Erectile dysfunction is a serious problem affecting about 50 percent of men between the ages of 40 and 70. It is a common misconception that erectile dysfunction is a natural part of ageing. In fact, erectile dysfunction isn’t considered normal at ANY age. So how can you prevent it from happening to you?

• Don’t smoke

Smoking is obviously one of the worst things you can do to your body. Along with dramatically increasing your risk for several types of cancer, it can restrict your blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the penis. No blood = no erection.

• Watch your alcohol intake

Having a beer or a glass of wine with dinner is perfectly fine, but studies have shown that excessive alcohol intake is a leading cause of erectile dysfunction. It is common after a few too many to experience “brewer’s droop”, but long-term alcoholism can cause depression (another major cause of erectile dysfunction) and nerve damage. Keep your consumption at or under 14 units per week.

• Don’t stress

As we discussed previously, psychological issues like stress and anxiety can affect a man’s ability to perform. If you are feeling overwhelmed, take some steps to clear your mind and relax. Yoga and meditation are excellent calming techniques and require little to no training.

Performance anxiety is also a strong contender in the psychological aspect of erectile dysfunction, particularly with men who have not had any issues with erectile dysfunction in the past. If it happens once, don’t assume it will always happen. Worrying about your ability to achieve or maintain an erection is a sure-fire way to prevent one.

• Stay in shape

Keeping your body fit and healthy is the best way to prevent most health issues. If you are carrying some extra weight, talk to your doctor about a diet and exercise regimen. If you are already in shape, great! Schedule regular chec-kups to be sure your blood pressure and cholesterol levels are where they should be.

• Check your testosterone

Low testosterone can be an underlying cause of erectile dysfunction. If you are experiencing low drive, lack of stamina, or difficulty getting erections, ask your doctor to check your testosterone. Always avoid anabolic steroids, which can cause testicles to shrink and produce less testosterone.

• Be aware of side effects

Certain medications bring with them the sneaky side effect of erectile dysfunction. The most common culprits are beta-blockers, antidepressants, androgen blockers (used to treat prostate cancer), anxiety medications, and sleep aids. If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction while taking medication, talk to your doctor about changing the dosage or switching to a different drug. Never stop taking medication without talking to your doctor first.

Even if you are in tip-top shape and don’t take any medications, erectile dysfunction can still happen occasionally. For those times when things just aren’t “looking up”, your doctor can prescribe sildenafil pills that you take only when needed before that activity. If you are uncomfortable filling your prescription at a traditional pharmacy, remember that you can always get sildenafil online from a reputable, licensed pharmacy. Erectile dysfunction happens, but it doesn’t have to happen to you!