About one-third of men in this world suffer from erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which men are unable to maintain an erection while having sexual intercourse. Although most men face erectile dysfunction once in their life, it’s a matter of worry if it occurs on a regular basis. Not only does it dampens your chances of performing well on the bed, and thus not enjoy sex, but it also causes undue mental stress. Erectile dysfunction problem increases as you age. As per the National Institute of US Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), only 12 percent of those under the age of 60 faces the problem of erectile dysfunction.
Around 22 percent of men between 60 and 69 and 30 percent of men between 70 and older are struggling with arousal and fail to maintain an erection during sex. In this article, we shall discuss how horny goat weed can help cure erectile dysfunction.
Let’s understand in detail!
Can marijuana cause ED?
The studies conducted on marijuana’s effect on erectile dysfunction suggest its regular use can lead to ED. However, a meta-analysis conducted in 2018 concluded that there isn’t enough evidence to establish marijuana’s direct link to your inability to perform in bed. But, it suggested that those mixing marijuana with tobacco may be at a heightened risk of erectile dysfunction. If you are a regular tobacco consumer, blood flow veins will be restricted.
It’s also being seen that those smoking cigarettes may suffer from erectile dysfunction, and if you mix marijuana with tobacco, the risk is even bigger. There are cannabinoid receptors present in our whole body, including the smooth muscle tissue of the penis. THC, which is present in abundance in marijuana, can theoretically impair penile function, thus leading to erectile dysfunction. A smaller level study conducted by NIDA also suggests that marijuana can cause drowsiness and a slower reaction time during sexual activity.
Regular overuse of marijuana with tobacco can also lead to disinterest in sex. The federal government in the US also thinks that marijuana may have an impact on the circulatory system and lead to increased blood pressure and heart complications. Some studies also point towards a reverse complication — over a period of time you may also fail to reach an orgasm. However, the research on this topic is still lacking.
How do you experience ED?
In simple words, you don’t enjoy sex if you are facing the problem of ED. Your partner may also remain disappointed and the inability to enjoy sex in bed can lead to multiple issues in your life. Certain lifestyle issues also cause erectile dysfunction, leading to bad sexual experiences. Scientifically speaking, erectile happens when your penis is aroused and during sex nitric oxide in your body releases a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This chemical smoothens the muscle and puts it in a relaxing mode.
This results in the inflow of blood in tube-shaped cylinders in the penis and causes an erection. If you are facing the issue of erectile dysfunction, an enzyme named protein phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) interferes with nitric oxide and cGMP and as a result, blood can’t move via arteries. This causes erectile dysfunction. This condition can put a lot of pressure on your mind. Many people, rather than going for modern medications available, go for age-old practices being followed. One such remedy against ED is horny goat weed.
What is horny goat weed?
It’s a loose term used to describe a chemical compound named icariin, which is extracted from the Epimedium plant. Apart from horny goat weed, it’s also named as brain tonic of the immortals, yin yang Huo, rowdy lamb herb, randy beef grass, and barrenwort, among other local names. As per the legends, the name horny goat weed originated from ancient times when herders noticed that their goat flock became horny after consuming a certain type of plant. You can get this medicine in the form of a capsule, tablet, and powder. Health experts prescribe
Epimedium to a host of other conditions apart from ED, including hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), brain injury, hay fever, low libido in men and women, menopause, osteoporosis, and fatigue, among others. When you consume Icariin, it hinders the activity of PDE5, which is an enzyme in the walls of blood vessels. This blocks dilation in the arteries of the penis. The activity allows blood to fill the arteries and cylinders in the penis, causing a strong erection. Personal experiences suggest well-regulated use of Icariin can give you an energy boost and delayed erection. You enjoy sex and be happy.
What’s the actual truth behind horny goat weed?
Firstly, research on humans is limited and so is the evidence. So if you are thinking it’s the sure-shot formula against erectile dysfunction, you are mistaken. It may work perfectly fine for you or you won’t. There’s a 50-50 chance and you should take it only after the advice of your health expert. A study that was conducted to understand the effect of icariin shows it blocks PDE5 and allows erection. Another study on rats, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, showed improvement in erectile function. But don’t take these studies at face value as they are based on small-scale data.
More research-based findings are required to fully understand the side effects and benefits of using icariin. About side-effects, if you are a newbie you may experience faster heartbeat, dizziness, and in worst cases bleeding from the nose. You may also experience spasms and breathing issues if you over-consume it. So if you are having horny goat weed, go by the product description or your doctor’s advice.
The conclusion
Erectile dysfunction is one of the most prevalent health complications people face due to certain lifestyle issues. Stress and mental health issues also deteriorate this condition. If you are looking to consume horny goat weed, consult someone who knows about its pros and cons and follow the dosage regimen. Don’t go overboard and if it works for you, consider yourself lucky.
