What do gums and erection have in common?
Last reviewed: 20.11.2021
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Men who regularly brush their teeth, thereby reducing the risk of gum disease - are less likely to suffer from a violation of erectile dysfunction. According to studies of Turkish scientists, men who have inflammation of the gums are three times more likely to have problems with erection.
The results of the research of specialists are published in the journal "Journal of Sexual Medicine".
A team of scientists from the University of Inenyu, led by the lead author of the study, Dr. Faith Oguz, conducted a study in which 162 men aged 30 to 40 years were involved. 82 participants of the study made up a control group and were absolutely healthy, while the remaining 80 had problems with erection.
As it turned out after the analysis, 53% of men with erectile dysfunction had problems with gums - a periodontitis. For comparison, in the control group of men with gum disease there are only 23%.
The health of the gums was evaluated by experts from the point of view of bleeding during examination, the level of clinical gingival attachment and the index of dental plaque. And the sexual capabilities of volunteers in accordance with the International Index of Erectile Function.
Scientists took into account all the factors that could, in varying degrees, cause diseases: age, weight, level of education and prosperity. It was found out that in men with paradontitis in severe form, the risk of developing erectile dysfunction was higher by 3.29 times.
Dr. Oguz says that problems with erection, or so-called erectile dysfunction, is a very common problem that prevents approximately 150 million men around the world from living normally. Two-thirds of cases of violations are a consequence of vascular problems, that is, the physical factor plays a role here. And one third is another reason for the development of problems with erection - psychological.
Previous studies have established a link between chronic periodontitis and vascular disease. Now, experts have found another link - paradontitis and male sexual weakness.
Experts advise doctors to take these data into account when treating patients with erectile dysfunction.