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Erectile dysfunction affects nearly half of all men aged 40-70 years old to some degree. And with how preventable and treatable this sexual condition is, it’s far too many.
There are numerous therapeutic options available to treat ED. Erection medications, penile implants, and vacuum erection devices are a few treatments that men can get in a clinical setting.
However, did you know that multiple natural herbs and tonics can also help treat ED?
Yohimbine, ginseng, horny goat weed, and ginkgo Biloba are a few natural herbs that can treat erectile dysfunction. These herbs are also used in a few ED drugs which claim to treat ED.
One potent remedy is horny goat weed, which is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb touted with several health benefits.
Let’s learn more about erectile dysfunction and the effects of this potent botanical on erectile dysfunction.
What is Horny Goat Weed?
Speckled across regions of China, Japan, and Korea, there are claims that the natural supplement horny goat weed helps with erectile dysfunction.
The name horny goat weed came about from an old legend of a goat herder who noticed his flock of goats becoming aroused after eating the plant.
Nowadays, it is being sold as an over-the-counter herbal supplement to treat ED. The active ingredient in this supplement is icariin, an extract of the Epimedium plant. It is available in the form of capsules, powders, and teas.
Horny goat weed is stated to work on low libido, fatigue, pain, and a variety of bone health conditions. It’s also believed that horny goat weed can be therapeutic to people with congestive heart failure and osteoporosis, though more research needs to be done to solidify this claim.
Erections: How Do They Occur?
Let’s start by talking about how erections form. Erections occur when blood flows into the erection chambers in your penis. These erection chambers, known as corpus cavernosum, are made of spongy muscle tissue.
When you are aroused, your nerves release chemicals that increase blood flow to your penis. The spongy tissues trap blood during erections by dilating it. This, in turn, helps keep your penis erect.
However, the penis cannot get erect when blood cannot be trapped or when there is insufficient blood flow into the penis.
This can be due to obstructions, certain drugs, neurological malfunctions, or other medical disorders. This sexual condition is known as erectile dysfunction.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is a sexual condition mainly affecting around a third of men in the older age group. You are said to have ED when you are unable to keep or get an erection.
There are many causes of ED, including:
- Health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
- Injury to the spinal cord, penis, or the pelvis
- Smoking and alcoholism
The cause determines the treatment for ED. However, no matter what the cause, basic therapies like dietary adjustments and other natural remedies can be helpful. If you have erectile dysfunction symptoms, speak to an erectile dysfunction specialist as soon as possible.
How Does Horny Goat Weed Work for ED?
Icariin, a flavonoid found in horny goat weed extract, inhibits the activity of human PDE-5. PDE-5 blocks the dilation of arteries in the penis, hindering blood flow to the penis.
The expansion of blood vessels increases the blood flow, which makes the penis erect. This natural herb works the same as most FDA-Approved ED drugs such as Viagra and Cialis.
One study proved that icariin is effective in inhibiting human PDE-5. That said, it’s still weaker than sildenafil in Viagra.
Moreover, horny goat weed is not without its risks and side effects. To prevent any adverse reactions in your body, consider asking a men’s health doctor for guidance before taking any OTC or prescription medication.
Risks of Taking Horny Goat Weed
Horny goat weed may improve the symptoms of ED, but it’s not completely risk-free. Like other supplements, horny goat weed has side effects, which include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Heart disease
- Irritability
- Spasms
- Breathing problems
Since horny goat weed is not part of a range of prescription drugs, there is no tested dosage information for this treatment plan. Accidentally taking too much of this product may exacerbate these symptoms.
In addition to these medical conditions, there are other risks when horny goat weed is taken with other medications. Medications that don’t react well with horny goat weed include anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and blood pressure tablets.
To avoid any such cases, keep your healthcare provider up to date on your medications. It is essential to remember that horny goat weed is only a herbal supplement, not a complete treatment.
There are other clinical remedies you may consider for treating ED. Contact a physician to know more about possible treatment solutions.
Alternative Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
While horny goat weed does influence your erectile ability, it’s not the most effective solution. There are other treatment options backed by real evidence that can be utilized instead of this natural herb.
These include:
- Shockwave Therapy: Also known as acoustic wave therapy, this non-invasive treatment uses a wand-like device to break down clogged formations in the penis. This treatment is effective and relatively risk-free, making it ideal as a long-term solution for erectile problems.
- Vacuum Erection Devices: Also known as vacuum pumps or penile pumps, these devices use the suction of a vacuum to force blood into the penis, helping men get an erect penis.
- Penile Implants: A penile implant is a surgical procedure that places an inflatable or semi-rigid device into your penis, which helps you control your erections.
- Lifestyle Changes: Exercising, changing diet, losing weight, and refraining from smoking or drinking can also help improve your erections.
Contact St. Louis’ Top Men’s Health Clinic for a Medical Consultation About ED
Natural products may be good for health, but that is only when it is proven to be safe and effective. Horny goat weed is effective, but not as effective or safe as more reliable medication solutions.
If you are considering this herbal supplement, do so with caution and consider consulting medical professionals for guidance and a proper evaluation.
The medical professionals at St. Louis’ Paramount Men’s Medical Center specialize in treating conditions that impact men’s health. Our concierge approach positions your unique case at the centerpoint of our focus. We don’t just give you a pill for ED and send you on your way. We treat the underlying issues that led to conditions such as ED, Low Testosterone, and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
