The risk of erectile dysfunction is related to the number of medications taken
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
The more medications a man takes, the higher his risk of developing erectile dysfunction (impotence), say scientists from Kaiser Permanente in an article published in the British magazine Urology International. And not only does the risk of developing erectile dysfunction increase, but the severity of the manifestation of the symptoms of the disease.
The author of the study, Diane Londogno and her team found that the frequency and severity of impotence in men depends on the number of medications taken. The study involved 37,712 adult males aged 46 to 69 years. They were from a wide variety of ethnic and social groups.
Scientists collected data on the use of drugs from pharmacies reports in the period 2002-2003. They concentrated on adult male patients who took more than 3 drugs at a time.
29% of the men surveyed reported moderate or severe erectile dysfunction. Scientists associated impotence with the number of medications taken, as well as factors such as: elderly age, high body mass index, depression, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Even after taking into account all these risk factors for the development of erectile dysfunction, the connection between taking several drugs and impotence prevailed.
Dr. Londogno explained: "The clinical results of this study suggest that the evaluation of impotence should consist in the analysis of modern drugs that the patient is taking and their possible side effects. If necessary, it is necessary to resort to a decrease in dosage or to replace the existing drug with another one. "
An increase in the number of drugs on the medical market has led to an increase in the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in all age groups:
- Medications used: 0 to 2. Number of participants 16126. The proportion of moderate erectile dysfunction is 15.9%
- Medications used: 3 to 5. Number of participants 10046. Proportion with moderate erectile dysfunction - 19.7%
- Medications used: 6 to 9. Number of participants 6870. Proportion with moderate erectile dysfunction - 25.5%
- Medications used: 10 or more. Number of participants 4670. The proportion of moderate erectile dysfunction is 30.9%
- The following drugs are usually associated with the occurrence of erectile dysfunction:
- Antihypertensive drugs, such as thiazides, beta-blockers and clonidine.
- Psychogenic drugs, such as SRRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), tricyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitors and lithium.
- Any drug that is able to inhibit the synthesis of testosterone.
57% of men in the survey said that they take more than three different drugs. The percentage of men taking more than three drugs depended on age:
- 50 - 59 years - 53%.
- 60 - 70 years old - 66%.
Of these, 73% were obese or had a BMI greater than 35. 25% of men said they took about 10 drugs. Erectile dysfunction is a condition that affects a significant number of adult men around the world. According to previous studies, approximately 35% of men over 60 years of age live with impotence
Among other factors that increase the risk of impotence, scientists called:
- Atherosclerosis.
- Ischemic heart disease.
- Injuries.
- Consequences of surgical operations.
- Alcoholism.
- Some medicines.
- Stress.
- Depression.
- Diseases of the thyroid gland.