L-Arginine 101 Guide: What Is It And Can It Treat Erectile Dysfunction?

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Both psychological and physical factors might contribute to erectile dysfunction. Both elements can contribute to erectile dysfunction in the majority of cases.

Health conditions like cardiovascular illnesses, diabetes, excessive cholesterol, or high blood pressure are examples of physical reasons for erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction might have psychological causes, including stress, worry, melancholy, and feeling too anxious to perform.

What is L-Arginine?

L-arginine is an amino acid that is naturally produced in the body. It is also found in certain foods, such as red meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products. L-arginine is known to play a crucial role in the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps relax blood vessels and increase blood flow. This is why L-arginine is often used as a supplement to improve blood flow to the heart, reduce high blood pressure, and enhance exercise performance.

The Health Benefits Of L-Arginine

1. Improves Cardiovascular Health:

L-arginine helps improve blood flow and circulation, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

2. Boosts Immune System:‍

L-arginine also plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system by helping the body produce white blood cells.

3. Promotes Muscle Growth:

L-arginine is also beneficial for muscle growth and recovery. It helps stimulate the production of growth hormone, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.

Can L-Arginine Treat Erectile Dysfunction?

ED occurs when there is not enough blood flow to the penis, making it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection. L-arginine has been suggested as a potential treatment for ED because it increases the production of nitric oxide, which in turn relaxes the blood vessels in the penis and allows more blood to flow into the erectile tissues. This increased blood flow can lead to improved erectile function.

How Effective Is L-Arginine At Treating Erectile Dysfunction?

While some studies have suggested that L-arginine may be effective in treating ED, the evidence is not conclusive. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2019 concluded that L-arginine supplementation may improve erectile function in men with ED, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Another study published in the British Journal of Urology International in 2010 found that L-arginine in combination with pycnogenol, a plant extract, improved erectile function in men with mild to moderate ED. However, this study was small and of short duration, so further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Read More: 10 Natural Foods & Supplements with Similar Effects to Viagra

Potential Side Effects Of L-Arginine

L-arginine is generally considered safe when taken in appropriate doses. However, it may cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. It may also interact with certain medications, such as blood pressure drugs, and may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions, such as herpes or low blood pressure.

Other ED Treatments Available In Singapore

Here are some of the most common ED treatments available in Singapore:

1. Prescription Oral Medication

Oral medications like Viagra, Cialis, or Tadalafil are frequently used as a first line of treatment for ED since they are an effective ED treatment for many men. These drugs are classified as PDE5 inhibitors, or phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors.They aid in limiting the activity of the enzyme PDE5, which breaks down cGMP, a substance that relaxes the body's muscle tissues. These ED drugs are able to relax the blood vessel walls' muscles by blocking PDE5. In the end, this results in better blood flow in your penis.

Contrary to popular belief, ED medication like Viagra, Cialis or Tadalafil won't magically increase your sex drive or cause you to get random erection after you take it. They will still need you to be aroused in order for you to get hard. Thankfully for most healthy men, taking ED medication will help make getting an erection a much easier task.

It is possible that these ED medication can cause mild side effects like:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Chest Pains
• Flushing
• Indigestion
• Nasal Congestion

Unfortunately, you will not be able to purchase any oral ED medication over-counter-counter. You will need to see a doctor for a prescription.

2. Penile Injections

Penile injections involve the direct injection of medications into the base or side of the penis. This method allows for the targeted delivery of medications that help to relax the blood vessels and increase blood flow to the penis, enabling a firm and lasting erection.

These penile injections can quickly produce an erection, which can then last up to an hour.

It is possible that penile injections can cause side effects like prolonged erection, mild bleeding, and in rare cases, the formation of fibrous tissues at and around the injection site.

3. Penile Implants

Penile implants are surgically placed devices designed to help men with erectile dysfunction achieve and sustain an erection. This intervention offers a long-term solution for those who have not found success with other treatments like oral medications (e.g., Viagra) or injections (e.g., alprostadil). This ED treatment involves surgically inserting a small tube on both sides of your penis. These tubes can then be pumped with air to help erect your penis.

4. Suppositories

Suppositories are a type of medication that is inserted into the rectum or urethra, delivering the active ingredient directly to the affected area. For erectile dysfunction, suppositories contain medications that help improve blood flow to the penis, promoting the ability to achieve and sustain an erection.

Alprostadil urethral suppository involves inserting a small alprostadil suppository into the tip of your penis. The medication gets absorbed by the urethral wall, which then produces an erection that can last up to an hour.

Alprostadil urethral suppository can cause side effects like pain, burning sensation in the penis, and minor bleeding.

5. Vacuum Restriction Devices (Penis Pump)

Vacuum restriction devices (also known as a penis pump) can be prescribed to treat ED. A hollow tube is placed over the penis and then connected to a pump (either operated by hand or battery).

The pumping will draw blood towards the penis due to the pressure created by the vacuum. When a tension rubber ring is placed around the base of the penis, the penis pump can produce an erection that lasts up to 30 minutes.

6. Talk Therapy

While ED medication like Sildenafil Citrate or Tadalafil works to address the physiological causes of ED, they will not be able to treat your depression, anxiety or stress.

Some methods to help psychological issues, including psychological causes of ED, include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is facilitated by a therapist. If not, some relaxation methods that you can try at home include breathing exercises, meditation and guided imagery, which may help to relieve some symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression.

If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, it is advisable that you consult a doctor. Here at Noah, doctors on our platform are best equipped with the knowledge to help you ascertain the root cause of your erectile dysfunction. They will be able to advise you on the best treatment suited for you, and can also prescribe you the right medication should you need it.