Risk Factors
Lifestyle
The individual lifestyle has an impact on the man’s sexual health and well being
Seditary lifestyle:
Obesity and physical inactivity are risk factors for the development of ED. There are studies that indicate that reducing weight and physical activity may also have a benefit on the sexual performance.1
Smoking and Drinking:
Heavy cigarette smoking, and excessive intake of alcohol may be risk factors for the development of ED.2
This suggests that changes in lifestyle may constitute an important aspect of both the therapy and prevention of ED.
The identification of risk factors for ED has an important impact not only on the treatment, but on the prevention of ED as well. For example, if a doctor is treating a patient for high blood pressure who is also at risk for ED, the doctor may make an informed decision to prescribe an effective medication that is not associated with ED instead of one that is.
References:
1. Kolotkin RL et al. Obesity and sexual quality of life. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2006 Mar;14(3):472-9.
2. Horasanli K et al. Do lifestyle changes work for improving erectile dysfunction? Asian J Androl. 2008 Jan;10(1):28-35.
