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ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION MAY NOT BE A PENIS PROBLEM

Writer's picture: Dr. JanieDr. Janie

Updated: Dec 27, 2024


woman holding banana in condom

Look, the penis has a tough job. By the age of 60, you have a 60% chance of having some kind of erectile dysfunction (ED), and for some reason, we treat it like it's a rogue agent--doing its own thing and messing everything up. The truth is, your penis is just the messenger. It's like the blinking  "Check Engine" light on your car that you pretend isn't there. And guess what? Ignoring it probably isn't doing you any favors.


Just as your eyes are said to be the window to your soul, your penis is often the messenger of your overall health.  If you’re experiencing ED, it’s not just a bedroom issue – it might be a sign that something else is happening with your health The first step? A visit to your doctor to figure out what’s really going on. The surprising thing is, only about 51% of men with ED actually talk to their doctor about it. That’s like knowing your house is on fire but never calling the fire department.


WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME?


In many cases, ED has less to do with what’s happening below the belt and more to do with what’s happening with your heart. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of ED. Think of it this way: your penis is waving a red flag, signaling, “HELP! Time to see a doctor!”


When you’re sexually aroused, your brain sends chemicals to relax the muscles and increase blood flow to the penis. But when disease, clogged arteries, or high blood pressure enter the picture, the smooth flow of blood to your penis gets disrupted. ED could be your body’s early warning of a more serious condition. In fact, a study found that 15% of men with recurring ED experienced a cardiovascular event, like a heart attack or stroke, within seven years of their first ED symptoms. (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/202047) It’s not just about sex; your penis might be trying to save your life!


ED: AN EARLY WARNING SYSTEM FOR OTHER HEALTH ISSUES


While heart disease is the top culprit, ED can be a flashing warning sign for other health conditions – like diabetes or hypertension. Neurological diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease can interfere with nerve pathways and cause ED. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562253/)


Your penis can also tell the tale of your lifestyle choices. Are you a smoker? That hampers circulation to your penis (and the rest of your body). Even certain medications, like blood pressure drugs, diuretics, or antidepressants can affect your ability to get an erection.

And let’s not forget diet. If your diet is full of red meat and bacon cheeseburgers, they can lead to fatty buildup in your arteries, making it harder for blood to get to the penis. Something as simple as switching to a more plant-based diet can work wonders for your erections. And here’s a fun fact: a recent study found 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week can be just as effective as popping a little blue Viagra pill! (https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdad130) So, if you needed another reason to quit smoking, eat healthy, and hit the gym, there you go. 


DON’T FORGET YOUR BRAIN’S ROLE IN ED


ED isn’t always about physical health – mental health plays a big role too. Stress, anxiety, depression, and unresolved relationship issues can all trigger ED. And once you’re dealing with ED, it can become a vicious cycle. You’re anxious about performing, which makes it harder to perform, which makes you more anxious, and round and round you go. Addressing mental health issues is just as important as physical health in tackling ED.


ED IS YOUR BODY’S HEALTH BAROMETER


ED isn’t just a “penis problem” – it’s a flashing signal that something else could be going on. Most men don’t have to live with ED. What’s the hardest part (pun intended)? It’s taking that first step and having an open, honest conversation with your doctor. Your body (and your sex life) will thank you. 


(Featured Image: Pexels)

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