Men with irritable bowel syndrome are twice as likely to develop erectile dysfunction, according to a new study.
- Men with functional colopathy are twice as likely to suffer from sexual impotence.
- To reach this conclusion, researchers asked 133 medical students whether they had irritable bowel syndrome and whether they had ever suffered from erectile dysfunction.
- Stress related to the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation) can contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Irritable bowel syndrome could also impact men’s sex lives. Indeed, according to a new study published in the journal Sexual Medicinethose who suffer from it would be more likely to develop erectile dysfunction.
Twice as likely in men with irritable bowel syndrome
To reach this conclusion, researchers asked 133 medical students whether they had irritable bowel syndrome and whether they had ever suffered from erectile dysfunction. Result: participants with functional colopathy were twice as likely (108%) to suffer from sexual impotence.
But why this link? Scientists put forward several hypotheses. The first is that digestive problems linked to irritable bowel syndrome (abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation) can stress men. This psychological consequence of the disease can therefore promote erectile dysfunction.
But that’s not the only factor. Scientists also indicate that intestinal disorders can physically impact a man’s ability to get and maintain an erection. Additionally, inflammation in the lower body due to functional colopathy slows blood flow to the penis, preventing it from swelling and hardening.
Finally, last explanation: bad intestinal bacteria, present in these patients, can also interfere with the production of hormones and promote erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction affects more than 1 in 10 men
According to theHealth Insuranceerectile dysfunction affects just over one in ten men during their lifetime. If you suffer from it, it is recommended to improve your lifestyle:
- Practice regular physical activity
- Adopt a healthy and balanced diet
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Stop smoking
- Lose weight, if you are overweight
If the problems have lasted for more than three months, the man has cardiovascular risk factors, a chronic illness, daily treatment or, if this erectile dysfunction causes too much psychological or physical suffering, you should talk to your doctor about it who can then refer you to a specialist.
