Erectile Dysfunction Could Mean Something Bigger: Osteoporosis

Fellas – if you’re having problems getting it up in the bedroom, you may be at risk for a more chronic disease: osteoporosis.

CHECK IT: Science Says: 4 Natural Solutions for Erectile Dysfunction

According to a 2016 study, men with psychogenic or organic erectile dysfunction were three times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men without ED.

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The statistic gets worse for men between ages 40 and 59 with ED, Huffington Post reported. Their risk of developing osteoporosis rose to a 3.6 times likelihood.

There are more than 3 million cases of ED in the U.S. every year. It’s most common in men over 60, but the dysfunction can be diagnosed in men as young as 19. In some cases, ED can be chronic, lasting for many years or a lifetime.

Some of the symptoms include a reduced sex drive, soft erections, anxiety and trouble getting or maintaining an erection, according to Mayo Clinic.

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Researchers believe the following may be reasons why men with ED are high-risk for osteoporosis:

• They have a lower amount of naturally available testosterone.
• Studies show a higher risk of bone fractures in men with low levels of testosterone, and…
• Men who have had androgen deprivation therapy saw an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures, bringing us back to low testosterone levels as a reason for the risk.
• Men with vitamin D deficiency may experience ED and that could lead to loss in bone mass and osteoporosis.

Here is a list of ways for men to avoid developing osteoporosis:

• Make sure to choose food sources that’ll add up to at least 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily if you’re between ages 19 and 70. For men over 71, aim for 1,200 milligrams daily.
• Stop smoking
• Slow down on the alcohol.
• Try to intake about 600 IU of vitamin D daily if you’re between ages 19 and 70, and 800 IU if you’re over 71.
• Add weights to your physical activities and workouts.
• If you’re taking medication, check with your doctor to see if it has been known to cause bone loss
• If you’re experiencing ED, talk to your doctor about your bone health.