Do lifestyle changes work for improving erectile dysfunction?

Abstract

The main cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) is organic in nature, with vascular etiologies being the most common risk factors. Although there have been sufficient data on the relationship between ED and several well-recognized risk factors, including aging, coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, and pelvic surgeries, little attention has been paid by the urologists to the role of lifestyle factors in ED. However, accumulating data from basic science and clinical studies have determined a link between the occurrence of ED and a number of lifestyle factors, such as smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity. The application of findings from animal and human studies to the clinical practice regarding the modification of lifestyle factors could help improving ED as well as reducing the risks of developing cardiovascular diseases. This communication addresses the impact of lifestyle factors on erectile function and the potential benefits of modifying these factors to improve ED in respect to the current evidence.

Influence of age and changes over time on erectile dysfunction: Results from two large cross-sectional surveys 11 years apart

“…Today, several lifestyle factors, e.g. smoking, physical exercise (PE) and alcohol consumption, are thought to affect the risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED) [1][2][3][4]. The correlation between smoking, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and ED is so strong that ED has been suggested as a screening tool for cardiovascular disorders [5,6].…”

The Circle of Lifestyle and Erectile Dysfunction

“…Moreover, ED is a predictor of CVD. The symptoms of ED present on average 3-5 years earlier than symptoms of CVD [10,21]. This has been shown in multiple studies.…”

Healthy lifestyle interventions in general practice

“…Furthermore excess body weight and alcohol use accounted for 7% of all deaths whilst diabetes, high cholesterol and physical inactivity accounted for 4.3%, 4.6% and 3.3% of deaths respectively. 15 polycystic ovary disease, 16,17 irritable bowl disease, 18 and erectile dysfunction, 19 amongst others.…”