We’ve got your back: Five things to know about your spine
JUN 27, 2022Five interesting facts from St. Joseph Health that you should know about your spine.
Read More Additional information about 5 things to know about your spine | St. Joseph Health
Many people still see erectile dysfunction (ED) as just a sexual issue. However, the condition can be a warning sign for more serious health issues. ED affects the quality of life of more than half of males over the age of 60. And researchers have found that erectile dysfunction can warn of a more serious health concern.
An erection occurs when extra blood flow to the penis causes the blood vessels to swell. Anything that hinders the blood flow makes an erection challenging to get or maintain. Atherosclerosis is a common condition in which your arteries become hardened or clogged, affecting smaller blood vessels like those in your penis. As a result of this condition, ED can be a warning sign of heart disease. A four-year study found that men with erectile dysfunction experienced twice the number of cardiovascular-related events than men without ED.
There are common risk factors between heart disease and erectile dysfunction, including:
While it may be challenging to discuss difficult topics, like erectile dysfunction, with your doctor, this discussion can be crucial to learn if heart disease is responsible for your ED. If you begin to notice difficulty maintaining an erection, schedule an appointment with your urologists, especially if you see this pattern for about six months.
There are two main treatment options for erectile dysfunction and other underlying conditions: prescribed medication and lifestyle changes. Recommended lifestyle changes include a change in diet, increased physical activity to lose excess weight, and less drinking and smoking. Remember, an early diagnosis of any condition is the best treatment option, so don’t hesitate to contact your urologist.
If you are concerned about erectile dysfunction and heart disease symptoms, now's the time to schedule a visit with one of our experienced urologists or reach out to our cardiovascular team. Our physicians are also available for virtual care visits, so you can get quality advice from the comfort of your own home.
Sources:
Healthline | ED and Heart Disease
Five interesting facts from St. Joseph Health that you should know about your spine.
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