Can High Cholesterol Cause Erectile Dysfunction? and it is the most significant male sexual disorder.
There can be several risk factors for ED, and Cholesterol may be one of them.
High Cholesterol affects your cardiovascular system, making it hard to get an erection.
In this article, we will learn if high Cholesterol can cause Erectile Dysfunction.
We will also shortlist the preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing ED.
Table of Contents
What is Cholesterol?
Source: Getty-imagesCholesterol is the waxy substance present in the blood vessels.
It is produced by the liver and is the building block of cell membranes.
Cholesterol helps in various bodily functions.
Building and repairing cells is a significant function of Cholesterol.
It helps to produce bile and hormones in the body.
It also synthesizes Vitamin D during our exposure to sunlight.
Can high Cholesterol cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Source: HenadziYes, high Cholesterol can cause Erectile Dysfunction.
Like most things, excessive Cholesterol may cause more harm than benefits.
An NCBI study states Atherosclerosis due to high Cholesterol levels is the leading cause of ED.
High cholesterol levels are a significant risk factor for Atherosclerosis.
Too much Cholesterol causes damage to the nerves in the body.
This action makes it harder for your heart to pump enough blood for your body to work normally.
One of its effects includes a decreased blood supply to the penis.
Reduced penile blood flow makes getting an erection challenging.
It may lead the individual to develop the symptoms of Vasculogenic ED.
What are the symptoms of high Cholesterol in men?
Generally, high Cholesterol does not produce any obvious signs.
You need a blood test to detect high levels of Cholesterol in your blood.
But some factors increase your risk of developing high cholesterol levels.
These factors may include the following:
- High blood pressure
- Smoking and other substance abuse
- Being overweight
- A family history of high Cholesterol
You should check your Cholesterol regularly if any of the above describes you.
Can Cholesterol medications cause Erectile Dysfunction
Yes. Medicines for lowering Cholesterol may cause Erectile Dysfunction.
A study by WJMH states that people taking Statins are at increased risk of developing ED.
Statins are a drug class that regulates blood Cholesterol levels.
This medicine works to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein).
These medicines inhibit the formation of Testosterone in the body.
Testosterone is a hormone responsible for boosting sex drive in males.
Reduced Testosterone levels impact the blood flow to the penis.
Limited blood supply to the penis makes getting an erection challenging.
Does lowering Cholesterol improve Erectile Dysfunction?
Yes. Lowering your cholesterol levels helps improve ED symptoms.
Too much Cholesterol shrinks the blood vessels, also causing damage to your nerves.
Reducing cholesterol levels helps to dilate these blood vessels.
This action allows the blood to flow easily throughout the body, including the penis.
Once the penis gets enough blood flow, it’s easier to get an erection.
Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
If you develop erection problems, it’s best to consult a doctor.
Your doctor may suggest specific treatments to regulate ED symptoms.
Prescription medicines like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are often the first-line treatments for ED.
Other available treatments for ED include:
- Prescription injections
- Vacuum devices like penile pumps and rings
- Surgical procedures like penile implants and Artery reconstruction
According to a study, changing your lifestyle may also prove effective in treating ED.
These changes include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Limiting or quitting alcohol
- Quitting or minimizing smoking
- Weight management
Your doctor will suggest the best treatment to regulate your ED symptoms.
Can you take Viagra if you have high Cholesterol?
Yes, it is perfectly fine to take Viagra if you have high Cholesterol.
According to Medical News Today, there are no known interactions between Statins and Viagra.
But you should always consult a doctor before taking Viagra.
Disclose your complete medical history, including your medicines and medical conditions.
Generally, it is safe to take Viagra if your doctor prescribes it.
However, a study indicates it is not safe to take Viagra and Statins together with alcohol.
Always talk to your doctor before taking Viagra to prevent serious side effects.
Summary
High Cholesterol increases the risk of many medical conditions, including Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
ED is the inability to get or maintain an erection during sexual intercourse.
Regulating your cholesterol levels improves blood flow throughout your body, including the penis.
Viagra is a popular medicine often prescribed by doctors to treat ED.
If you have symptoms of ED, talk to your doctor about taking Viagra and other ED medicines.
The above article must have cleared your doubts on can high Cholesterol cause Erectile Dysfunction
Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL) is bad Cholesterol. High levels of LDL in the blood increase your risk of heart conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are high Cholesterol and Erectile Dysfunction related?
High Cholesterol in the body is a significant risk factor for Erectile Dysfunction.
It causes damage to your nerves and blood vessels, affecting your erections.
Individuals with high cholesterol levels may develop ED symptoms.
Does high Cholesterol affect Erectile Dysfunction?
Yes. High cholesterol levels increase your risk of developing Erectile Dysfunction.
Too much Cholesterol in the body causes nerve damage, affecting your erections.
If you already have ED symptoms, high cholesterol levels may make them worse.
Is it safe to take viagra with high Cholesterol?
Yes. Taking Viagra is usually safe if your doctor prescribes it.
But you must disclose your complete medical history to your doctor.
It includes medical conditions, allergies, and medicines you might take.
Do Statins cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Yes. Taking Statins may increase your risk of developing ED symptoms.
Statins lower the amount of Testosterone in your body.
This hormone controls your sexual function.
Reduced Testosterone levels result in diminished sexual libido, affecting your erections.
Low Testosterone reduces your sexual desire, affecting your erections.
Will my ED improve if I reduce my Cholesterol levels?
Yes. Controlling your Cholesterol levels improves your heart’s ability to pump blood.
This allows more blood to flow through your body, including the penis.
Increased penile blood flow helps to get erect easily.
