ED Isn't Inevitable

Bombarded by commercials for Viagra and Cialis, you may start to think that these little pills are an inevitability of aging, but they aren't. While certain underlying conditions and chronic diseases can play a role in erectile dysfunction (ED)—and may be beyond your control—a healthy lifestyle or changes to your habits can still make a difference. Find out what you can do to eliminate the threat of ED, avoid the stigma and prescriptions and keep your love life churning into high gear no matter how old you are.

Tackle obesity

Men with a 42-inch waist are 50 percent more likely to suffer from ED than their 32-inch-waist counterparts, according to Harvard Medical School. A 42-inch waist, which is a hallmark of obesity, leads to ED for several reasons, including damage to blood vessels, lower testosterone production and general inflammation in the entire body.

If you're getting a bit big in the waistband, now is the time to do something about it. Even a 30-minute daily walk and eating smaller portions can significantly lower your chance of becoming obese. In addition to a decreased chance of ED, you're also likely to gain confidence from a slim, trim figure and have more appeal to potential sex partners.

Limit drugs, tobacco and alcohol

If you're a partying type, you might imbibe a few cocktails or have a "drunk smoke." No one's here to judge you. But if you're looking to get intimate that night or regularly, you might want to curb your drug, alcohol and tobacco intake.

Tobacco and drugs can have a detrimental effect on your vascular system, which can impair your ability to "stand at attention." Moderate alcohol use may result in only a singular instance of ED, but prolonged use can damage other organs vital to erections. Alcohol may also have lingering psychological, mental and emotional effects that can crush your sexual desire. So while drinking in moderation may not endanger your hard-on, too much drinking can.

Keep an eye on your vascular health

Vascular health goes hand in hand with fitness, but just because you're physically fit doesn't mean your vascular health is at its peak. High cholesterol, high blood pressure and high blood sugar (nondiabetic hyperglycemia) can all contribute to ED.

While more severe cases may require medications, exercise has been shown to reduce all of these conditions, and thus, keep your sex life going strong.

Eat a healthier diet

ED and a poor diet are inherently linked. Processed foods, red meats and junk food can lead to blockages in arteries and blood vessels that can affect blood flow to the penis. Diets high in saturated fats can lead to heart disease, which consequently can cause ED.

If you're chomping down fast food at an alarming rate or you're regularly ordering the porterhouse instead of the fish, take a step back and see if it might be a cause of your ED. If so, switching to vegetables and other healthy, heart- and vascular-friendly foods might yield positive results.

Many guys, even when they attempt to eat healthy, need some help. It's never too early to add a multivitamin to your daily routine, especially one that promotes cardiovascular and immune health. Created in conjunction with industry leaders and researchers, Giddy Health's Men's Multivitamin supports a healthy antioxidant balance and its microbead technology ensures a timed release throughout the day.

Making love like you're 20 isn't far-fetched

You may not look the same as you did when you were 20, but that doesn't mean you can't impress your partner. By taking care of yourself, you can all but eliminate the risk of ED and the need for pills or injections. So crank up the Marvin Gaye, John Legend or whatever gets you in the mood, and show how you can still get it on.