High Cholesterol and Erectile Dysfunction

High Cholesterol and Male Sexual Health

High cholesterol a�ects 42 million people in the United States and is a major cause of erectile dysfunction in men. However, due to its lack of overt symptoms, many men do not realize that they have high cholesterol until after going to see a doctor about erectile problems.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is de�ned as the inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection su�cient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. While often associated with older men, ED nowa�ects a younger population as well as the prevalence of high-cholesterol and related heath conditions continue to rise. If left untreated, erectile dysfunction often causes or exacerbates feelings of inadequacy, denial, low self-esteem, and personal and business relationships can be adversely a�ected as well.

High Cholesterol and Erectile Dysfunction

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that appears naturally in the body’s cell membranes, muscles, heart and liver. While a certain amount is necessary for your body’s normal function, high levels of cholesterol can cause build-up in the arteries, limiting blood �ow, and potentially causing blockages and heart disease. Because healthy blood �ow is essential to achieving healthy erections, high levels of cholesterol that inhibit blood �ow to the penis can potentially a�ect normal erectile function.

Health conditions are often interlinked, like high cholesterol and erectile dysfunction, so it is important to talk to a physician about all of your health concerns. If you think you may be experiencing erectile dysfunction as a result of high-cholesterol, you’re not alone, and there are treatments available.

Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction

While symptoms may vary, common symptoms of erectile dysfunction include:• Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection in at least one in four times attempts at sexual intercourse• Achieving an erection takes longer than usual or becomes di�cult in certain positions• Sexual erections become weaker or less rigid• Maintaining an erection becomes more difficult • Morning erections becoming less frequent or less rigid

How Common is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction is very common. Although ED is more prevalent in men over 40, it can a�ect men of all ages. The Massachusetts Male Aging Study confirmed that the prevalence of ED was even more common that previously estimated. For example:

• 52% of all men aged 40-70 have some degree of erectile dysfunction • At least 1 in 10 men cannot achieve an erection at all • While 39% of men at the age of 40 are affected by ED, 67% of men at the age of 70 are affected.

Proactively Treating Erectile Dysfunction

As with any medical condition, like high cholesterol, erectile dysfunction is best treated promptly; the sooner it is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome may be, for the following reasons: - Identifying and correcting the underlying problem can

help prevent further deterioration- Disuse of an organ can cause the loss of healthy tissue, resulting in the progressive loss of erectile function. This condition is called “disuse atrophy”.- Erectile dysfunction is more than just a sexual problem. A fulfilling sex life can contribute to your overall good health and well-being.

Before beginning treatment for erectile dysfunction it is best to consult a physician who specializes in male sexual health. This is especially true for men with high cholesterol given that their health conditions, along with the medications they may have been prescribed, could render some treatment options potentially unsafe.

Don’t Spend the Rest of Your LifeWith Erectile Dysfunction

Many cases of ED are treatable, especially if addressed early. Patients have a variety of treatment options available, and these options should be discussed openly with a healthcare professional. It is also important to include the partner, if possible. Studies have shown that couples who communicate openly and honestly have the best chance of dealing with the issue e�ectively.

Important Facts About Erectile Dysfunction and High Cholesterol

According to the National Institutes of Health in 2002, an estimated 15 million to 30 million men in the United States experience chronic erectile dysfunction.

High cholesterol is estimated to a�ect up to 42 million people in the United States alone, and 63 million more have borderline high cholesterol.

Men are commonly unaware that they have high cholesterol until they seek treatment for erectile dysfunction or other sexual health problems.

According to a study from the University of South Carolina, men with a total cholesterol levels above 240 mg/dl are twice as likely to develop erectile dysfunction.

While cholesterol levels are determined partly by diet and physical activity, there is also a strong genetic component. Even if you maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly, you should not automatically assume that your cholesterol levels are within a healthy range.

Men who take medications for high cholesterol or heart-related conditions should speak to a doctor before beginning any ED treatment, as some options may potentially be unsafe.

The Boston Method®, the treatment process used by Boston Medical Group’s network of independent physicians, has been successful for many men who also have high cholesterol. The method itself was developed utilizing the 20 years of experience, advanced understanding, and specialized skills of the worldwide physician network. The physicians understand that treating sexual dysfunction requires a

personalized assessment and treatment program for each patient, rather than a one-size-�ts-all approach that can be overly simplistic and often ine�ective as a result. Their main focus is to prevent further

deterioration over time and emphasize a long-term solution, but also to provide immediate bene�ts as well.

About Boston Medical Group

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