Learn How Gout Causes Erectile Dysfunction
Gout, as a condition is already a painful experience to live, and when compounded with erectile dysfunction, it can make life a living hell for gout patients. Several studies have been conducted, and there is still a good number underway, that clearly show a correlation between gout and erectile dysfunction. In this article, we explore what is already known about these two conditions and how they interrelate.
Gout is a form of arthritis normally caused by the crystallization of excess uric acid, which then gets deposited on the joints and leads to very painful attacks on the affected areas. Erectile dysfunction on the other hand is the inability to have and sustain an erection. The concern as to whether gout and ED have any real relationship stems from the fact that both share certain factors which predisposes one to get affected. In other words, gout and erectile dysfunction have some similar causes and so it is easy for some people to think that when one has gout, then they have increased chances of having an ED and vice versa. Some of these predisposing factors include diabetes, ageing, obesity, and hypertension.
What do studies say about gout and erectile dysfunction?
Recent medical research and findings have supported the association between gout and increased risks of having an erectile dysfunction. But before delving into the specifics of the findings, it is important to note that ED commonly affects older men and it can be caused by a myriad of conditions, including constriction of the blood vessels, high blood pressure and high levels of cholesterol amongst others. Coincidentally, the age bracket that is affected by ED the most also happens to be the same age bracket affected by gout.
The most recent findings between gout and erectile dysfunction was presented at the 2017 Annual European Congress on Rheumatology in Spain by Naomi Schelsinger, of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. From the studies, it was discovered that gout patients who were on gout medications had 29% increased risks of getting ED. It was also clear from the studies that there is indeed a growing evidence of a connection between the condition of ED and gout. Although this and many other studies have managed to infer a linkage between the two, it is yet to be proven if the condition of gout can lead to erectile dysfunction.
The relationship between uric acid and erectile dysfunction
Uric acid is the main culprit when it comes to gout and as such, it has become an interesting factor of concern when talking about sex conditions such as erectile dysfunction. In gout patients, the excess uric acid builds up and get deposited on the joints as sharp crystals which then cause intense pains on the affected areas. The relationship with erectile dysfunction comes from the fact that uric acid is strongly linked with endothelial dysfunction, hypertension and microvascular disease. All these are known to be major causes of ED, and so if they are linked to uric acid, then uric acid must also have a role to play in causing erectile dysfunction.
Another possible explanation on how uric acid can cause erectile dysfunction comes from the fact that high levels of uric acid is a known risk factor for endothelial dysfunction. This is a condition which affects the endothelium – the tissues that lines all the blood vessels in the body, including the blood vessels in the penis. Any condition affecting the endothelium will have a direct impact on the smooth blood flow in the vessels. For the penis, high levels of uric acid may restrict blood flow to the penile tissues, leading to a weakened erection.
It has also been suggested that there are certain comorbidities associated with gout which are also closely connected vascular diseases, with erectile dysfunction being one of them. Additionally, uric levels in the body can surge up due vitamin D deficiency and stress – all of which are known to cause erectile dysfunction.
It should also be noted that patients suffering from gout can also experience uncomfortable sex due to the pain and the need to not disturb the affected joints. Consequently, such couples tend to adapt to new sex positions or have sex when their gout medications are most active.
Gout and Viagra
It is not recommended for gout patients to resort to Viagra to enhance their sexual performance if they realize that they are falling below the par in their bedroom performances. This is because the use of Viagra comes with increased chances of gout attacks. Some of the known side effects of Viagra include general edema, thirst and dehydration, and these can cause dramatic problems for individuals suffering from gout. If one is a sufferer of gout and is afraid of getting erectile dysfunction as well, the best thing to do is avoid all forms of steroids and consult their physician for the right solution and medication.
Let’s not forget also the importance of a proper gout diet as outlined on this website and my book.
10 replies to "Gout and Erectile Dysfunction"
Hi I started suffering gout 5 years ago and last year was diagnosed with peyronies disease have done a bit ofr research and some seem to think taking allopurinol causes this as I have a curve in my penis and I’ve seemed to have lost my sex drive with it I am 56 go to the gym 5 days aweek have a healthy fruit and veg diet never smoked or done drugs drink in moderation on nights out blood pressure with in lots for my age I have tried DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) as used by another author of a book relating to this problem but not result for me ..I don’t want the operation as it’s risky…would there be any other help out there ..also my penis seems a little smaller when erected so assuming it’s the curve that’s causing this cheers Tony
What should i do if i am having ed at 25 and starting to have gout i did a blood test and my uric acid level is high. What can i don to maintain an erection as i am only 25 ans its very disturbing in my everyday life thank you
Hi Josh!
Make sure to first check your uric acid levels with your doctor by doing some bloodwork.
Also make sure to implement the following diet:
Try eating 80% of your daily calories as complex carbohydrates such as fresh vegetables, legumes, some fruit, 100% whole grain breads, pastas and rice. Eat mostly beans for protein.
10% of your daily calories can be protein such as chicken breast, turkey, fish, lean red beef and lamb. Avoid pork, processed meats like sausages and hot dogs, avoid all seafood as well like lobster, shrimp and crab for example.
Finally, eat 10% of your daily calories as fat like milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, eggs and so on. Drink only water, herbal teas and coffee. Avoid processed foods like snack bars, cookies, cereals etc…
Do not fry your food. Only boil it or bake it in the oven. BBQ meat is fine too.
Cook only with 100% extra virgin olive oil. Do not use corn oil, vegetable oil, canola or other types of oil that are toxic to your health.
Good luck!
I GET GOUT FROM EATING CABBAGE, CAULIFLOWER, AND BRUSSEL SPROUTS. (ALL OF WHICH I LOVE TO EAT. WHY DO THEY GIVE ME GOUT. I CAN EAT SHRIMP AND SHELL FISH AND I DO NOT GET GOUT.
Hi Spiro,
I want to get the book, but can I read it on my kindle or print it?
Hi Sherif!
It’s available in print on Amazon.com
Thanks!
This is my first time to know about gout and erectile dysfunction. Thank you for sharing! I really appreciate it.
Spiro,
I had gout throughout my late 30s and early 40s at the bottom of my feet (but not the big toe). I was running a lot at the time, so I figured I these were inexplicable running injuries.
Three years ago, I had my first big gout attack, swelling in my right ankle. Orthopedic doctor drained it, diagnosed it as gout. So I started drinking cherry juice, apple cider vinegar and watching my diet.
I went gout free for awhile. Long enough to figure I would never get it again. I slacked off in the diet. Gained some weight. And then guess what happened?
Big-time attack in my left knee about five weeks ago. Got it drained with a sweet cortisone shot. Then a two weeks ago, I got a second attack, this time in my right knee.
So that’s two major attacks within a month following three years of no severe attacks. And I quit drinking alcohol six months ago (on heart meds).
Saw primary care doctor. He wrote me a script for allopurinol. My uric acid level is around 9.3.
My dilemma is this: Should I start the allopurinol, or should I try one more time the natural remedies?
Becoming a vegan doesn’t sound much fun.
Haven’t tried your product. Just not sure what to do. I’m taking four different heart meds (lisinporil, metroprolol, eliquis (blood thinner as I had been in atrial fibulation) and diltiazem. Adding yet another medicine, one that could lower my white blood cell count and cause other side effects is a concern, although one of the side effects could be no more gout!
Any thoughts?
Later,
David Dorsey
Fort Myers, Florida
Hi David!
Thank you for writing!
You have to follow your doctor’s advice. Most customers who take NutriGout take it along with their allopurinol. NutriGout is not a gout cure. It’s there to cleanse your kidneys and liver where uric acid is produced so they can perform for you longer. Plus, it’s supposed to supplement your gout diet as written in my ebook and website. If it were a cure, I’d be on the cover of Time magazine.
Now there are customers who write to me and tell it works without medication but who knows if they will get another gout attack in the future. Gout and the heart are inter-related so you must take the allopurinol and if it causes any side effects then tell it to your doctor, there are other uric acid lowering drugs you can take for that purpose.
PS: I would at least have the cream on your side so whenever you get some pain or inflammation, you can apply it up to 4 times a day for some relief.
Good luck!
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