Chelsea Lee
Medical Research Editor
WhereismyDoctor.com

Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes Linked

August 8th, 2012

Type two diabetes is a pretty big men’s health problem all on its own, but recent research shows the disease may also be causing men additional serious problems such as erectile dysfunction.

And erectile dysfunction signifies more than just male infertility; in fact it can be a sign of cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Dr. Timothy Boone of the Methodist Hospital in Houston says that, “Most men do not realize that ED is a warning sign of potential cardiovascular disease,” and reminds men that they “should really be concerned about getting their disease process under control."

So how did this all start with diabetes?

Atherosclerosis, or the hardening of arteries, is a common side effect of diabetes. Plaque tends to build up inside the blood vessels preventing proper blood flow, and a lack of blood flow is the number one problem with erectile dysfunction.

Dr. Boone Houston points out that "The blood vessels that carry blood flow to cause an erection are very small, so even the smallest amount of obstructing plaque will present itself as a loss of sexual potency."

And if men are struggling with proper blood flow in one area, it is entirely likely and even possible they are experiencing limited blood flow to other important areas of the body.

In the past it was believed that erectile dysfunction was more often a psychological problem rather than a physical issue.

However, due to the rapidly growing rate of type two diabetes and obesity, experts now believe that erectile dysfunction is by a vast majority an actual physical problem.

It is estimated that of those men with type two diabetes, about 80 percent will develop erectile dysfunction.

On the other hand, only 25 percent of men who do not have diabetes will develop erectile dysfunction.

Dr. Boone adds his encouragement to refrain from purchasing expensive and typically ineffective male enhancement products found on television infomercials.

Rather he recommends visiting a urology specialist to determine the underlying problem, because as Dr. Boone puts it, "If you don't take care of the causes of the problem, your ability to maintain an erection is going to be the least of your concerns."

Talk to a urologist near you for more information