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.

 

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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.

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