sexual health. Dr. Pazona stresses the need to maintain the right levels to support erections.
Natural Boosts: Sleep, exercise, and lowering stress levels are great ways to increase testosterone.
Supplements and Replacement Therapy: There are numerous testosterone boosters in stores; however, quality is always a primary concern. Dr. Pazona reminds patients to purchase medical-grade supplements that have high testing procedures instead of suspicious gas station items.
Shockwave Therapy: A Promising Option
Low-intensity shockwave therapy (ESWT) for ED is an innovative treatment that uses microtrauma to stimulate the growth of blood vessels and nerves in the penis.
Does it Work? This approach is most effective for individuals with mild cases of ED, but it is unlikely to help in severe cases where there has been no activity for years.
Buyer Beware: Avoid buying inexpensive, DIY devices. These tend to end up causing more harm. Treatment should only be sought from reliable medical sources.
The PRP (P-Shot): A Word Of Caution
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, often called the “P-shot,” involves injecting nutrient-rich plasma into the penis to encourage healing and growth.
The Reality: While PRP shows promise in other areas like orthopedics and hair restoration, the data for ED remains unconvincing. Dr. Pazona advises caution and recommends this only in rare, specific cases.
What About Supplements?
The reality is that the market is flooded with supplements, making it hard to know who to believe. Dr Pazona’s recommendations include:
Choose medical-grade supplements recommended by a healthcare professional.
Be cautious about products with multiple untested ingredients, which can make it difficult to determine their effectiveness or safety.
Key Takeaways
Lifestyle improvements should come first — the four pillars of wellness are critical.
Inquire with a board-certified urologist about shockwave therapy or testosterone optimization as options for safe and efficient treatment.
Don’t spend money on supplements or therapies that have not been proven to work.
Part three is coming up next where the two will introduce the scope of medications for ED.
Learn more about ED from Pazona MD.
Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is only for educational and informative purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding any medical disease.
