Mailbag! End Embarrassing Bedroom Problems FAST
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted June 21, 2022
I had surgery on my prostate for BPH several years ago, and it’s affected my love life. I’ve heard about nitric oxide levels causing this problem—is this true?
–Robert from Dallas, TX
Robert,
The answer to your question is a little difficult to answer.
Sadly, your symptoms are NOT unique: many men find they have problems with erections following prostate surgery.
An erection is controlled by many factors, including nerves, blood flow, hormones, and muscles. The most common problem with prostate surgery is the cutting of nerves or the disruption of blood to your lower pelvis.
You’re right about nitric oxide, however: it does play an important role.
During arousal, nitric oxide is released in the bloodstream and causes the blood vessels to dilate and allow blood to flow to the penis. I would say it’s worth a try to see if you can increase nitric oxide production.
Beets are the food with the ability to increase nitric oxide the most. The amino acid arginine will do the same.
One note of caution – increasing beets, arginine, and other nitric oxide-increasing supplements has the potential to decrease your blood pressure. This may sound like a good thing, but if you’re on medications to lower your blood pressure, adding in these supplements can cause problems.
As with everything I suggest, you should always work with your doctor whenever you want to make a change to your diet, exercise, or supplement plan.
There are a few more things to consider as well:
- Testosterone. You can boost testosterone by making sure you have enough vitamin D, zinc, and fiber. One of the best herbs to increase libido is Eurycoma longifolia, an herb native to Indonesia that’s been used for hundreds of years and is very effective.
- Stress, sleep, and mood. Believe it or not, tackling your mood and sleeping habits can help you with bedroom issues. You can improve all of these by exercising and taking herbal help when you need it. Calming herbs include chamomile, passionflower, and hops. Melatonin is also great sleep aid.
- Load up on good fats. Your body needs fat to produce hormones. The most important fat for hormone creation is cholesterol (yes, your body needs cholesterol!). But also make sure you’re getting enough essential fatty acids – I generally recommend between one to three grams of a good fish oil.
- Phytonutrients. Plants contain beneficial nutrients called phytonutrients. Some of these – including polyphenols, catechins, and nitrates – help your overall health, but they’ll also help your sexual health as well. Many phytonutrients assist with healthy blood flow, which is needed for erections. I prefer using a powdered superfood blend to make sure I’m getting enough of these vital nutrients every day.
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? Click here to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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