Can apple cider vinegar help ED?

Key Points

• No evidence shows that drinking apple cider vinegar can help with erectile dysfunction. But as long as your medical provider gives you the okay, it’s safe for most people to try.
• Lifestyle changes can help improve ED. Stress, other health conditions, mental health problems and hormonal changes can all play a role.
• Prescription treatments can also help—and you can get ED meds online with Dr. B.

More than 30 million people in the US deal with erectile dysfunction (ED). It happens when someone can’t get an erection or maintain an erection long enough for sex. And while incredibly common, it can be pretty hard to deal with. (Pun intended.)

While many reach for natural remedies, there’s little evidence that herbs, supplements or vitamins for sexual enhancement work. Even worse, many can be dangerous!

The truth behind using apple cider vinegar as a treatment is a bit trickier. So, do studies show that it actually works? And is it safe to try?

Read on to learn about how apple cider vinegar supports overall health—and whether or not it can relieve ED symptoms. Plus, how to get a prescription ED treatment online through a discreet $15 online consultation with Dr. B.

What is apple cider vinegar?

You probably have a bottle of apple cider vinegar in your kitchen cupboard. This tangy mixture is made from apples and yeast. Over time, the yeast turns the sugars in apples into alcohol through a process called fermentation. The fermentation process yields a compound called acetic acid, which supposedly has some health benefits.

Some apple cider vinegars are unfiltered. They contain a substance called a mother—a thick, gelatinous mass that causes a cloudy appearance amongst the liquid. Mothers contain helpful bacteria, so they’re technically a probiotic—a collection of microorganisms that can encourage digestive health. But there’s no proof that a mother can treat any particular health condition.

Bottom line?

At the most basic level, apple cider vinegar has the same vitamins and nutrients as plain apple juice. The mother potentially adds helpful probiotics. So it’s possible that the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar could have some benefits. But we need a lot more research to confirm that as truth.

This means that apple cider vinegar is unlikely to help treat ED. ED is a complex condition. Finding the right treatment depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms or your partner’s symptoms.

How to use apple cider vinegar

The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar works as a preservative, helping foods stay fresher longer. It also prevents bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella from growing. So if you like vinegar on your salad dressing, you might get an added boost of protection from bacterial growth.

Interested in using apple cider vinegar as part of your overall health routine? The easiest way to work this into your diet is through foods like pickles or salad dressings. You can also mix a little with water and drink it.

Because ACV is still being studied, there’s no official dosage recommendation. But in most studies of ACV and health, participants consume one or two tablespoons per day. Just check with your doctor to be sure that amount is safe for you.

If you have other health conditions, like diabetes, talk to a provider or registered dietician first. Some studies show that this compound might impact things like insulin resistance in unexpected ways.

Does apple cider vinegar work for ED?

Unfortunately, there’s no proof that apple cider vinegar helps treat erectile dysfunction.

But some limited evidence suggests it could help with other conditions that can make ED worse. These include diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and weight management.

Limited studies show that apple cider vinegar can help with glucose control. As ED is more common in people with diabetes, managing glucose levels might help improve ED symptoms. Other research shows that apple cider vinegar could help with heart health and cholesterol levels. However, most of these studies are small or they only reviewed animal studies. So we need more research to confirm any positive association.

Finally, some evidence shows that drinking apple cider vinegar alongside a meal could help suppress appetite. That could lead to short-term weight loss. But the effect isn’t large enough to cause any meaningful weight loss in the long term.

We don’t suggest using apple cider vinegar as a treatment for any condition—especially without provider approval. Still, it can be a tasty addition to salads and sandwich toppings. If this ingredient helps you eat healthier, there’s nothing wrong with including it in your diet.

How to use apple cider vinegar for erectile dysfunction

Again, there’s no proof that apple cider vinegar will help people with erectile dysfunction. But it may have health benefits for other conditions that contribute to ED. Many people also like the taste when used in cooking.

This natural remedy is safe for most people. But it’s always a good idea to talk to your medical provider first. Even natural remedies can be dangerous in some cases. (Remember, arsenic, tobacco and cyanide are also natural and not good for you!)

Don’t go overboard—more isn’t necessarily better. Stick to the recommended intake of 1 to 2 tablespoons per day. And be sure to talk to your provider if you have other health conditions.

Here are a few ways to use apple cider vinegar in your diet:

• Add to meat marinades
• Incorporate into salad dressings
• Use to make pickles or other fermented foods
• Drink directly mixed with a glass of water

Are there any risks of trying apple cider vinegar for ED?

Apple cider vinegar is safe for most people. When consumed as part of a healthy diet, it’s unlikely to cause any problems. The flavor can be quite strong, so some people might prefer to consume vinegar as part of marinades, dressings or pickles.

However, it might be a good idea to skip vinegar if you have kidney disease since the acid could be hard on your kidneys.

Since apple cider vinegar can potentially impact glucose levels, talk to your provider before increasing your consumption. And you should never use it to replace other medications or treatments.

Apple cider vinegar contains about 5% acetic acid, which can cause stomach upset or erode tooth enamel. It could also potentially make acid reflux worse. If you plan to use it regularly, diluting it in salad dressings or with water can help reduce this risk.

Natural remedies for ED—what actually works?

Despite the buzz around natural remedies for ED, there’s little evidence that these actually work.

Safety is also a major concern.

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate vitamins and supplements—so there’s no way to know for sure what’s in them. Some products contain dangerously high doses of certain ingredients. Others contain medications or combinations of ingredients not listed on the packaging.

If you take other medications, it’s vital to check with your provider before trying any natural remedies. Some of these products can interfere with prescription drugs, leading to serious health issues.

The most effective home remedies for ED are actually the most straightforward.

Natural ways to improve sexual health include:

• Regular exercise
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a nutritious diet with fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• Stress management
• Getting enough sleep
• Drinking less alcohol

Proven erectile dysfunction treatments

There’s a lot more to intimacy than sex. But if you’re facing sexual dysfunction in the bedroom, proven treatments for ED can help. And luckily, treatment works for about 95% of people.

The cause of ED can be different for different people. And erection problems could be a sign of something more serious. So to develop the right treatment plan for you (or your partner), you first need to know what’s causing symptoms.

Talk to a medical provider before starting any treatment plan. They’ll help diagnose the root cause and guide you toward a safe, effective solution.

Some common prescription medications include Tadalafil (Cialis), Sildenafil (Viagra), Avanafil (Stendra) and Vardenafil. These work by increasing blood flow to the penis. Each one works a little differently, so it’s important to follow your provider’s specific instructions.

Ready to explore prescription treatment? Start a $15 online consultation with Dr. B today.

The process is convenient and completely private—no video meeting required. We’ll connect you with a licensed provider to review your symptoms and medical history. If appropriate, they’ll send an ED prescription to your chosen pharmacy. We’ll even help you find the lowest cost at online and local pharmacies near you.

Sources

Benesik, A. (2023). Apple cider vinegar. WebMD.

The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control. (2022). Diabetes and men.

Gerbild, H., et. al. (2018). Physical activity to improve erectile function: a systematic review of intervention studies. Sexual Medicine.

Hadi, A., et. al. (2021). The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies.

Hassen, G., et al. (2022). Clinical implications of herbal supplements in conventional medical practice: a us perspective. Cureus.

Jafarirad, S., et. al. (2023). The improvement effect of apple cider vinegar as a functional food on anthropometric indices, blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare.

Khezri, S., et. al. (2018). Beneficial effects of Apple Cider Vinegar on weight management, Visceral Adiposity Index and lipid profile in overweight or obese subjects receiving restricted calorie diet: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Functional Food.

Launholt, T. L. et. al. (2020). Safety and side effects of apple vinegar intake and its effect on metabolic parameters and body weight: a systematic review. European Journal of Nutrition.

McDonald, W. (2018). Debunking the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. University of Chicago School of Medicine.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2023). Dietary supplements marketed for weight loss, bodybuilding, and sexual enhancement: what the science says.

Nunes, K. P., et al. (2012). New insights into hypertension-associated erectile dysfunction. Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension.

Operation Supplement Safety. (2020). Apple cider vinegar in dietary supplements.

Yagnik, D., et al. (2018). Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression. Scientific Reports.