Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Articles under this tag cover common causes of erectile dysfunction, how it relates to hormones like testosterone, and lifestyle factors such as stress, sleep, fitness, and nutrition. You’ll also find evidence-based strategies and treatment options to improve sexual performance and overall men’s health.

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The essentials for erectile dysfunction (ed) — then explore the latest posts below.

Can kale really help erections? What the science actually says

Can kale really help erections? What the science actually says

Dr. Alexander Grant, MD, PhD avatar
Dr. Alexander Grant, MD, PhD: Urologist & Men's Health Advocate
Nov 24, 2025 · 11 min read

Kale isn’t a proven standalone treatment for erectile dysfunction, but its dietary nitrates and antioxidants can support endothelial nitric-oxide signaling—the pathway that relaxes penile blood vessels to allow engorgement. Because ED is often a vascular problem and affects up to 75% of men at some point, the bigger win is using a heart-healthy, Mediterranean-style eating ...

Does nicotine increase testosterone or quietly wreck it?

Does nicotine increase testosterone or quietly wreck it?

Dr. Alexander Grant, MD, PhD avatar
Dr. Alexander Grant, MD, PhD: Urologist & Men's Health Advocate
Nov 20, 2025 · 9 min read

In observational studies, male cigarette smokers average about 15% higher total testosterone and 13% higher free testosterone than non-smokers, likely because nicotine alters liver hormone metabolism and slows testosterone breakdown. That “smoker’s paradox” can still coincide with erectile dysfunction and infertility as smoking damages blood vessels and testosterone-producing Leydig cells, so higher lab numbers don’t ...

Top 3 erectile dysfunction causes

Top 3 erectile dysfunction causes

Dr. Alexander Grant, MD, PhD avatar
Dr. Alexander Grant, MD, PhD: Urologist & Men's Health Advocate
Nov 01, 2025 · 14 min read

The three most common drivers of erectile dysfunction that persists for weeks to months are reduced penile blood flow from vascular disease, pelvic floor dysfunction that can’t “lock in” pressure by trapping blood, and a stress/anxiety loop that activates the sympathetic “fight-or-flight” response and shuts erections down. Because ED can be an early “check engine” ...

Estrogen in men: Low Estradiol can ruin your TRT therapy

Estrogen in men: Low Estradiol can ruin your TRT therapy

Dr. Susan Carter, MD avatar
Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert
Oct 26, 2025 · 13 min read

Low estradiol can derail TRT even when testosterone looks “normal,” because aromatase converts testosterone into estradiol and symptoms often appear when estradiol falls below about 20 pg/mL. Learn the key signs, the right lab test to order, and how to fix low E2 without crashing your hormones. “Men often think estrogen is the enemy, but ...

Choosing the best testosterone replacement therapy clinic for you

Choosing the best testosterone replacement therapy clinic for you

Dr. Alexander Grant, MD, PhD avatar
Dr. Alexander Grant, MD, PhD: Urologist & Men's Health Advocate
Aug 08, 2025 · 14 min read

The best TRT clinic is one that confirms true hypogonadism with both symptoms and repeat labs (often total testosterone <350 ng/dL or free testosterone <100 pg/mL) and then matches the dose, delivery method, and monitoring plan to your health risks. Here’s how to compare injections, gels, and other options—and spot a clinic that treats the ...

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