Erectile Dysfunction is a sign of a deeper problem

by carliaadmin | Apr 9, 2022 | Uncategorized

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to obtain or maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. A significant number of men, approximately 30% at age 50, 50% at age 60 and 70% at age 70 suffer from erectile dysfunction. In most cases (approximately 80%), the cause is due to poor circulation or penile arterial insufficiency. Normally, during an erection, blood vessels dilate to increase circulation. If blood vessels are affected by atherosclerosis or blockages in the arteries, then this blood flow can be significantly reduced resulting in ED.

Erectile dysfunction shares common risk factors with heart disease as both are blood vessel disorders. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, stress, deranged lipid levels, low testosterone levels, low physical activity, smoking and alcohol.^1,2 Damage to arteries from these risk factors occurs over many years, and smaller blood vessels such as that found in the penis are usually affected earlier. Erectile dysfunction is well known to be an early warning sign before the onset of symptomatic heart disease or before any heart disease is diagnosed. It has been demonstrated to occur approximately 3 to 5 years before symptoms of heart disease, heart attack or stroke.²

As erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign for heart disease, there is a window of opportunity to make positive changes to your lifestyle and to see your GP or medical practitioner urgently to discuss your ED. Your GP will conduct a thorough examination and heart check and will also encourage you to change your lifestyle, increase exercise, and to improve your diet. Whilst you work on your lifestyle there are medications that can help you to achieve an erection which can be discussed with your GP.

References

1. Mostafaei, H., Mori, K., Hajebrahimi, S, et al. (2021). Association of erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. BJU International, 128:3-11.
2. Li, Dongjie., Li, Xiucheng., Liao, Zhangcheng, et al. (2020). Do Urologist’s really recognise the association between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease? Sexual Medicine, 8:195-204.