When a patient does bring up ED, Dr. Walker considers it “a teachable moment”—an opportunity to talk about lifestyle changes, especially for men suffering from cardiac risk factors. “If the patient is very unhealthy and has not exerted himself, sexual activity can be a risky exertion,” he says. “It’s a level of activity and exercise that causes your heart rate to increase. If you haven’t done that recently, taking the medication and being sexually active can put you at risk.”
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: "Ginkgo," "Asian Ginseng."

Among men not receiving antihypertensive medication, penile blood flow velocity progressively decreased with rising blood pressure – i.e. blood flow was fastest in those with normal blood pressure, slower in those with high-normal blood pressure, and slowest in those with hypertension (see Figure). In contrast, among men taking antihypertension therapy, there was no difference in penile blood flow velocity between the three blood pressure categories.
If you still aren't convinced it's time to grab your sneakers and start moving, consider this warning from Eilber. "There is something to that phrase, 'Use it or lose it,'" she said. "Your pelvic organs are like any other body part. If you don't use them, you'll lose function."