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). The International Index of Erectile Function-5 showed that erectile dysfunction was more common among hypomagnesemia than normomagnesemic subjects (1).
This explains why there’s growing popularity of taking magnesium for erectile dysfunction. However, no studies have supported the idea that magnesium supplements can 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, BJU International’s study discussed 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, but taking magnesium supplements or eating magnesium-rich foods can benefit your overall health, eventually contributing 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 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 weight, lower cholesterol, 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 Avanafil (Stendra).
These medications should be prescribed because they have side effects like headaches, nasal congestion, upset stomach, and some drug interactions.
Testosterone therapy may also be offered to you, mainly if low hormone levels cause your condition. 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, primarily 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. Make sure to talk to a doctor about your symptoms so you can get proper guidance on how to approach treatment for your erectile dysfunction.
