Are Obesity And Obesity-Related Diseases Potential Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction? – News18

Last Updated:November 21, 2024, 13:42 IST

Common health conditions responsible for Erecticle Dysfunction include obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease

Erectile Dysfunction is a prevalence but less talked health condition that has affected millions of men worldwide. Common health conditions responsible for ED include obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Men have the potential to control these conditions and improve their sexual health and overall well-being. Dr. Tejas Mistry, Consultant Urologist, Andrologist, and Kidney Transplant Surgeon, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat shares obesity-related causes of erectile dysfunction

How Obesity, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Disease Interact with Erectile Function?

1. Obesity• Low Testosterone: Excess fat converts testosterone into estrogen. Low testosterone can frequently decrease libido and make erection more difficult to attain or maintain.• Inflammation: Obesity causes systemic inflammation which reduces testosteroneproduction in testis as well its sensitivity to the target tissues.
2. Diabetes• Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): High blood sugar can damage the nerves that play a key role in sexual arousal and erectile response.• Vascular Complications (Macro and Microangiopathy): Diabetes causes damage to the blood vessels, thereby reducing the blood flow and making it difficult for the penis to fill with blood during arousal.
3. Cardiovascular Disease• Atherosclerosis or Plaque build-up in the arteries limits the blood flow all over the body, including to the penis. In fact, studies have found that erectile dysfunction is a harbinger of cardio-vascular disease and hence people with erectile dysfunction need appropriate heart check-up!• High Blood Pressure or Hypertension damages blood vessel walls, reducing the ability of the blood to reach the erectile tissue.

Prevention Tips for Erectile Dysfunction:

Healthy Lifestyle

• Maintain Healthy Weight: Even a 10% loss in body weight can improve erectile function.

• Regular Aerobic Exercise: At least 30 minutes of brisk walking.

• Healthy Diet: A diet that should be high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and

healthy fats

Maintain Blood Glucose

• Maintain your blood sugar level within the target ranges.

Manage Cardiovascular Risk Factors

• Monitor Blood Pressure: it should be less than 120/80 mmHg.

• Lower Cholesterol: using diet and exercise and medication

• Quit Smoking: as smoking can severely aggravate ED

Psychological Component

• Stress and anxiety can exacerbate ED. Consider exercise, mindfulness and yoga

techniques.

Don’t hesitate to consult a urologist if you’re experiencing ED. Effective treatments are available and you don’t have to face it alone!