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Erectile dysfunction treatment: Can herbal remedies help?
By Mayo Clinic staff
- With Mayo Clinic endocrinologist
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Dr. Todd Nippoldt is a board-certified specialist in internal medicine and endocrinology and metabolism. He has special expertise in the area of hormone disorders affecting the pituitary and adrenal glands as well as the testes and ovaries. He has been a member of the Mayo Clinic staff since 1988.
Dr. Nippoldt is a consultant in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition and works with patients who have disorders of the hormone-producing glands. Common disorders include diabetes, thyroid problems, osteoporosis and elevated cholesterol levels.
He also is involved in andrology, the study of male hormonal disorders, male infertility and sexual dysfunction and is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
Dr. Nippoldt, a St. Paul, Minn., native, has also contributed to "Mayo Clinic Health Letter," a Mayo Clinic CD-ROM and the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book." He is a fellow in the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Andrology, The Endocrine Society, The Pituitary Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
"I have found that those patients who have gone to the Internet and obtained accurate medical information come to their appointment with me very well informed, and the discussions regarding the evaluation and management of their condition are very productive and satisfying," he says.
"The key, however, is obtaining accurate medical information. As a medical editor for MayoClinic.com, I hope to be able to ensure that accurate, relevant and up-to-date information is available for patients and their families."
Definition (1)
- Delayed ejaculation: What causes it?
Alternative medicine (2)
- Erectile dysfunction treatment: Can herbal remedies help?
- 'Herbal Viagra': Is it safe?
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Question
Erectile dysfunction treatment: Can herbal remedies help?
Are there any herbal remedies for erectile dysfunction?
Answer
from Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
In a few small trials, some herbal supplements — such as DHEA, ginseng and propionyl-L-carnitine — seemed to offer modest benefit for erectile dysfunction treatment in some men. This limited research is considered preliminary, however. The results are intriguing, but the effectiveness or safety of herbal supplements in the treatment of erectile dysfunction hasn't yet been established.
In addition, the popular herbal supplement yohimbe — which is marketed as a sexual stimulant — can be dangerous if used in excessive amounts. Adverse side effects may include high blood pressure and heart failure.
Occasional erectile dysfunction is normal. But if erectile dysfunction persists or becomes a recurring problem, consult your doctor for an evaluation. He or she can help you understand erectile dysfunction treatment options — such as lifestyle changes, medications or devices to help sustain an erection — as well as weigh the risks and benefits of specific herbal treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Next question'Herbal Viagra': Is it safe?
- Erectile dysfunction. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Aug. 26, 2008.
- DHEA. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Aug. 26, 2008.
- Yohimbe. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Aug. 26, 2008.
- Erectile dysfunction. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/impotence. Accessed Aug. 26, 2008.
