The Science of Erectile Dysfunction and Unexpected Ways to Treat It

Mark Hyman

1 mar 2024

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A decrease in libido or difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection during sex are tell-tale signs of erectile dysfunction, and they can be uncomfortable to address. Sure, aging and performance anxiety are part of the story, but believe it or not, erectile dysfunction is not just about sexual health. It’s often the first clue of bigger health issues.

In this episode of my Health Bites series, I explore the root causes of erectile dysfunction, delving into the limitations of conventional medicine, the little blue pill, and how we can utilize the power of Functional Medicine by making changes to our diet, lifestyle, and even trying things like supplements, peptides, and hormone therapy.

This episode is brought to you by Mitopure and Rupa Health.

Support essential mitochondrial health and save 10% on Mitopure. Visit TimelineNutrition.com/Drhyman and use code DRHYMAN10.

Streamline your lab orders with Rupa Health. Access more than 3,000 specialty lab tests and register for a FREE live demo at RupaHealth.com.

In this episode, I discuss (audio version / Apple Subscriber version):

The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (4:34 / 2:04)
The root cause of low testosterone (9:38 / 7:08)
The conventional medicine approach to treating erectile dysfunction (11:51 / 9:21)
How do Viagra and ED drugs work? (16:34 / 14:04)
The Functional Medicine approach to treating erectile dysfunction: diagnostic testing (18:58 / 16:28)
Root causes of sexual dysfunction (29:42 / 27:12)
Diet, lifestyle, and supplements to improve sexual dysfunction (42:22 / 39:52)

Episode description

View the Show Notes For This Episode

Get Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hyman

Get Ad-free Episodes & Dr. Hyman+ Audio Exclusives

This episode is brought to you by Mitopure and Rupa Health.

Support essential mitochondrial health and save 10% on Mitopure. Visit TimelineNutrition.com/Drhyman and use code DRHYMAN10.

Streamline your lab orders with Rupa Health. Access more than 3,000 specialty lab tests and register for a FREE live demo at RupaHealth.com.

In this episode, I discuss (audio version / Apple Subscriber version):

The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (4:34 / 2:04)
The root cause of low testosterone (9:38 / 7:08)
The conventional medicine approach to treating erectile dysfunction (11:51 / 9:21)
How do Viagra and ED drugs work? (16:34 / 14:04)
The Functional Medicine approach to treating erectile dysfunction: diagnostic testing (18:58 / 16:28)
Root causes of sexual dysfunction (29:42 / 27:12)
Diet, lifestyle, and supplements to improve sexual dysfunction (42:22 / 39:52)

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Recognize erectile dysfunction as a warning sign for heart disease

Erectile dysfunction is often the first sign of endothelial damage and can be a canary in the coal mine for more life-threatening conditions like heart disease.

#erection

#heart

Rethink standard lab ranges for optimal health

Standard lab reference ranges are based on the average of a generally unhealthy population, meaning a 'normal' result is not necessarily an 'optimal' one for longevity.

#longevity

#testing

Incorporate quality saturated fat to boost testosterone levels

Contrary to popular belief, eating quality saturated fat from sources like grass-fed butter, ghee, and regeneratively raised meats can help increase testosterone levels.

#saturated-fat

#testosterone

Utilize hyperbaric oxygen therapy for erectile dysfunction improvement

A study in Turkey found that daily hyperbaric oxygen therapy was as effective as the drug Sialis (Tadalafil) for improving erectile dysfunction, showing a 50% improvement.

#erection

#hyperbaric

Boost testosterone levels with Himalayan Shalajit

A randomized trial found that Shalajit, a black-brown exudate from Himalayan rocks, significantly improved DHEA and testosterone levels in men aged 45-55.

#supplement

#testosterone

Beware finasteride: potential link to erectile dysfunction

The common male baldness drug Finasteride (Propecia) can cause erectile dysfunction because it inhibits an enzyme that produces a potent form of testosterone.

#erection

#hair-loss

Upgrade cholesterol testing to lipoprotein fractionation for better health insights

The standard cholesterol panel is outdated, and less than 1% of people get the proper 21st-century test, a lipoprotein fractionation, which better indicates insulin resistance and risk.