(5 mins) Transcript. In Dr Greger's own words, "ED (Erectile Dysfunction) and CVD (Cardiovascular Diease) are two manifestations of the same disease: inflamed, clogged and crippled arteries!" — an important point to understand!

Today, ED is considered a 'marker' for impending heart disease. So in response to sexual problems, if we show up at a urologist's office and get an ED diagnosis, there's a good chance that a heart disease diagnosis is only a few years away!

Okay… what is the rate of ED in USA? Surprisingly high! USA has 30 million out of 100 million worldwide cases of ED. So 30% of ED cases are found in USA even though US population is only 8% of world's population. Additional eye popping stats: 40% over 40, 50% over 50, 60% over 60 and 70% over 70 in USA have ED!

(1 min) Transcript. This video explains that arterial clogging is not limited to our heart alone. Many other parts of our body are affected. For example, clogging in pelvic arteries may lead to sexual dysfunction in both men and women.

(7 mins) Transcript. Dr Greger's summary: "Addyi (flibanserin), the drug marketed for 'hypoactive sexual desire disorder,' is ineffective and unsafe. What about dietary approaches for female sexual dysfunction?"

The first part of this video explains HSSD (hypoactive sexual desire disorder) in premenopausal women, and the challenges in HSSD diagnosis. For HSSD, a drug called Addyi got FDA approval in 2015. Dr Greger summarizes its history… that it was rejected twice by FDA because it simply doesn't work (!) but that it did get approval in response to public pressure… what kind of pressure? See the video! Also, Addyi has serious side effects and a "black label" FDA warning — this drug should not be taken with alcohol, for example!. An interesting article: Addyi Explained: Medical Breakthrough or Marketing Marvel? (2019) — has details of various studies and side effects of Addyi.

In the latter half of the video, Dr Greger explores: are there natural means to improve sexual desire and sexual function? Dr Greger draws an analogy between male sexual dysfunction (primarily ED) and female sexual dysfunction by saying, "the anatomy and physiology of sexual responses are actually quite similar between the two." He then remarks that improved blood flow should help both conditions.

How to improve blood flow in all our blood vessels throughout our body? Would all those lifestyle ideas (WFPB, exercise, restorative sleep, …) known to help with ED, heart disease, hypertension, … be applicable to female sexual dysfunction as well?

(2 mins) Transcript. Dr Greger's summary: "Canned foods and sliced turkey were found to be contaminated with the plastics chemical BPA, which has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction."

(3 mins) Transcript. Dr Greger's summary: "A case report in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly Journal of the American Dietetic Association) of a man who went on the Atkins diet, lost his ability to have an erection — and nearly lost his life."

(3 mins) Transcript. Dr Greger's summary: "Erectile dysfunction may be an early warning sign for heart disease."

An interesting video that explains a plausible evolutionary preference for those with 'rosy glow' on our faces because such glow indicates good arterial health.

(5 mins) Transcript. Dr Greger's summary: "What is the role of erectile dysfunction drugs like Cialis and Levitra in the promotion and progression of prostate cancer and melanoma?"

(5 mins) Transcript. Dr Greger's summary: "The spice saffron may not only work as well as SSRI antidepressant drugs like Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft without the side effects, but it may even be able to treat the adverse sexual side effects that occur in up to 70 percent of people taking the drugs."

(2 mins) Transcript. Dr Greger's summary: "Canned foods and sliced turkey were found to be contaminated with the plastics chemical BPA, which has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction."

(3 mins) Transcript. Dr Greger's summary: "Since both coronary heart disease and impotence can be reversed with a healthy diet, sexual dysfunction can be used as a motivator to change poor lifestyle habits."

A fast-paced, informative video.

Dr Aaron Spitz makes 5 points:

(1) Eat plant-based foods. They generate nitric oxide in our bodies, which is essential for erections. Interestingly, the same molecule (nitric oxide) is emphasized by Dr Esselstyn in his talks for robust heart health.

(2) Kegel Exercises (related to Moola Bandha in Pranayama).

(3) Porn addiction rewires our brains and leads to dysfunctional sex life.

(4) Stay away from harmful habits like smoking, alcohol, narcotics, marijuana, anti-depressents, etc. All of these have been scientifically shown to impair sexual health. Get off medicines like BP medicines.

(5) Sleep well!