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Sexual weakness is a harbinger of heart problems
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a sexual disorder that is expressed in the inability of a man to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.
Erectile dysfunction is a common condition, the number of people suffering from which increases with age. There are about 150 million men in the world with such a diagnosis. There are assumptions that in the next 25 years this figure may double.
Scientists have established a clear link between sexual dysfunction and risk factors for cardiac activity. Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases often go hand in hand, making ED a point of contact for doctors of various specialties.
If a patient has complaints of sexual dysfunction, then there is a high probability that this is a consequence of cardiovascular diseases.
Although the main cause of dysfunction is old age, experts identify various cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome.
The study's leader, Ajay Nehra, professor of urology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, worked to study the issue in collaboration with a group of 20 experts.
According to the study, men under 55 with erectile dysfunction are at risk for cardiovascular diseases. But the greatest danger is faced by young men after thirty years.
Experts say that in patients diagnosed with erectile dysfunction, cardiovascular diseases can be detected within two to five years. Considering erectile dysfunction as an early sign of cardiovascular pathologies provides an opportunity for prevention and timely medical care. "Men with this sexual disorder need to undergo an examination that will determine the causes of the disease. The disease can be a consequence of psychogenic or organic dysfunctions. If psychogenic causes are detected, the patient is referred to a sexologist or psychotherapist. The main goal in treating erectile dysfunction is to determine the etiology of the disease and its treatment, and not to eliminate the symptoms of the disease," the professor emphasizes.
Observations of 500 patients showed that men with erectile dysfunction should be examined for testosterone deficiency and metabolic syndrome. Scientists believe that these factors can also be causes of impotence. Testosterone is a natural regulator of male activity in the sexual sphere. It is this hormone that stimulates erection, libido and ejaculation processes, and its low level leads to loss of sexual desire, the ability to achieve orgasm and normal erection.
To prevent cardiovascular diseases and, as a consequence, erectile dysfunction, doctors advise leading a healthy lifestyle and undergoing regular medical examinations.
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