Currently, there are over 30 million reported cases of erectile dysfunction throughout the United States. In addition to those 30 million reported cases, there are countless more unreported cases of U.S. males struggling with ED problems.
Unfortunately, there is no easy cure for these issues and they can actually lead to much more serious problems as well. Erectile dysfunction can lead to relationship issues, career problems, and negatively affect a person’s self-esteem. There are a few additional health concerns that ED can cause.
According to Reader’s Digest, ED could actually be an early indicator for atherosclerosis, a condition that builds up plaque inside a person’s arteries, raising the risk of potential heart attack and stroke.
A new study published in the journal Vascular Medicine analyzed 28 studies that previously took a look at the link between ED and heart disease.
Researchers found that people who suffer from ED also have thickening of one of the inner two layers of the carotid artery, which is another early indicator of heart disease.
“The presence of erectile dysfunction portends a higher risk of future cardiovascular events, particularly in intermediate-risk men, and may serve as an opportunity for intensification of cardiovascular risk prevention strategies,” said Naomi Hamburg, MD and Matt Kluge, MD, Boston University heart specialists. “The findings add to the growing evidence supporting additional trials to determine the clinical impact of erectile dysfunction screening and the appropriate cardiovascular directed evaluation and treatment of men with erectile dysfunction.”
Hopefully understanding some of the symptoms of ED can help prevent further health concerns down the road. Here are some of the symptoms of ED:
- Trouble getting an erection.
- Difficulty maintaining an erection during sex.
- Reduced interest in sex.
- Premature or delayed ejaculation.
- Anorgasmia (the inability to achieve orgasm after sexual stimulation).