Erectile dysfunction ( ED) can be a stressful disorder, particularly when traditional therapies do not work. However, the use of apple cider vinegar as an effective treatment choice for ED is backed by no clinical evidence.
But Apple cider vinegar can help a person control aspects of some medical conditions that can lead to ED.
Anecdotal evidence and folk medical practice both indicate that the use of apple cider vinegar can improve ED.
After taking the apple cider vinegar, most males report little to no side effects. This can make it an option for males who wish to improve ED symptoms but have reservations about the adverse effects of ED drugs.
In this post, we’ll discuss the apple cider vinegar research and its potential effects on ED.
Apple cider vinegar for ED
For certain males, ED means being completely unable to get an erection. In others, ED can mean an erection doesn’t last long enough or needs a lot of effort to sustain it.
There have been no research investigating the direct effects of apple cider vinegar on ED. That means a male should not use it as their only ED treatment , particularly when the cause is unknown.
The most common factors which trigger ED include:
- anxiety
- depression
- stress
- relationship issues
- kidney disease
- multiple sclerosis
- type 2 diabetes
- heart disease
- high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- injuries to the penis due to surgery or trauma
- bladder or prostate cancer
- bladder or prostate surgery
- Anecdotal evidence has suggested that apple cider vinegar can relieve the effects of some of the causes of ED.
However with many of these factors, clinical studies into the efficacy of apple cider vinegar has had mixed findings.
What does the research say?
We cover some of the research in the sections below. It is important to remember that certain studies find a gain but were planned small or poorly. Others revealed there was no benefit at all from apple cider vinegar.
Before using apple cider vinegar as a treatment, males with ED should always speak with their doctor.
While apple cider vinegar does not treat ED directly, it may help relieve some of its causes. For example:
Protecting heart health
Apple cider vinegar may help lower blood lipid levels and lower cholesterol levels, which may boost heart health. Theoretically this can decrease the intensity of ED.
A 2014 female mice study found that apple cider vinegar has the ability to suppress blood lipids.
A 2018 male rat study found an association between apple cider vinegar and enhanced cardiovascular health. While the rats consumed a high fat diet, apple cider vinegar decreased the risk of obesity, which is associated with cardiovascular disease.
Also, rats who ate apple cider vinegar were less likely to undergo metabolic changes related to obesity and heart health worsening.
Improving organ health
Oxidative stress can over time cause damage to the kidneys and liver. Mice research has found apple cider vinegar can slow down signs of oxidative stress in the kidneys and liver.
Apple cider vinegar can also increase antioxidant levels which may boost the health of the organ.
While no research has shown that it can prevent development of ED due to damage to the kidney or liver, it does suggest that people with organ conditions may benefit from taking apple cider vinegar.
There is also no indication that apple cider vinegar improves ED symptoms after recent organ surgery.
Treating diabetes
Diabetes can undermine the health and circulation of the heart, potentially making an erection difficult to attain and maintain. Apple cider vinegar may help treat diabetes, some research has found.
A 2015 research on mice with diabetes, for example , found that apple cider vinegar could significantly reduce blood glucose levels. Other studies have revealed that different vinegars can help with diabetes.
However, a 2016 review of earlier research concluded that there is no clear evidence linking apple cider vinegar to an improvement in symptoms of diabetes. We need more research.
The analysis suggests other vinegars may be beneficial, but the author does suggest the benefits outweigh the risks of apple cider vinegar for people with diabetes.
What is apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider is an apple juice which is fermented. Manufacturers make apple ciders from apple cider vinegar. Apple cider usually contains alcohol, so vinegar made from apple cider can also contain alcohol.
Apple cider vinegar has long been used as a treatment by people, and its supporters advocate its use to treat conditions like diabetes, psoriasis and cardiovascular diseases.
In apple cider vinegar, the exact concentrations of both alcohol and apples can vary from one manufacturer to another. The healthiest choice is organic and unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
To obtain classification as such, all vinegars must contain at least 4 grams of acetic acid per 100 millilitres.
Is apple cider vinegar safe?
Apple cider vinegar should not be used in people allergic to apples or ciders.
People with a history of acid reflux or other acid-related issues with the stomach may also want to stop using apple cider vinegar because of its acid content.
To prevent potential acidic burning of the throat, it is safer to prevent the use of apple cider vinegar for people with throat pain, mouth sores or ulcers unless a doctor suggests otherwise.
The use of strong apple cider vinegar has been linked with safety issues.
There are also concerns it can erode the enamel of the tooth.
Using apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a dietary supplement but no particular dose is recommended.
It has a very strong taste which makes it useful in some dishes as a pungent seasoning.
People can purchase apple cider vinegar clear or with the fuzzy protein strands and healthy intestinal bacteria.
A few ways to use apple cider vinegar include:
- adding a small quantity, such as a teaspoon, to a smoothie
- replacing salad dressing or other vinegars
- swallowing a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar as a daily supplement
- mixing a teaspoon with sparkling water for a flavorful drink
Summary
Various therapies can help ED people control their condition. Prescription medicines can help a male get and maintain an erection. It may also help to treat any underlying medical problems.
Males suffering from depression or anxiety can find their ED improving with therapy , medication or both. Similarly, therapy for couples may help couples resolve tension, sexual issues or ED related relationships.
Apple cider vinegar may be an important alternative alongside standard medical treatments that can lead to ED. However, males should not use apple cider vinegar as their first option treatment, if the cause of ED is unknown.
They should also opt for medical advice and examination in order to clarify the underlying cause. When a cause has been identified by the doctor, regular and additional medications, including apple cider vinegar, may help relieve symptoms.
