Men With Erectile Dysfunction Face A Risk of Early Death, According To This Study

Erectile dysfunction is an issue too common with a lot of men – while it is caused by a platitude of issues such as stress, anxiety, depression etc. In most cases, it is temporary as it stays with men for a few days and then things go back to normal again.

But erectile dysfunction for longer periods is an indication of deeper and more serious health issues, many of which directly affect your life span.

According to Belgian researchers, low testosterone is linked with early death

According to Cleveland Clinic, 52% of men in the world are affected by erectile dysfunction – and as the age increases the risk increases as well. Men who have heart disease, diabetes, and are taking medication – face a much higher risk.

While most studies indicate that erectile dysfunction is directly related to low testosterone – the sex hormone that is essential for men’s sexual prowess, along with the development of muscles, bone mass, and body hair.

According to Dr. Leen Antonio from Leuven-University Hospital of Belgium – studies in the past have shown that low testosterone is linked with early death and severe health issues for men.

A study was conducted on men aged between 40-79

Dr Antonio’s team has discovered that sexual symptoms can give more direct clues into “increase cardiovascular risk and mortality.” The study was published in the Journal of Endocrine Society, on Tuesday.

The research was conducted on 2000 men from the age group 40-79, with the goal of checking how age-related hormone changes affect health outcomes for men.

25% of these men died due to several health issues

Researchers studied all the sexual symptoms of these men – including erectile dysfunction, morning erections, libido. The sex hormones were also measured using mass spectrometry, to check the amount and concentration of their male hormones in the body.

The study was continued for 12 years, and the researchers found that 25% of these men died during the period.

It was found that men with erectile dysfunction had a 51% higher risk of death than those who didn’t have it.

Erectile dysfunction and poor heart health are deeply related, here’s how

Overall results of the study can be summarized as follows:

Those with erectile dysfunction had a higher risk of early death
Those with poor morning erections had a higher risk of early death
Those with low libido had a normal lifespan

The cause of early death in men with low testosterone is indicated by the fact that they also have clogged arteries and heart diseases which can significantly reduce their blood flow to the penis, causing erectile dysfunction.

Same issues such as clogged arteries and poor heart health also contribute to a risk of early death.

What are the causes of erectile dysfunction?

Stress, anxiety, and depression
Sleeping disorders
Smoking and alcohol
Nerve problems due to surgery, sickness, or accidents

Here’s how to deal with erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction can be treated by improving lifestyle such as reducing smoking and drinking, and exercise which improves the overall blood flow of the body.

Sexual symptoms can be early warning signs of health getting worse

Dr Antonio said: “These things are also beneficial to improve general health and reduce mortality risk in men suffering from sexual dysfunction.”

“Men dealing with sexual symptoms should keep in mind that sexual symptoms could be an early warning sign of poor or worsening health status as well as an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and mortality.”

Featured Image Courtesy: John Hopkins University

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