Introduction to Erectile Dysfunction |
Erectile Dysfunction occurs in a man when he is not able to have a firm erection or unable to maintain erection for a long time. The problem can amount to emotional problems and may affect a relationship. Moreover, erectile dysfunction can often be the pointer to an underlying health condition that needs serious attention.
The causes are attributed to various physical and psychological factors. More than psychological problems, physical problems are to be blamed for erectile dysfunction. The physical causes that may lead to erectile dysfunction are diabetes, clogged blood vessels, obesity, high blood pressure and a metabolic syndrome. Other physical causes that lead to erectile dysfunction in men includes Parkinson's disease, treatments for prostate cancer, use of tobacco and drug abuse, alcohol consumption, and other reasons.
Some recent study reports have linked ED and weight loss closely. Weight loss has helped the obese men to curb ED effectively.
Weight loss and ED |
You must be thinking what is the connection between weight loss and ED? Yes, the connection is that the risk of erectile dysfunction increases as your BMI increases. You must have thought to be light for some other reasons, but now if you are suffering from ED, this might be one more reason to control your BMI.
Italian study enrolled young men between 35 and 55 years from a weight loss clinic in Naples. For inclusion they had to have an International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score of 21 points or less out of the maximum of 25. The IIEF was described in Bandolier 90, and has five questions on erectile function, each scored on a scale of 1 to 5. Scores of 21 or below are indicative of erectile dysfunction. Use of drugs for erectile function was an exclusion criterion.
The researchers divided men into two groups. One group was monitored and put on a program of healthy eating and exercise to help them lose their body weight. Others had no restrictions and didn’t follow any program.
After two years, the monitored group had lost an average of 33 pounds and were more physically active -- and about one-third of them had seen a significant improvement in sexual function. The other group had no relevant changes in them; in fact 5% of them had erectile dysfunction.
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- Courtesy Bandolier Journal |