Does Being Overweight Cause ED?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that can affect men of any age. ED involves the inability to achieve and maintain an erection. For most ED cases, medications like Viagra and Cialis can help improve erection strength and sexual performance.
Many factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction, such as an underlying health condition, damage to the vascular system from smoking, and mental disorders like depression. Studies also show that being overweight is associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction and ED. 1 But what is the connection, and how does excess weight affect penile function?
If you are overweight or obese, your cardiovascular system can be severely affected along with your sexual function. Obesity increases your risk of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by narrowed arteries and impeded blood flow. Studies show that most men who have an artery disease like atherosclerosis experience ED symptoms before developing heart problems. Sexual health and heart health are closely interlinked, so it’s important to work towards a healthy weight range. 1
Weight gain can often be affected by psychological causes. Stress, anxiety, and depression are often found in obese people. Antidepressants can also contribute to ED symptoms. Together, the combination of depression, antidepressants, and a lower sex drive can cause overweight men to experience sexual dysfunction. If you want to purchase ED treatment medications, visit mailMymeds to save on your prescription cost.
How Obesity Affects Testosterone Levels
Healthy testosterone levels are critical for sexual function but being overweight can lower testosterone levels in men. Testosterone is necessary for erections because it increases the availability of a blood vessel dilator called nitric oxide. Lower levels of nitric oxide reduce erection strength, leading to ED symptoms.