Expert urges caution after DIY impotence remedies go viral: ‘Baking soda and apple cider vinegar will not cure erectile dysfunction’
It’s estimated that 4.3 million men in Britain suffer with erectile dysfunction—and their reluctance to speak to their GP about the issue is driving them to try potentially dangerous home cures.
Being unable to obtain an erection—also known as impotence—is an increasingly common condition, with half of all men over the age of 40 admitting that they have struggled to perform in the bedroom.
Common triggers range from high blood pressure, diabetes, stress, nerve damage and cancer treatment, to drinking too much alcohol.
And while some men do need to take prescription medication, such as Viagra, experts also encourage making simple lifestyle changes to combat ED, including embarking on a healthy diet, quitting smoking, losing weight and using mindfulness techniques.
However, it seems that some sufferers have been turning to ‘Dr Google’ for advice rather than their GP.
Data released by MedExpress found that Google searches for ‘natural remedies’ to cure erectile dysfunction have surged by 5,000 per cent in the past 30 days.
Some of the top results advise drinking apple cider vinegar—which is often promoted as a way to tackle risk factors linked to erectile dysfunction, including high blood sugar, obesity and heart disease—or a concoction of baking powder and water.
The latter is said (dubiously) to improve the body’s pH levels and boost blood flow to the penis, which in turn will support stronger erections.
It’s estimated that 4.3 million men in Britain suffer with erectile dysfunction
In fact, searches for ‘baking soda for ED’ increased by 441 percent in the past year, and searches for ‘apple cider vinegar for erectile dysfunction’ surged by 252 percent.
But now a health expert has warned of the hidden risks behind these viral remedies.
Dr Zoë Lees, PhD in Metabolic Medicine, and Medical Writer from online pharmacy MedExpress said natural remedies like baking soda and apple cider vinegar have the potential to do more harm than good.
She said: ‘There is no evidence indicating any benefit on sexual health.
‘Therefore, while consuming small amounts of diluted apple cider vinegar is generally considered safe, it is not a medical treatment for erectile dysfunction.
‘[When it comes to ED] it is important to consult a healthcare professional.
‘Doctors are trained to provide the most tailored support and treatment in a respectful and judgment-free environment to support overall well-being.’
The 2024 Safe Sex Report by LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor found that 43 per cent of Brits have felt a stigma around opening up to a medical professional about sexual health concerns including erectile dysfunction, low libido and performance anxiety.
One treatment for ED is Viagra, but lifestyle changes can also help
She said: ‘Ultimately, erectile dysfunction is a very common condition that affects many men, especially as they age. It is treatable with a wide range of evidence-based options available including lifestyle changes and prescription medication.
‘While seeking medical advice can be daunting, turning to natural remedies with no scientific evidence may cause more harm than good.’
Instead, Dr Lees says men should reduce their alcohol intake and change what they eat.
She said: ‘Alcohol is a depressant that slows communication between the brain and the penis, which can impair the mechanisms necessary for an erection.
‘Consuming high amounts of saturated fat, sugar, and processed foods can impair blood flow and contribute to obesity, both major risk factors for heart conditions and erectile dysfunction.’
Furthermore, they should quit cigarettes.
Studies have previously indicated that men who smoke are twice as likely to develop erectile dysfunction as men who do not smoke.
However, stubbing out the habit for good can quickly pay off—findings show that a quarter of men noted an improvement in ED within one year of quitting.
Research shows men who follow Mediterranean-style diet which includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fish maintain better heart health along with lowering their risk of experiencing impotence.
