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It’s not hard to imagine that a man’s health declines as he approaches his senior years. And during this period of elderliness, they may be more prone to developing two serious health conditions: osteoporosis and erectile dysfunction (ED).
Though it might not be immediately evident, there is proof that connects these two health conditions.
According to one published study, the incidence rate for people with ED who developed osteoporosis and ED was more than three times higher than those who didn’t have erectile dysfunction. The study hasn’t differentiated between people suffering from both psychogenic and organic ED.
With such a stark pattern of correlation between the two health conditions, it’s natural for people who are at risk of developing either of these conditions to be concerned about their health status.
To clear any misunderstandings, let’s define these terms and clear the connection between osteoporosis and ED once and for all.
The Connection Between Osteoporosis and Erectile Dysfunction
The relationship between these two conditions is a complex web that influences numerous processes.
One slice of this connection is the higher prevalence of testosterone deficiency in men suffering from ED. Androgen is a necessary component for regulating bone mass and formation in men. Having too little of this male sex hormone can lead to a decrease in bone mineral density, leading to osteoporosis.
Endothelial cell dysfunction is another factor that comes into play when considering the connection between ED and osteoporosis. Endothelial cells are a single-cell lining that regulates the exchanges of blood and other nutrients in the tissues and blood vessels.
The proper operation of this cellular bed is essential for maintaining a healthy erection; a dysfunction of any form can impede one’s ability to stay aroused. And unfortunately, people with osteoporosis are more likely to develop endothelial dysfunction, causing an increased risk of ED as well.
Lastly, nitric oxide regulation is a crucial factor in maintaining both good bone health and good sexual health. Too little nitric oxide in the body can lead to impaired blood flow and an increased risk of bone fractures. Supplementing your diet with nitric-boosting supplements or vegetables high in nitrates can combat this from happening.
To summarize, the reason why ED patients are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis is because of their reduced testosterone levels, endothelial cell dysfunction, and reduced nitric oxide bioactivity.
What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone density condition that causes the structure of the bones to weaken significantly. It often stems from a lifelong calcium deficiency, increasing the fragility and fracture rate of bones while simultaneously decreasing bone formation.
Osteoporosis is a largely asymptomatic condition. Most people who aren’t diagnosed with this bone disease won’t know they have it until a fracture or fracture-related symptoms occurs. Those suffering from this condition are at a greater risk of falls and fractures, particularly in the hip and spine.
When someone experiences spinal or bone fractures, these are the tell-tale signs that are telling that it’s due to osteoporosis:
- Loss of height
- Stooped posture
- Hunched posture
- Severe back pain
Those with osteoporosis face an increased risk of fractures in circumstances where one would not typically experience a bone-related injury. For example, a minor fall or a heavy sneeze is enough to cause an injury that would be difficult for someone with unmanaged osteoporosis.
Risk of Osteoporosis
The risk factors of osteoporosis can be either changeable or unchangeable. Some things, like race and family history, cannot be altered but can still increase one’s risk of developing osteoporosis.
Other risks are lifestyle choices that can (and should) be attended to in order to decrease the risk of developing the disease.
Men who have the following characteristics are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis:
- Aged 70 and older
- Caucasian and Asian individuals
- A thin frame
- Family history of hip injuries
- Low levels of physical activity
- Low testosterone in men
- Chronic kidney disease sufferers
- SSRIs, cancer meds, and glucocorticoids
- Hormonal and gastrointestinal diseases
If you have any early predictor signs, you’re at higher risk of developing osteoporosis and other bone loss conditions. Consult with your doctor to start treating osteoporosis.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition in which men struggle to consistently maintain an erection. This is normally caused by insufficient blood flow to the penis, making it difficult for men to stay aroused and achieve an erection.
This conundrum can have many underlying causes, including stress, anxiety, depression, poor lifestyle choices, mental health issues, hormonal imbalances, and underlying health conditions. It can adversely affect one’s sex life, making it difficult for couples to enjoy intimacy and leading to problems in the relationship.
Learn seven risk factors of erectile dysfunction.
How to Treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
The treatment of ED will largely depend on the root cause of the condition and specifics of the erectile dysfunction diagnosis. If the underlying cause is due to osteoporosis, for instance, then it’s important to address the problem with osteoporosis treatments such as weekly Alendronate or Risedronate medications.
While those treatments can be effective for treating bone health conditions, it’s not directly effective for erectile conditions.
Here are some other treatments that may help to alleviate the symptoms of ED:
- Penile Vacuum Device: This device can be used to draw blood into the penis, allowing it to stay firm and erect.
- ED Therapy: A doctor will prescribe a carefully-curated program of exercises and prescriptions to help manage ED.
- Testosterone Therapy: Testosterone therapy may be prescribed in cases of low or reduced testosterone levels.
- RestoreWave Therapy: This treatment uses sound waves to stimulate blood flow to improve erectile function.
- Counseling: In cases of stress, anxiety, or depression, counseling can help to manage the underlying causes of psychological erectile dysfunction.
- Surgery: Commonly considered a last resort, surgery is an effective way to restore erectile function.
Regain Your Sex Life with Expert Clinicians at Priority Men’s Medical Center in Atlanta, Georgia
Erectile dysfunction can put a stump to one’s sex life prematurely, but it doesn’t have to be this way forever.
At Priority Men’s Medical Center in Atlanta, Georgia, we provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction. On top of that, we also offer a plethora of other treatments, such as PE therapy, Low Testosterone therapy, HGH treatment and weight loss treatment.
Give our team a call today to schedule your appointment.
