Here’s How Metabolic Syndrome Increases Risks of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) usually doesn’t occur separately; it is often caused by other (comorbid) conditions. Metabolic syndrome is one of quiet but dangerous disorders which increases a risk of ED development.

What Is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of different conditions that include increased arterial pressure, elevated blood glucose levels, abnormal rates of triglycerides or cholesterol in the blood, excess fatty deposits in the waist area, and some others.

This syndrome is increasingly common, up to 30% of adults in the United States might have it or one of its elements. If you are diagnosed with this condition, lifestyle changes are definitely necessary, this is needed to prevent more serious complications and cardiovascular events. You need to have at least thirty minutes of physical activity each day, eat plenty of veggies and fruits, add more lean protein into your diet, get rid of excess fat, and quit smoking.

A Few Words About Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction is inability to achieve or maintain penile erection at a level which is sufficient to have a satisfactory sexual intercourse. It may be also referred to as impotence. It is considered a scourge of modern time, which affects many males in their forties or fifties.

ED therapy depends on the underlying cause. It may include a combination of methods, including medication treatment, lifestyle adjustments, psychotherapy, cassations of some medications’ intake (as several drugs may cause or worsen impotence), etc.

Medications that stimulate blood circulation in the genital area are the most popular tools to combat ED. These include Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, and Stendra. These medications work only when a patient is sexually excited and have a good safety profile.

You might be interested in Ayurvedic Methods for Erectile Dysfunction Treatment.

Correlation Between Metabolic Syndrome and ED

In 2004, Scientists at Celal Bayar University (Asian Journal of Andrology) performed a study with participation of 79 patients suffering from metabolic syndrome, hypertension (elevated arterial pressure) and dyslipidemia, an abnormal amount of lipids in the blood. Their mean age was 56. Surprisingly enough, impotence was diagnosed in about 85% of them, which is a quite high figure. The researchers concluded that metabolic syndrome is a considerable risk factor for ED.

Healthcare experts at Baylor College of Medicine (Translational Andrology and Urology, 2017) reported that deterioration of male potency shares a multitude of risk factors with some systemic conditions, including metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Erectile dysfunction is considered a possible harbinger of heart disease, that’s why it is recommended to consult a doctor if you begin to suffer from ED, especially if you start to experience its symptoms without any obvious reason.

Therefore, metabolic syndrome is a huge risk factor for ED. Its treatment may improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction.