Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects millions of Australian men but the majority of them still never seek treatment. Are you struggling to get or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity? You are not alone! But you have options that do not always require a prescription. Here, DirectMeds will provide you with everything you need to know about the natural treatment for erectile dysfunction in men, from lifestyle changes and dietary strategies to proven pelvic exercises and stress management.
Around 1 in every 5 Australian men over the age of 40 years experience erectile dysfunction. However, only 14.1% of them have ever received any treatment. Are you looking for the best natural treatment for erectile dysfunction or simply want to complement your existing care? This guide explores the most evidence backed natural erectile dysfunction treatment options.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
The consistent inability to achieve or sustain an erection enough for satisfactory sexual performance is called erectile dysfunction (ED). It is not a disease in itself, but it is a sign that something is in your vascular, hormonal, neurological, or psychological systems that requires attention. Erectile dysfunction is classified based on how severe it is:
Severity Level | Description | IIEF 5 Score Range |
Mild | Occasional difficulty achieving erection | 17 to 21 |
Mild Moderate | Erections often unreliable | 12 to 16 |
Moderate | Frequent inability to get or keep erection | 8 to 11 |
Severe | Rarely able to achieve erection | 5 to 7 |
Common Causes of Erectile Dysfunction in Men
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is typically divided into two categories both of which contain common causes.
Physical (Organic) Causes
- Cardiovascular disease or poor circulation affects the blood supply to the penis
- Type 2 diabetes damages nerves and blood vessels
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Low testosterone (hypogonadism)
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Conditions of the prostate or other surgical changes
- Chronic kidney or liver disease.
Psychological Causes
- Stress, including work, finance or relationship pressures
- Anxiety, including anxiety around performance
- Depression or low mood
- Difficulties in relationship and communication
- Previous trauma or negative sexual experiences.
Natural Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Options: What the Evidence Says
Those who suffer from erectile dysfunction often prefer natural treatments rather than the use of prescription drugs to cure their condition. Fortunately, there are natural methods of treating erectile dysfunction based on research and studies, many of which provide a significant amount of improvement in men with ED due to blood vessel issues (vascular, metabolic or lifestyle).
1. Regular Aerobic Exercise
Exercise is arguably the most effective way to treat erectile dysfunction by using a natural method. By exercising regularly, you will enhance how well your heart functions, produce more nitric oxide in your body, decrease the amount of fat you have in your body and raise your levels of testosterone, which are all essential in order to be able to achieve an erection.
One study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that exercising for 30 minutes, three times a week, can be as effective as prescribing PDE5 inhibiting medications (sildenafil) for the treatment of ED in men who have mild to moderate symptoms of ED.
Aerobic Types of Exercise For ED
- Walking or jogging at a pace (30 to 45 min, 3 to 5 times/week)
- Riding a bike (lower intensity is best & avoid too much weight on the perineum)
- Aquatic aerobics (swimming and aqua)
- Rowing using machines (or elliptical workouts).
2. Pelvic Floor (Kegel) Exercises
The Bulbocavernosus and Ischiocavernosus muscles of the pelvic floor are responsible for trapping blood in the penis when undergoing an erection. Weakness of the pelvic floor muscles (the common but not well known contributing factor).
- Find the muscles by temporarily stopping urination or the tightness of the muscles used when passing gas
- Contract the muscle for 3 seconds and relax for 3 seconds
- Complete 3 sets of 10/day; over a period of time, increase contraction time to a max of 10 sec
- You may try doing this in various positions: lying, sitting or standing
3. Mediterranean Diet and Nutrition
Thus, food intake greatly influences blood flow and blood flow is a factor of healthy erections. Foods high in antioxidants, healthy fats, and vegetables high in nitrates will all contribute to both the function of your endothelial cells and the synthesis of Nitric Oxide, both essential for erection capability.
Foods That Support Erections | Foods That Harm Erectile Function |
Dark leafy greens (spinach, rocket & kale) | Ultra processed and fast foods |
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines & mackerel) | High sugar foods and refined carbohydrates |
Nuts and seeds (walnuts and flaxseed) | Excessive red and processed meats |
Berries and citrus fruits | Trans fats and fried foods |
Olive oil, avocado (healthy fats) | Excessive alcohol |
Legumes, whole grains, oats | High sodium processed snacks |
Dark chocolate (flavonoids support blood flow) | Sugary soft drinks and energy drinks |
4. Weight Management and Reducing Abdominal Fat
Excess body fat, especially abdominal fat, can make erectile dysfunction more likely because they raise estrogen levels, lowers testosterone levels, increases systemic inflammation and restricts blood flow to the penis.
For overweight or obese individuals (a weight loss of 5 to 10 percent of total body weight), modest weight loss has been shown to improve sexual function. When weight loss is accomplished by reducing caloric intake and/or performing aerobic exercise, effects are maximized.
5. Quit Smoking
Smoking significantly impairs blood flow which is associated with erectile function via multiple mechanisms. Cigarettes contain harmful chemicals that cause arterial vasoconstriction, decrease nitric oxide levels and accelerate damage to endothelial cells (causing a decrease in blood flow).
In Australia, there are several resources available to support people who wish to quit smoking, including Quitline (13 7848), nicotine replacement medications and prescription medications available through telehealth visits.
6. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is a depressant and can reduce sexual inhibitions when small amounts are consumed. However, regular or heavy alcohol consumption reduces testosterone production, decreases the ability for nerves to transmit signals and can contribute to acute or chronic erectile dysfunction.
7. Prioritise Quality Sleep
Deep sleep and REM sleep provide the majority of the testosterone produced by the male sex. When you do not get enough quality sleep, your testosterone level decreases immediately and the neuroendocrine system responsible for erections is disrupted.
Here are some tips for improving sleep quality:
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends
- Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet
- Avoid screens (phone & television) for at least 1 hour before bed
- Avoid caffeine after 2 PM
- If you snore or wake up feeling tired, you should talk to your GP about the possibility of obstructive sleep apnea
8. Manage Stress and Address Psychological Factors
Approximately 40% of erectile dysfunction cases in men under 40 are due to psychological causes. Furthermore, chronic stress leads to increased levels of cortisol and adrenaline which suppress testosterone and cause constriction of blood vessels, which affects the ability of an individual to achieve an erection.
Here are some evidence based approaches to the management of stress and natural treatment of erectile dysfunction:
- Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
- Psychological counseling or sex therapy
- Couples therapy
- Meditation for 10 to 20 minutes each day has been shown to decrease cortisol levels
- Yoga that includes movement, breathwork and mindfulness techniques
Natural Supplements: What Has Evidence Behind It?
Numerous clinical trials have been conducted on the effects of various types of natural supplements on erectile function. Although none should take the place of professional medical care, some have been shown in trial after trial to be effective for some patients.
Supplement | Proposed Mechanism | Evidence Level | Considerations |
Panax Ginseng | Increases nitric oxide synthesis & improves penile smooth muscle relaxation | Moderate, multiple RCTs with positive IIEF outcomes | Generally well tolerated & may interact with blood thinners |
L Arginine | Precursor to nitric oxide; improves endothelial vasodilation | Moderate, effective especially combined with Pycnogenol | Higher doses may cause GI side effects & check with GP |
Pycnogenol | Antioxidant: enhances nitric oxide production | Moderate, Prelox (L arginine + Pycnogenol) shows consistent RCT benefits | Well tolerated, can be costly |
Tribulus Terrestris | May support testosterone levels and libido | Low Moderate, some positive IIEF data; results inconsistent | Not suitable for men with hormone-sensitive conditions |
Zinc | Essential mineral for testosterone synthesis | Low which is beneficial mainly in zinc deficient men | Excess zinc can impair copper absorption and avoid over supplementation |
DHEA | Precursor to testosterone and oestrogen | Low: limited evidence & primarily for men with documented deficiency | Requires medical supervision & may cause hormonal imbalances |
Natural Erectile Dysfunction Treatment vs. Medical Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
For many men, natural approaches work best as part of a broader treatment plan that may also include medically prescribed options.
Factor | Natural / Lifestyle Treatment | Medical Treatment (e.g., Sildenafil/Tadalafil) |
Speed of Results | Weeks to months | 30 to 60 minutes (acute) |
Addresses Root Cause | Yes, targets vascular, hormonal and metabolic causes | No: symptom management only |
Cardiovascular Benefits | Yes, significant overall health improvements | Minimal (some vasodilatory effects) |
Side Effects | Minimal when approached safely | Headache, flushing, vision changes & drug interactions |
Prescription Required | No | Yes (in Australia) |
Long Term Efficacy | High, especially with sustained behaviour change | Effective while used & effect ceases when stopped |
Best For | Mild to moderate ED, men with modifiable risk factors | Moderate to severe ED or when lifestyle changes are insufficient |
When Should You See a Doctor?
While there are many new ways of treating erectile dysfunction and while many men can benefit from these alternatives. There are some cases in which one must see a healthcare professional immediately:
- Men with newly developing ED or some degree of new-onset ED
- Individuals with ED and one of the following: chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, or irregular heartbeat
- Men with ED and a significantly decreased libido
- Men under age 40 years with ED who have made lifestyle changes over an 8 to 12 week period and do not see improvement
- Individuals with ED related to having had prostate cancer surgery or prostate cancer radiation/pelvic trauma
- Men who are experiencing psychological distress or depression related to their ED
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can erectile dysfunction be cured naturally?
There are cases when there is a natural cure for erectile dysfunction (ED). If your ED is attributed to lifestyle changes such as smoking, poor sleep, being overweight, stress or lack of physical activity, that can often be treated through developing a healthier lifestyle. However, medical conditions such as nerve damage or hormonal problems will need medical treatment.
Q2. How long does natural erectile dysfunction treatment take to work?
When making lifestyle changes, you can typically expect to see results within 8 - 12 weeks. For example, if you incorporate exercise into your regular routine, you can expect to see results in about 6 - 8 weeks. However, it can take a month or two for you to notice the effects of changing your diet. If you find that your ED is continuing, you should consult your physician.
Q3. What is the best natural treatment for erectile dysfunction in men?
Several natural remedies are effective in treating ED in men. Among them are regular exercise, following a Mediterranean diet and doing pelvic floor exercises. Additionally, quitting smoking, stress management and getting enough sleep may help improve ED symptoms.
Q4. Can stress cause erectile dysfunction and can it be reversed naturally?
Yes, stress, as well as anxiety and depression can contribute to ED, particularly in younger men. Counseling, mindfulness techniques, exercise and stress management can all help to reduce or relieve symptoms associated with ED.
Q5. Are natural erectile dysfunction treatment options safe alongside medication?
In general, making lifestyle changes will not cause any harm while taking medication to treat ED. However, some herbal supplements may react with medications for ED. Therefore, if you are currently taking ED medications and want to consider herbal remedies, you should consult your doctor.
Q6. Does testosterone replacement therapy count as a natural treatment for ED?
No. TRT is a medical treatment that a doctor prescribes to men diagnosed with low testosterone levels through blood testing.
Q7. How does DirectMeds help men with erectile dysfunction in Australia?
DirectMeds helps patients with ED obtain an appropriate online ED assessment and treatment plan, as well as full service through the use of AHPRA-registered physicians via telehealth, who assess the patient, write the prescription, and ship to the patient in discreet packaging Australia-wide through their relationship with their pharmacies.