‘Miracle’ erectile dysfunction and penile health products have been around in some form or another for millennia. These days there is no shortage of exotic-sounding plants (eg Tongkat Ali, Yohimbe, Horny Goat Weed, Pycnogenol Pine Bark Extract, etc) which promise to fix what ails you.
However the most common non-prescription product for assisting penile health remains the humble vitamin. Tested over several decades, their effects and side effects are well known, they’re convenient to take and can be easily purchased anywhere these days.
Below I have listed a couple of vitamins that are most commonly suggested for assisting penile health. They don’t provide an instant fix (though you may find yourself sprouting random erections during the day when you first start taking vitamin E) but are intended to be taken over a period of time in order to help heal and strengthen, promote circulation and reduce stress and inflammation. As always, this information is not intended to replace a healthy diet nor the advice of your doctor.
Vitamin E – Circulation and Free Radical Scavenger
There are a few different vitamins that improve circulation, but vitamin E seems to be the one most often recommended by medical professionals for erectile dysfunction. This is due vitamin E also being an antioxidant and free-radical scavenger.
The combination is a powerful one, unclogging the blood vessels that carry blood to the penis (and heart) while at the same time improving circulation. While the most benefits are reaped by taking it over a long time, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence of people getting erections throughout the day when they first start taking it.
The recommended dose for erectile dysfunction or general penile health is 500IU daily, but up to 1000IU is safe. Don’t forget that at the end of the day your liver needs to process vitamin E, so don’t overdo it. Also, try to go for the natural form of vitamin E (ie d-alpha-Tocopherol) as it is better absorbed by the body and less of a strain on the liver.
Zinc – Circulation, Sperm Production and Prostate Health
Zinc is also used to improve circulation, and has the added effect of aiding sperm production and prostate health. A deficiency in zinc is often associated with certain types of erectile dysfunction. Zinc also aids increase semen volume, sperm count and testosterone production.
Try to take 15-30mg zinc a day. As with Vitamin E, your expectations should be long term results rather than an instant fix.
Ginkgo – Circulation to Extremities and Brain
Like vitamin E and zinc, ginkgo (ginkgo biloba) has been proven to increase circulation. However the important difference is that ginkgo is particularly helpful with regards to circulation to the extremities, including the brain and penis.
Obviously better blood flow to the penis is good for penile health. But the brain is also one of the most important sexual organs. Keeping it in good working order is vital in order to avoid and combat erectile dysfunction.
B5 and Passionflower – Stress Reduction
Stress and the resulting buildup of cortisol is said to be responsible for approximately 30 percent of all cases of erectile dysfunction, and is the most common non-physical cause among middle-age men. If you think this may apply to you then you may wish to try a vitamin compound that contains B5 and Passionflower, such as Blackmores Executive B Stress Formula. In addition B5 and Passionflower, this product contains other vitamins to replace those which are rapidly depleted when under constant stress.