Statins Reduce Cholesterol and Improve Men's Sex Life

Thanks to Rutgers University, those with cholesterol issues who are prescribed statins might be inadvertently improving their sex lives. And those with both cholesterol issues and bedroom issues might only need statins to solve their problems.

Presented today at the American College of Cardiology's annual scientific session in Washington D.C., the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School study found that statins prescribed to older men with cholesterol issues actually improves their erectile function. Older men with multiple health issues in their latter years might be able to ditch their Viagara prescriptions.

The study's principal investigator, John B. Kostis, is the director of the Cardiovascular Institute at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. He says that erectile dysfunction might actually serve as a red flag for cardiovascular disease, and since sometimes both issues are synonymous, statins could help improve both heart function and sexual performance. He also thinks it will encourage patients to take their medications as prescribed.

The findings are based on the analysis of 11 randomized controlled research studies on erectile dysfunction and statins. Each study used the International Inventory of Erectile Dysfunction, which is "a self-reporting evaluation of male sexual function considered the standard of measurement in clinical trials of erectile dysfunction," as stated in this Rutgers University news release. The results showed improvements in erectile function.

Erectile dysfunction affected an estimated 18 million to 30 million men worldwide, typically in men aged 40 or older. Causes for ED include heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, tobacco use, depression, and stress. Kostis also mentioned that statins effects proved to be greater than testosterone or any lifestyle changes, but they have not been prescribed to solely treat erectile dysfunction. But after further studies are conducted, it's certainly a possibility.

To read more about statins, erectile dysfunction, and the Rutgers University study, visit this International Business Times article as well as this Rutgers University news release.