Erectile Dysfunction may be Reversed with a Healthy Lifestyle: Study

A recent study shows that little blue pills may not be the answer when it comes to erectile dysfunction. In fact, research shows that the health problem may be fixed as easily through a healthier lifestyle. 

For the study, researchers studied erectile dysfunction and lack of sexual desire in 810 Australian men between 35 and 80 years old. All participants were followed for a five year period.

Results showed that 31 percent of men developed erectile dysfunction by the end of the study.

"Sexual relations are not only an important part of people's wellbeing. From a clinical point of view, the inability of some men to perform sexually can also be linked to a range of other health problems, many of which can be debilitating or potentially fatal," said researcher Professor Gary Wittert, Head of the Discipline of Medicine at the University of Adelaide and Director of the University's Freemasons Foundation Center for Men's Health, via a press release."Our study saw a large proportion of men suffering from some form of erectile dysfunction, which is a concern. The major risk factors for this are typically physical conditions rather than psychological ones, such as being overweight or obese, a higher level of alcohol intake, having sleeping difficulties or obstructive sleep apnea, and age."

Researchers discovered that many men involved in the study were able to naturally overcome their issue. In fact, the remission rate was 29 percent, which is very high, according to resarchers. 

"Even when medication to help with erectile function is required, it is likely to be considerably more effective if lifestyle factors are also addressed," said lead researcher Dr. Sean Martin from the University of Adelaide's Freemasons Foundation Center for Men's Health, via the release. 

"Erectile dysfunction can be a very serious issue because it's a marker of underlying cardiovascular disease, and it often occurs before heart conditions become apparent. Therefore, men should consider improving their weight and overall nutrition, exercise more, drink less alcohol and have a better night's sleep, as well as address risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol," he added. "This is not only likely to improve their sexual ability, but will be improve their cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of developing diabetes if they don't already have it."

The findings are published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.