Aging is one of the leading causes of erectile dysfunction. But as a study suggests, it’s not just age that affects a man’s ability to get an erection but also existing chronic kidney disease.
Three hundred seventy-two patients aged 65-85 years were grouped into two according to their serum magnesium levels: hypomagnesemia (n=180) and normomagnesemia (n=192). Using the International Index of Erectile Function-5, this data showed that erectile dysfunction was more common among hypomagnesemia than normomagnesemic subjects (1).
This explains why there’s a growing popularity of taking magnesium for erectile dysfunction. However, there have been no studies to support the idea that magnesium supplements can indeed help treat the condition.
Magnesium for Erectile Dysfunction: Can It Help?
Magnesium is a natural mineral that helps regulate many of the body’s functions. It is responsible for blood glucose and blood pressure control, muscle and nerve function, and protein synthesis, among other things. The average magnesium in a 70-kg adult with 20% fat is -1000 to 1120 mmol (2). Magnesium can be found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, and some dietary supplements.
While there are no known side effects in overeating magnesium-rich food, taking too many supplements and medications with magnesium can lead to nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
In 2006, a study from BJU International talked about the possible link between low magnesium levels and premature ejaculation (3).
Although the results from this study are still inconclusive, it sparked a lot of discussion among medical and alternative treatment experts as to whether magnesium can help treat erectile dysfunction.
There are still no studies to back this claim, however, but taking magnesium supplements or eating magnesium-rich foods can benefit your overall health, which also eventually contributes to better sexual performance.
Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction
If you have erectile dysfunction, a few simple lifestyle changes could help with your condition. Quit smoking and drug usage, and limit your alcohol intake, as they are all modifiable risk factors for erectile dysfunction (4).
It’s also essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle that involves regular exercise to maintain your weight, lower your cholesterol and release stress and anxiety, and a healthy diet that includes magnesium-rich foods.
If you’ve been experiencing difficulties with erection for repeated instances and it’s already starting to affect your quality of life, make sure to see a doctor to rule out any more significant medical conditions that might be causing your erectile dysfunction. Getting a consultation also helps you know what treatment options you have to help with your condition.
There are four types of oral medications available today to increase blood flow to the penis, thus improving erection: Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis), Vardenafil (Levitra) and Vanafil (Stendra).
These medications should be taken on prescription because they have side effects like headaches, nasal congestion and upset stomach, and some drug interactions.
Testosterone therapy may also be offered to you, especially if your condition is caused by low hormone levels. Of course, there’s the importance of taking medications that help treat medical conditions that are causing your erection problems.
You can also explore alternative treatments like talk therapy, counseling, yoga, and hypnosis, especially if your erectile dysfunction is caused by psychological factors like stress, depression, anxiety, or traumatic experiences. Some men also use penis pumps to pull blood into the penis while others get a penile implant that works for those with blood flow issues.
The Takeaway
Whether or not magnesium for erectile dysfunction really works is still up for debate. But one thing’s for sure, correcting erectile dysfunction is a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and therapies that will not only address the issue of erection but also improve your overall health. Just make sure to talk to a doctor about your symptoms so you can get proper guidance on how you should approach treatment for your erectile dysfunction.
