Treatment Options

Helping Yourself

Although effective medications to treat erectile dysfunction are available, preventing erectile dysfunction is especially important if you are at risk. This can be accomplished by modifying your risk factors. The following are ways to decrease your risk:

• Stop smoking to decrease your risk for developing narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
• Exercise moderately and regularly.
• Control your weight.
• If you have high blood pressure, take your blood pressure medications as directed. Even though some blood pressure medication can cause erectile dysfunction it is important to continue taking it to control blood pressure. Uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, or permanent organ damage. If an individual experiences erectile dysfunction while taking a medication an adjustment of the medication may alleviate the erectile problem.
• Avoid excessive use of alcohol.
• Avoid the use of illegal drugs.
• Reduce stress and anxiety.

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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.