ED explained
Can erectile dysfunction be reversed? It depends on the cause
It is one of the first questions men ask: can erectile dysfunction be reversed, or is this how things will be from now on? For many men the honest answer is encouraging, because a large share of ED is driven by things you can change.
In short: Erectile dysfunction can often be improved a lot, and sometimes fully, when the cause is lifestyle, weight, stress, alcohol, smoking, sleep or medicine side effects. ED caused by nerve damage, major surgery or long-standing diabetes is harder to reverse but can still be helped. Results usually take weeks to months.
Causes that often improve
- Being overweight, especially around the belly
- Little or no exercise
- Smoking and heavy drinking
- Stress, anxiety and relationship strain
- Poor sleep or untreated sleep apnoea
- Side effects of some medicines
Men in their 30s and 40s whose ED is linked to these factors often see clear improvement once they change them. Research on overweight men found that a third regained normal erections after two years of weight loss and more exercise.
Causes that are harder to reverse
- Nerve damage after prostate or pelvic surgery
- Long-term diabetes with nerve or vessel damage
- Peyronie’s disease and scarring
- Severe artery disease
Even here, many men improve with support. See our article on erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery.
How long does reversing ED take?
Blood vessels repair slowly. Expect 6 to 12 weeks before small gains and up to six months for bigger ones. Psychological ED can improve faster once pressure comes off.
Steps that give you the strongest chance
Find your cause
A proper consultation looks at health history, medicines, lifestyle and stress. Many men have more than one cause.
Fix circulation
Regular aerobic exercise and a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains and healthy fats support the blood vessels. Our guide on how to increase blood flow to the penis naturally covers the details.
Take pressure off
Performance worry keeps ED going. Our guide to sensate focus exercises helps couples rebuild confidence.
Personalised natural support
A naturopath can build a plan around nutrition, movement, sleep and suitable herbal support. Read about ED treatment without pills.
Why men choose our natural approach
Walk in or consult remotely
Walk in at Buccleuch, Sandton, with parking available, or consult by phone or video from anywhere in South Africa.
Natural and non-surgical
Herbal remedies and practical guidance, with no injections or surgery.
Faster appointments
Enquiries answered 24/7, with same-day appointments often available.
Transparent pricing
Consultations are R2,500, with any remedy costs confirmed before you commit.
Private self-check: 5 quick questions
Answer these honestly before you try anything new or book. They help you describe what is happening and get more from your first consultation.
- How often can you get and keep an erection firm enough for sex: almost always, most of the time, sometimes, or rarely?
- Do you still notice morning or night-time erections?
- Have stress, poor sleep, alcohol, smoking or long hours increased recently?
- Do you take medicine for blood pressure, the heart, diabetes or mood?
- Has your interest in sex dropped noticeably over the past year?
If you answered “sometimes” or “rarely” to the first question, a consultation is a sensible next step. Morning erections that still happen are often a reassuring sign that lifestyle, stress or confidence are playing a part, which natural support can address well. A yes to question four means any remedy needs checking for interactions first.
What happens at your first consultation
- Walk in or book online, call +27 10 205 9855 or WhatsApp +27 81 823 1313. In Gauteng, walk in at 199 Vanessa Street, Buccleuch, Sandton, where parking is available. Outside Gauteng, choose a confidential phone or video consultation. Enquiries are answered 24/7.
- Talk privately with a naturopath about your symptoms, health history, lifestyle and goals.
- Receive a personalised natural plan, with any remedy costs confirmed upfront.
- Follow up in person or remotely so your progress is reviewed and your plan adjusted.
Your health and safety
Our naturopaths use natural remedies and lifestyle support, and always check your health history and current medicines first. If anything needs medical attention we tell you honestly and refer you to an appropriately registered medical professional. Avoid unregistered “enhancement” products sold online or at markets, as SAHPRA has warned that some contain hidden ingredients.
Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, an erection lasting more than four hours, sudden weakness or other sudden symptoms.
Consultation price
A consultation is R2,500, in person or remote, and your naturopath confirms any further costs before you go ahead. See our men’s clinic prices for details.
Frequently asked questions
Can erectile dysfunction go away on its own?
Sometimes, if it was caused by a short stressful period, heavy drinking or tiredness. ED that lasts more than a few weeks usually needs changes to the underlying cause.
Can ED be reversed naturally?
Often yes when it is linked to weight, inactivity, smoking, alcohol, stress or sleep. Steady lifestyle changes and personalised natural support can restore erections for many men.
Is ED from diabetes reversible?
Better blood sugar control, exercise and weight loss can improve it, but long-standing nerve or vessel damage may only partly recover. Keep working with whoever manages your diabetes.
How long does it take to reverse ED?
Most men need at least 6 to 12 weeks of consistent change, and some need six months or longer.
How much does a consultation cost?
A consultation is R2,500, and any remedy costs are confirmed with you before you go ahead.
Book your consultation today
Walk in at our Sandton practice any time, day or night, or book ahead. Outside Gauteng? Book a remote consultation.
References and further reading
- NIDDK: Symptoms and causes of erectile dysfunction
- Mayo Clinic: Erectile dysfunction, diagnosis and treatment
- NIDDK: Treatment for erectile dysfunction
Reviewed by George Mulaudzi, Naturopath. This page is general information and does not replace a personal consultation. If you have chest pain, sudden symptoms or a medical emergency, seek urgent medical care.
