Yohimbe Alternatives

The yohimbe tree, Pausinystalia yohimba, is an evergreen tree found in Zaire, Cameroon and Gabon that can reach as much as 100 feet in height. The bark of the tree, commonly just called yohimbe, is used as an herbal supplement, originally in Africa and now around much of the world. Yohimbe bark extract is often used as to correct erectile dysfunction, but its effectiveness is unproven: "It is not known whether yohimbe is effective for any health conditions because clinical trials have not been conducted on the bark or its extract," says the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health. Since yohimbe is unproven, users may prefer an alternative treatment. The same condition that yohimbe is commonly used to treat can sometimes be improved with alternative medications or methods.

Prescription Medications

• The Food and Drug Administration has approved three prescription medications for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The Mayo Clinic says that "Viagra, Levitra or Cialis are often the first treatment tried for erectile dysfunction." While each of these three drugs contains slightly different ingredients, they work in essentially the same manner: The drugs increase the nitric oxide in the blood, thereby bringing increased blood flow to the genital area. Prescription medications for erectile dysfunction should only be taken if prescribed by a physician who has fully explained the drug and its potential side effects.

Pelvic Exercises

• Pelvic floor exercises may be helpful in resolving problems with erectile dysfunction. In a study published by the British Journal of Urology, a group of men suffering from erectile dysfunction were treated with prescribed pelvic floor exercises while another control group was treated with other lifestyle changes. After three months, the group using pelvic exercises had "significantly better" erectile function, while the control group did not. After six months, 40 percent of the group using pelvic exercises had regained normal erectile function. If interested in trying pelvic exercises as a yohimbe alternative, consult with a physician before beginning a program.

Medical Check Up

• Erectile dysfunction should always be properly diagnosed, because as Steven Lamm, MD says,"If you have ED, the first thing you need is a diagnosis." A proper diagnosis is an excellent alternative for yohimbe since your doctor may find a medical reason for erectile dysfunction, allowing a more targeted treatment. Mild erectile dysfunction may even respond to simple lifestyle changes such as more sleep and stress reduction.