Is there a link between erectile dysfunction & heart health? We help answer this question
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is when you are either unable to get an erection or unable to keep an erection for long enough to have sex. It’s very common particularly in men over 40 years old. Erectile dysfunction isn’t usually a cause for concern, but you need to speak to your GP if it keeps happening.
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by different things, both physical and psychological. Depending on the cause of your erectile dysfunction, you might still be able to get erections, for example you might be able to get them when you wake up.
In some cases, you might also have a low sex drive or loss of libido.
Anything that affects the nervous system or your blood circulation could lead to erectile dysfunction. Physical causes can include:
• Narrow blood vessels going to the penis – this can be linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
• Surgery
• Injury
• Hormonal imbalances
• Some medicines
• Drinking too much alcohol
Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction include:
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Relationship problems
• Stress or stressful situations
• Tiredness
What is the link between heart health & erectile dysfunction?
Atherosclerosis is when the arteries narrow due to fatty substances depositing in them. This can make it harder for blood to flow through them. When you have an erection, blood is carried to the penis by the arteries. The arteries dilate and this allows more blood to flow into the penis, making it swell. If you have atherosclerosis, you may have a reduction in the blood flow to the penis, which can mean problems in getting or keeping an erection. The arteries in the penis are narrow, so small changes in blood flow due to atherosclerosis can have an impact on your erection.
Atherosclerosis can also increase your risk of a heart attack. This means that erectile dysfunction can be one of the first warning signs.
What are the heart health risk factors for erectile dysfunction?
There are risk factors that can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease – a term that’s given to conditions which affect the blood vessels or the heart. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include:
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
High blood pressure
Men with high blood pressure may have reduced blood flow in the arteries to their penis. This is because high blood pressure can cause damage to the artery walls which makes them harden and narrow. You can check your blood pressure at home or at a participating Boots pharmacy in England via the NHS Blood Pressure Check Service* if you’re eligible.
High cholesterol
Some cholesterol is needed in our blood to stay healthy, but too much cholesterol can lead to problems. If there’s too much cholesterol in your blood, this can settle in the walls of your arteries, including the arteries to your penis. When the arteries become narrower, it becomes harder for blood to flow through.
Diabetes
Those with diabetes are three times more likely to have trouble getting or maintaining an erection. Having high blood glucose levels (high blood sugar) for some time can damage your blood vessels and nerve endings. This includes the blood vessels and nerves that supply blood to the penis. The damage can reduce the amount of blood flowing to the penis, meaning a loss in sensation. This could lead to difficulties getting aroused and difficulties in getting an erection.
Other risk factors
Other risk factors for erectile dysfunction include conditions like:
• Neurogenic conditions – conditions that affect your nervous system like Parkinson’s disease
• Hormonal conditions like an overactive or underactive thyroid
• Anatomical conditions which can affect the tissue of the penis
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Cycling for more than three hours per week
• Drinking excess alcohol
• Tiredness
• Using recreational drugs like cannabis, heroin or cocaine
Taking certain medicines can also be a risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Speak to your GP if you think a medicine you’re taking may be causing erectile problems. It’s important to never stop taking a medicine you’ve been prescribed unless you’re advised to by a healthcare professional.
How can erectile dysfunction be treated?
If your erectile dysfunction is caused by a health condition like cardiovascular disease, lifestyle changes can sometimes help. You can learn more about these changes in the “Can erectile dysfunction linked to heart disease be prevented?” section of this article.
Lifestyle changes won’t only improve your erectile dysfunction, but they can help you reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and other health concerns.
If lifestyle changes aren’t helping with your erectile dysfunction, speak to your GP or visit a sexual health clinic. Your erectile dysfunction could be linked to a health condition that could be treated.
In some cases, your GP might advise a medicine which can help, for example a medicine that increases the flow of blood to your penis. There are a range of over-the-counter products which can help with erectile dysfunction. These include oral medicines with an active ingredient such as tadalafil or sildenafil citrate. Either medicine may be suitable for men over the age of 18 who have difficulty getting and keeping erections hard enough to have sex. Always read the patient information leaflet before using.
Eroxon, is a clinically proven gel treatment which is applied topically and can help you get an erection. It’s suitable for adult men aged 18 years and over who find it difficult to get or keep erections. Please read the product information before using it.
Boots has an Erectile Dysfunction Treatment service**. It’s available via Boots Online Doctor and provides access to advice and treatment (if appropriate). Your GP might also advise a vacuum pump to encourage blood flow to the penis which can help you get an erection. They aren’t always available on the NHS so speak to your GP about where to get one.
Some treatments for erectile dysfunction are aimed at the cause. For example, if your erectile dysfunction is caused by high blood pressure, high cholesterol or hormonal problems, the underlying cause should be treated.
If your erectile dysfunction is linked to emotional or psychological factors, counselling and therapy may help.
Can erectile dysfunction linked to heart disease be prevented?
Lifestyle changes can help you prevent some of the causes of erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.
• Losing weight if you’re overweight. If you need support with your weight loss journey, you might wish to consider the Boots Online Doctor Weight Loss Treatment service**
• Stopping smoking if you smoke
• Getting regular exercise. The NHS recommends that adults aged 19-64 years do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week
• Trying to manage everyday stress
• Avoiding drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week
• Not cycling for a while (if you cycle for more than three hours a week)
You can learn more about preventing cardiovascular disease with Boots.
Erectile dysfunction is nothing to be embarrassed about, Boots has advice and services to support you.
