Home remedies for erectile dysfunction might not be as effective as they claim, an expert has cautioned.
This health issue has been a topic of countless plays, poems, and dramas throughout history.
Historically, from medieval times when wives could sue their husbands for divorce unless they could prove their potency in public, to 17th-century plays featuring city gentlemen feigning impotence to be left alone with others’ wives, the subject has been explored extensively.
Given the prominence of male health concerns and anxieties in literature and history, erectile dysfunction has inspired a plethora of supposed remedies aimed at ensuring everything works as expected.
From consuming oysters and chocolate to using spells, some remedies are quite peculiar. It appears even in today’s supposedly enlightened 21st century, people still resort to homemade solutions despite experts’ warnings.
So, what are these ‘natural remedies’ that have gained attention online recently?
The first one is apple cider vinegar, often touted as a cure-all if all the health benefit claims about it were true.
Another remedy involves mixing baking soda with water.
Be cautious not to combine vinegar and baking soda, as this could lead to a ‘volcanic eruption’ unrelated to your private parts.
Dr. Zoë Lees, a medical writer for MedExpress, emphasized that there’s no evidence supporting the effectiveness of these remedies.
“There is no evidence indicating any benefit on sexual health,” she stated.
“Therefore, while consuming small amounts of diluted apple cider vinegar is generally considered safe, it is not a medical treatment for erectile dysfunction.”
She also noted that several lifestyle factors might contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Alcohol and smoking are two major factors, often referred to as ‘whisky d*ck’ and ‘brewer’s droop’ for a reason!
“Alcohol is a depressant that slows communication between the brain and the penis, which can impair the mechanisms necessary for an erection,” Dr. Lees explained.
Smoking is another significant factor, but fortunately, quitting can help improve the situation.
Dr. Lees commented: “Ultimately, erectile dysfunction is a very common condition that affects many men, especially as they age.
“It is treatable with a wide range of evidence-based options available including lifestyle changes and prescription medication.”