11 ways to prevent erectile dysfunction 

11 ways to prevent erectile dysfunction Abhijeet Christopher Loreng, Times Now Digital

Maintain healthy bodyweight

High body weight can lead to several health problems, including type 2 diabetes, which can cause nerve damage throughout the body. If the diabetes affects the nerves that supply the penis, it can lead to ED. Credit: iStock

Eat healthy diet

Anything that is bad for a man's heart is also bad for his penis. Research shows that the same eating patterns that can cause heart attacks due to restricted blood flow in the coronary arteries can also impede blood flow to and within the penis. The blood flow is needed for the penis to become erect. Diets that include very few fruits and vegetables along with lots of fatty, fried, and processed foods can contribute to decreased blood circulation throughout the body. Credit: iStock

Curb stres

Psychological stress boosts levels of the hormone adrenaline, which makes blood vessels contract. That can prevent erection. Anything a man can do to ease tension and feel better emotionally is likely to give their sex life a big boost. Credit: iStock

Stop smoking

Smoking cigarettes can harm blood vessels and curb blood flow to the penis. And nicotine makes blood vessels contract, which can hamper blood flow to the penis. Credit: iStock

Keep tab of testosterone levels

Even in healthy men, testosterone levels often begin falling sharply around age 50. Every year after age 40, a man's testosterone level typically falls about 1.3%. Symptoms like a low sex drive, moodiness, lack of stamina, or trouble making decisions suggest a testosterone deficiency, as do lackluster erections. Credit: iStock

Exercise regularly

Sedentary lifestyle is directly related to erectile dysfunction. Running, swimming and other exercises have been shown to help prevent ED. However, one should watch out for any form of exercise that puts excessive pressure on the perineum, which is the area between the scrotum and anus. Both the blood vessels and the nerves that supply the penis can be adversely affected from excessive pressure in this area. Goldstein says bicycle riding, in particular, can cause ED. An occasional short ride is unlikely to cause trouble. But men who spend a lot of time biking should make sure their bike fits them properly, wear padded cycling pants, and stand up frequently while pedaling. "No-nose" bike seats protect against genital numbness and sexual dysfunction, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Credit: iStock

Avoid anabolic steroids

These drugs, which are often abused by athletes and bodybuilders, can shrink the testicles and sap their ability to make testosterone. Credit: iStock

Avoid risky sex

Some cases of erectile dysfunction stem from penile injuries that occur during sex. Taking your time and avoiding certain positions can help. It may be uncomfortable, but consider talking to your doctor about what to do and, more importantly, what not to do. Credit: iStock

Avoid Hig blood pressure and high cholestrol

High cholesterol or high blood pressure can damage blood vessels, including those that bring blood to the penis. Eventually, this may lead to ED. Get your cholesterol levels and blood pressure checke dby your doctor. If your cholesterol or blood pressure is out of whack, get it treated. Drugs for blood pressure can make it hard to get an erection. But doctors say many cases of ED that get blamed on these drugs are actually caused by arterial damage resulting from high blood pressure (also called hypertension). Credit: iStock

Consume alcohol in moderation

Chronic heavy drinking can cause liver damage, nerve damage, and other conditions -- such as interfering with the normal balance of male sex hormone levels -- that can lead to ED. And binge drinking may impact the ability to have an erection. Credit: iStock

Try Kegel exercise

Kegel exercises involve repeatedly contracting and relaxing the muscles in the pelvis. Kegels can be helpful for men and women who have incontinence. These exercises are good to try if you suffer from ED, as certain pelvic muscles help support an erection. Credit: iStock