Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help Improve Erectile Dysfunction?

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

To begin with, let’s take a look at what erectile dysfunction (ED) is.

Am I Experiencing ED?

Erectile dysfunction is a sexual dysfunction in which one is unable to achieve or maintain an erection long or firm enough for sexual intercourse. So if you are persistently having trouble getting hard, or if your erection is going away too quickly, you are likely experiencing ED.

However, do note that it is perfectly normal to experience such symptoms occasionally. You should only be concerned if these symptoms appear the majority of time you have sex, or if it is negatively impacting your emotional health or your relationship with your partner.

ED Is Nothing To Be Ashamed Of

If you are currently experiencing ED, it may make you feel better to know that you are not alone. Across the globe, ED is the most prevalent sexual dysfunction, and is experienced by a third of all males. In Singapore, ED affects 51.3% of men over 30 years old.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

While ED is a condition with varied causes, ED can stem from either physical or psychological causes, though it is more often a result of both.

Physical causes are more common, and involve medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of ED is also known to increase with age, partially due to the increasing risk of health conditions which may in turn affect one’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection.

On the other hand, psychological causes include low self-esteem, anxiety, stress and depression. While psychological causes are less common, research finds that 1 in 5 cases of ED are the result of psychological factors.

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

So, what is apple cider vinegar (ACV), and how is it related to ED?

ACV is a condiment made by fermenting apples, and is often used in salad dressings, pickles, marinades and other recipes.

People have long used ACV as a home remedy for multiple health conditions such as psoriasis, heart disease and diabetes, and some even claim that ACV may help treat ED.

Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help Improve Erectile Dysfunction?

So, can ACV really help improve ED? At present, there are no studies that have investigated the direct link between ACV and ED.

However, multiple studies have shown that consuming ACV may improve or prevent certain health conditions which are linked to ED, such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity. This could in turn potentially help improve ED.

ACV Helps Prevent Heart Disease

Research suggests that ACV helps to lower cholesterol levels and blood lipid levels, thus improving your heart health and lowering your risk of heart disease. As cardiovascular diseases are a common physical cause of ED, consuming ACV may in turn help improve ED by treating its underlying cause.

ACV Helps Treat Type 2 Diabetes

ACV also aids in blood glucose control, and research has shown that it decreases blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. And since type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for ED, taking ACV to manage type 2 diabetes could in turn lower your risk of developing ED.

ACV Helps Treat Obesity

Another health benefit of ACV is weight management, with a 2009 study showing that ACV  can help lower the body mass index of overweight individuals. As obesity is known to cause ED, taking ACV could in turn help improve your ED if this is the cause.

The Takeaway

ACV may help treat or prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. This could in turn help improve your ED.

However, it must be noted that ACV is not a cure for any of these health conditions, and should not be a substitute for medical treatment.

Is It Safe To Consume Apple Cider Vinegar?

While ACV is generally safe to consume, it is best to keep the following in mind:

Do not consume ACV if you are allergic to either apples or cider.

As ACV contains acetic acid, consuming straight shots of it could cause tooth enamel erosion, stomach discomfort or acid reflux. Though unlikely, excessive consumption of ACV could also damage the mouth, throat and esophagus.

If you are on any diuretic or insulin medications, regular consumption of ACV could also reduce the effectiveness of your medications, so be sure to consult your doctor about taking ACV.

Finally, it is important to remember that ACV is not a medical treatment for ED or any of its associated health conditions, and should not be used as a replacement for professional medical attention.

How To Take Apple Cider Vinegar

As mentioned above, it is best to avoid drinking undiluted ACV on a regular basis as its acidity can cause damage to your teeth and digestive system. Instead, consider using ACV in your salad dressings, marinades, ferments or other recipes.

Other Treatment Options For Erectile Dysfunction

While a small body of evidence suggests that ACV may help to treat ED, further research is needed to determine whether ACV has the ability to treat ED. Hence, if you’re currently experiencing ED, you should choose a treatment that is scientifically-backed. There are multiple such options.

ED is commonly treated with prescription medications. The most commonly prescribed medication for ED is Viagra, an oral medication pill. The main ingredient in Viagra is Sildenafil, which helps to dilate your blood vessels and increase the flow of blood to the penile tissues. This in turn will help you achieve and maintain an erection.

Here at Noah, doctors on our platform can ascertain the root cause of your ED as well as determine the ED medication, dosage and method of intake best suited for you. If prescribed, your medication will be delivered right to your door within 4 hours, at no additional cost.