Erectile dysfunction, a condition commonly known as impotence, is becoming more prevalent. According to one study, ED will probably soar from 152 million men in 1995 to 322 million men in 2025 — an increase of 111% worldwide.

“Much of this increase is associated with our aging population,” Dr. Pedro Maria, assistant professor of urology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and an expert in the treatment of men’s health conditions, tells Newsmax.

“Statistically, in the U.S., about 52% of men 40-70 years of age suffer from this condition.”

Maria says that risk factors include hypertension, diabetes disorders, high cholesterol and triglycerides, anemia, coronary disease and depression.

“Since the brain plays a key role in triggering the series of physical events that cause an erection, stress, anxiety and even relationship problems can cause or worsen ED.”

Besides addressing these issues and lifestyle factors such as smoking, excess alcohol and drug abuse, there are a number of natural treatments that may help, according to Healthline.

1. Panax ginseng. Often called the herbal Viagra, red ginseng has been studied extensively in the treatment of ED. Experts say the compounds called ginsenosides in this herb are responsible for improving erections. Ginseng has an anti-inflammatory action, according to the National Institutes of Health, while it also improves lung function and blood flow.
2. Rhodiola rosea. Dr. Philip R. Muskin, M.D., professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University says that this perennial plant that grows in the arctic regions of the world, boosts sexual desire in both men and women. “Rhodiola appears to have a beneficial effect in enhancing sexual function,” he says. “It improves satisfaction, pleasure, erections and response to orgasms.”
3. Ginkgo biloba. According to WebMD, this leaf extract best known for improving mental acuity, is also used to treat male impotence. Studies show that it works like Viagra, bringing more nitric oxide into the bloodstream to relax arterial walls and allowing more blood flow into the penis.
4. DHEA. Several studies have concluded that men with ED may be low in DHEA, a natural hormone produced in the adrenal glands. When researchers added DHEA as a supplement during one study, the men were able to better achieve and maintain erections.
5. L-arginine. This important amino acid helps make nitric acid in the body which in turn relaxes blood vessels to improve blood flow to all organs, including the penis. In one study 31% of men taking L-arginine experienced significant improvement in sexual function.
6. Acupuncture. Many are turning to this ancient Eastern method of healing that uses strategically placed fine needles to improve the energy flow through the body, and those suffering from ED are no exception. A National Institutes of Health study showed that more than two-thirds of patients suffering from ED showed improved performance after treatment with acupuncture. Make sure to always use a licensed acupuncture specialist to ensure safety.