Medical conditions

Erectile dysfunction is determined by a series of certain medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, obesity, peripheral vascular disease, neurological disorders, insomnia or even sitting on a bicycle for too long.

Clinical trials proved that saddle pressure could cause temporary erectile disturbances for men participating in long-distance cycling competitions. The risk may be decreased by bike adjustments. Even if ED does not install, libido, performance or enjoyment modifications are noticeable. Moreover, it was also revealed that bicycle seats with "cutouts" to relieve pressure might, in fact, put some individuals at great risk. Specialists found out that 4% of the 463 men taking part in a long-distance cycling event developed forms of erectile dysfunction. More findings were published in the Journal of Urology, namely that men who used a mountain bike for the rode race met a greater ED risk as well as those with handlebars higher than the saddle.

Regarding cholesterol levels, a study conducted in Peabody, Massachusetts, U.S.A., in 2004 revealed important facts. The purpose of the survey was to determine that using a statin drug to lower cholesterol, would improve the erectile process in men who had as unique risk factor for ED hypercholesterolemia. 18 men participated at this test after checking their cholesterol with physical and laboratory techniques. After being given atorvastatin for approximately 3,5 months aiming a decrease of total cholesterol to less than 200mg/dl, subjects had an increased average penile rigidity at the base (p<0,001) and tip (p<0,005). This may be concluded by saying that ED may be improved in men with hypercholesterolemia as the only risk factor for ED when taking atorvastatin. Besides, treating hypercholesterolemia also prevents primary cardiovascular diseases.

Obesity is another cause of erectile malfunction, as studies show it. Usually accompanied by physical inactivity, fat and weight can put a man out of the sexual game at least for a while. Italian clinical trials proved that more than 50% of he subjects in a survey regained normal sexual function after taking part in an intensive fitness program. It is also a fact that men who run for at least 3 hours a week were 30% less probable to have ED than physically inactive men at the same age, as the Annals of Internal Medicine (August 5, 2003) present it.