Although erectile dysfunction (ED) and heart disease may seem unrelated, medical studies on the subject have shown there is a strong link between the two. In fact, men who have ED are more likely to be diagnosed with heart disease than smokers or those with a family history of coronary heart disease.
In one study, 57% of men who had bypass surgery and 64% of men hospitalized for a heart attack had experienced ED at some point.
What Are the Symptoms of ED?
In general, erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve and sustain an erection, making intercourse impossible. Roughly 1 in 10 adult men suffer from erectile dysfunction on a long-term basis. And while many men make the mistake of thinking ED is just part of getting older, it’s not!
But let’s be careful to avoid the mistake of lumping this condition in with other sexual issues like infertility, low sex drive, or premature ejaculation. Erectile dysfunction is a diagnosis all on its own with specific treatments to address it.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
As with many other conditions, ED can be the result of one or several factors, but blood vessel problems are its leading cause. In fact, some doctors view this dysfunction as a barometer for overall health especially since it can be a warning sign of heart disease.
Generally, three things must happen for a man to achieve and maintain an erection:
The nerves of the penis must function properly
There must be adequate blood circulation to the penis; and
There must be sufficient brain stimulus
In the case of vascular issues, atherosclerosis– a thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by the buildup of plaque in the inner lining of the artery – can block the vessels that supply blood flow to the penis that’s necessary to achieve or sustain an erection. Hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol can also play a role in erectile dysfunction, but atherosclerosis alone is responsible for 50%-60% of all ED cases in men over 60.
How Can ED be Treated?
Today there are a number of surgical and non-surgical options for treating ED.
Non-surgical solutions include things like medication, lifestyle changes (like quitting smoking and losing weight), seeking help from a qualified sex counselor, or changing a medication that has been linked to ED (e.g. some diuretics or antiarrhythmics which control irregular heart action). It goes without saying that you should only change medications with your doctor’s advice and approval.
Some men find that mechanical aids are helpful in getting and maintaining an erection. A vacuum pump, for instance, helps draw blood into the penis and causes an erection. A band slips off the base of the pump onto the base of the penis to help maintain the erection.
Highly effective surgical options are available as well. Penile implants, for example, can be placed in the penis as a permanent, convenient treatment option. There are several different types of implants and your urologist should walk you through each of them to decide which is best for you.
When to See Your Doctor
Some men may feel embarrassed to talk about this issue, even with their doctor. But if you’re hesitant about consulting a physician, remember, they have seen most, if not all, of your symptoms before. So don’t feel like you’re the only person in the world with erectile dysfunction.
Try to remember: your doctor is your ally, and if at any time a physician makes you feel as though you should feel embarrassed about your problem, it’s definitely time to find a new one.
The urologists at Norman Urology are experts in treating erectile dysfunction and other urological issues. They can help you manage your symptoms and walk you through available treatments.
If you’re experiencing ED and are concerned about a link to heart disease, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us today!