Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a problem that affects millions of American men of all ages. For those who prefer to improve their libido naturally, a physician recently made a few suggestions in an online health report published on The Huffington Post.

Family medicine practitioner Jeffry Life, M.D., wrote that the basic problem underpinning all ED is a lack of proper blood flow. This can develop with age or in response to certain medical conditions, such as arteriosclerosis.

Taking a prescription pill is not necessarily the answer. For men in an otherwise healthy condition, Life recommended several simple remedies. The first is Kegel exercises, which can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and lead to improved activity.

Other improvements may be made by exercising the entire body, getting plenty of rest and indulging in a little dark chocolate, which contains antioxidants and flavonoids that benefit the circulatory system.

A study published in the journal Phytochemistry also found that certain naturally derived compounds may one day have the same effect as prescription ED medications, though to date this breakthrough has not yet occurred.