Do We Really Need the Pill? Rethinking Men’s Health and Erectile Function

In today's world, more and more men are turning to medications like Viagra to address erectile dysfunction (ED). But we must ask ourselves an important question: Do we truly need it?

If we look back 60 years ago, it was practically unheard of for men to rely on a pill to maintain sexual performance. In fact, many men well into their 70s and 80s were still fathering children without any pharmaceutical help. So what’s changed? Why do so many men today feel the need to turn to medication to do what once came naturally?

Let’s have an honest conversation about it.

The Root Causes: It's Deeper Than You Think

Erectile dysfunction is a serious issue that affects millions of men today. But rather than just treating the symptom, we should be addressing the root causes. Most cases of ED are linked to:

• Poor blood circulation (often due to diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease)

• Hormonal imbalance, especially low testosterone

• Obesity

• Smoking and excessive alcohol use

• Medication side effects

• Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression

These are not just random health issues—they are deeply connected to our modern lifestyles. Fast food, sedentary habits, toxic stress, and processed diets are all robbing men of their vitality.

What Changed Since Our Grandfathers' Time?

Men 60 years ago were far more physically active. They walked more, worked with their hands, and weren’t consuming preservatives, pesticides, and hormone-altering chemicals found in today's food. Many of today’s processed products are filled with estrogen-mimicking compounds like soy derivatives and endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can lower testosterone.

Our ancestors also ate whole, fresh foods—vegetables from the garden, meat without additives, and water without plastics or microtoxins. These daily choices created stronger bodies, healthier blood flow, and more natural hormone balance.

The Truth About Viagra and Its Risks

Viagra may offer a short-term solution, but it comes with potential side effects. Viagra works by opening up blood vessels to allow more blood to flow to the penis—but this vasodilation can also cause a drop in blood pressure, which can be dangerous, especially for men with:

• Cardiovascular disease

• Heart conditions

• Those taking medications high in nitrates

• Or men consuming nitrate-heavy processed meats

In some cases, these interactions can lead to chest pain, dizziness, or even heart attacks. This isn’t to scare anyone—but we must understand the real risks, especially if we’re only masking the deeper issues. What Can We Do Instead?

The good news is that your body is capable of healing. Here’s how:

Exercise Regularly

Regular physical activity boosts testosterone, reduces stress, improves blood flow, and strengthens your heart. It also helps burn visceral fat, which is tied to hormonal imbalance and lower libido.

Eat Foods That Heal

Focus on foods that naturally improve circulation and support testosterone:

• Watermelon (contains citrulline for blood flow)

• Beets and leafy greens like spinach, arugula, Swiss chard (rich in nitrates that improve circulation)

• Oats and seeds (contain L-arginine)

• Pomegranate juice (improves nitric oxide availability)

• Fatty fish like salmon and sardines (omega-3s for heart health)

• Garlic, onions, and chili peppers (support vessel health and blood flow)

Get Support From Loved Ones

Men should be encouraged and supported—by wives, sisters, mothers, and community members—to take care of themselves. Preparing healthy meals, getting outside together, and creating a space for rest and renewal are acts of love that make a difference.

We must stop viewing manhood as dependent on a pill. If our grandfathers could remain vital and strong well into their senior years—without pharmaceuticals—we owe it to ourselves to examine what’s changed.

Let’s put our faith not in chemicals but in lifestyle, self-respect, and discipline. Let’s move more, eat better, rest deeper, and fight to reclaim our strength. We are protectors, providers, and lovers. It’s time to live like it.

Medical References:

1. Sildenafil: the first oral treatment for erectile dysfunctionBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacologyhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1873671

2. Erectile Dysfunction and Cardiovascular DiseaseJournal of the American College of Cardiologyhttps://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2005.07.067

3. Cardiovascular effects of sildenafil during exerciseNew England Journal of Medicinehttps://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejm199812103392402

4. Erectile Dysfunction in the ElderlyMayo Clinic Proceedingshttps://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(11)61008-7/fulltext

5. Erectile Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Meta-AnalysisJournal of Sexual Medicinehttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18462285/

6. Sildenafil (Viagra) – Drug Info and Side EffectsMedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine)https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699015.html