In 1948, gynecologist Dr. Arnold Kegel developed a series of exercises involving what is now commonly referred to as the “pelvic floor” to help women develop physical control over the incontinence that is often associated with childbirth. And eventually urologists began to prescribe these exercises for men who experienced incontinence after prostate surgery.

It turns out that ancient Chinese physicians were suggesting these very same exercises to their male patients several thousand years ago for something a bit different.

Recent studies published in medical literature now suggest that these Kegel exercises are also useful in the treatment erectile dysfunction in men. In some instances, Kegel exercises were found to offer relief from ED equivalent to, or even better than Viagra and Cialis.

Given that Kegel exercises are easy to do, don’t cost anything, have no side effects, and have been shown very effective in several studies, it seems to me that they might be worth a try. There’s nothing to lose by trying, and they just might work.

Here are the four steps of a set of Kegel exercises (you can do it sitting or standing):

1. Tighten your urinary flow muscles as if you wanted to stop urination.
2. Hold those muscles tight as you count to 10.
3. Hold this position while also tightening your anal muscles to another count of 10.
4. Do a set of ten repetitions three times a day.