You are here: PharmacyArticlesErectile DysfunctionErectile Dysfunction (ED) and Dyslipidemia Read more articles on: Erectile Dysfunction Published on: December 31, 2020 Last Updated On: December 31, 2020 Free Delivery: Your medication is delivered directly to you at no added cost. We even offer same-day delivery in selected locations. Discreet Packaging: Your privacy is important. That's why we send your medication inside a plain delivery box so no one will know what's inside. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Dyslipidemia Erectile Dysfunction is a persistent inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It is a prevalent condition affecting about 3 million Canadian men. Many men may face occasional problems in maintaining or getting an erection. But when this happens more than 50% of the time, for at least three months, you may have ED.Various factors, including heart problems, may cause ED. As high cholesterol levels affect your heart, it can also result in erectile dysfunctionDietary modifications and various treatment options can help manage both ED and dyslipidemia. If you have either condition, consult your doctor, and they will help you with the best suitable treatment option for you.Table of Contents Atherosclerosis and EDStatins and EDDiet, Cholesterol, and EDConsulting Your DoctorTreatmentOral MedicinesLifestyle ChangesFinal ThoughtsAtherosclerosis and EDAtherosclerosis, which is the hardening and narrowing of the blood vessel, is the most common cause of EDTo understand why this happens, it is essential to understand that various factors influence your erection. For instance, increased blood flow to the penile blood vessels causes engorgement of the penis when sexually excited.This means that anything that hampers blood flow to the penile artery may make it difficult to get an erection. As atherosclerosis narrows the blood vessels, they reduce blood flow. If this affects blood flow to the penis, it may result in ED.High cholesterol level is one of the factors causing atherosclerosis. That is because high cholesterol levels result in a buildup of cholesterol in the arteries, which narrows your blood vessels.Researchers also believe there is an association between ED and hyperlipidemia, but the reason is not fully understood. Many researchers also believe that cholesterol-lowering medicines may help to manage ED.Statins and EDStatins are a group of medicines that are used to treat high cholesterol levels. ALSO READ All About Erectile Dysfunction (ED) MedicationsA study on rats suggested that atorvastatin, a type of statin, enhanced erectile function, but the cholesterol levels were not affected. Researchers thus believe that improved erectile function was due to the lining of the blood vessels getting healthier and not due to a decrease in cholesterol levels.Many other studies have also shown that statins improve ED over time. However, a study suggested that statins aggravated ED. And in 50% of these cases, ED reversed after stopping statins. Besides, another study did not find any relation between ED and statins. ED is also not listed as the common side-effect of statins.So, more research is needed in this area to give any conclusion.Diet, Cholesterol, and EDWhile foods rich in cholesterol may not cause hyperlipidemia, they may still influence ED. Studies have shown that consuming a healthy diet, especially the Mediterranean diet, improves ED symptoms.Mediterranean diet includes eating:Fruits such as grapes, apples, and strawberriesFish and other seafood such as oysters and shrimpWhole grains such as oats and barleyVegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and onionsNuts, such as walnuts and almondsHealthy fats, such as extra-virgin oil and olivesYou should also consider avoiding the following foods:Foods with added sugarFoods rich in trans fats such as frozen pizza, margarine, and fast foodProcessed meatsVegetable oils such as canola oilMoreover, a long-standing vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause ED. Thus, it is recommended to add B12 rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and cheese to your diet.Consulting Your DoctorIf you notice any erection problem, especially if you have high cholesterol levels, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. ED can be an indicator of an underlying condition, and it is essential to treat it before it causes any complications.You can look for ED symptoms such as Inability to get an erection while having sexInability to get an erection at allInability to maintain an erection firm enough for sexALSO READ Cardiovascular Disease and ED (Erectile Dysfunction)High cholesterol does not have any noticeable symptoms, and the only way to confirm it is through blood tests. Your doctor may also advise routine physical tests to catch and manage health conditions in their early stages. The physician will also run a physical check and advise blood tests such as testosterone levels to diagnose ED.TreatmentYou should know that there are multiple treatment options to manage ED ranging from lifestyle changes to surgery.Treatment options include:Switching medicines if your doctor feels that medicine could be the cause for EDCouples counseling or talk therapyPenis pumpVascular surgeryTestosterone replacement therapyOral MedicinesPrescription medicines for ED include:SildenafilVardenafilAvanafilTadalafilYou should also avoid these medicines if you:Take nitrate drugsHave liver or kidney diseasesHave an eye disorder known as retinitis pigmentosaHad a stroke or heart attack in the past six monthsHowever, do not worry, even if pills are not an option for you. There are other treatment options, as well.Lifestyle ChangesSome lifestyle changes that may help are:Being active: According to Harvard Health Publishing, walking for 30 minutes a day is seen to lower the risk of ED by 41% Maintaining weight: Obesity increases the risk of ED. It is seen that 79% of the men who are overweight have ED. Maintaining a healthy weight helps prevent ED and manage dyslipidemia.Quitting smoking: Smoking affects blood pressure and thus increases the risk of erectile dysfunction. Limiting alcohol intake: Men consuming more than two drinks per are at a higher risk of both ED and dyslipidemia. Kegel exercises: Pelvic floor exercises such as Kegel exercises aids in strengthening your pelvic muscles. This may help you maintain the erection for longer.Final ThoughtsErectile dysfunction is a widespread condition and may be an indicator of an underlying disease. While researchers have not confirmed high cholesterol as the direct cause for ED, various studies suggest a common link.ALSO READ All about ED treatmentHowever, maintaining a healthy lifestyle lowers the risk of dyslipidemia as well as ED. If you have any concerns about erectile problems or cholesterol levels, it is best to consult your doctor. They will help with a treatment plan that suits you the best. We're Here for You: Our pharmacists are happy to answer your questions. Get in touch by text, live chat, phone or email. We're standing by 7 days a week. Automatic Refills: We manage your refills and get in touch with your doctors for prescription renewals so that you always have the medication you need. Read More... 2697 Views Share