Make good lifestyle choices

When it comes to your health, a few changes can make a big difference. Try these tips to improve your overall health and your ED:

• Stop smoking. Smoking and other tobacco use narrows your blood vessels. So, less blood can reach your penis. Also, smoking lowers your body's levels of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide signals your body to let blood flow to your penis. Less nitric oxide means less blood flow. Less blood flow can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.

  If you've tried to quit on your own but can't, don't give up. Ask for help. There are lots of ways to help you quit, including taking medication.

• Think about what you eat. There's no one-size-fits-all diet plan for a person with diabetes. But a provider can offer the right blend of carbs, protein and fat for your health. And they can tell you which kinds of foods are the best match for you.
• Lose excess pounds. Being overweight can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.
• Get moving. Exercise helps other conditions that can cause erectile dysfunction. It boosts blood flow while helping lower stress and weight. Start where you are. A provider can help create a plan that works with your abilities.
• Stop drinking or cut back. Alcohol can impact erectile dysfunction. If you choose to drink alcohol, balance is key. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for men older than age 65. Or, up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger.