Common intestinal problems double the risk of erectile dysfunction in men, experts find

Scientists have discovered a possible link between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and impotence.

Peruvian scientists found that men with IBS were twice as likely to develop erectile dysfunction, compared to men without the uncomfortable and often embarrassing problem.

They theorized that this could be due to the confidence that people with IBS experience due to the disruptive symptoms such as cramps, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea and constipation.

But the scientists added that there could also be a potential physiological link – for example, IBS may limit the production of male sex hormones needed to maintain an erection.

They have called for further research into the possible links between the two health problems.

Scientists do not currently know what causes IBS, although it is considered relatively common, with around a fifth of Britons suffering from the condition.

Although there is no cure, dietary changes such as limiting certain vegetables and medications can help relieve symptoms.

In the small study, published in the journal Sexual medicineexperts surveyed 133 medical students about their experiences with one or both conditions.

They found that about a third suffered from erectile dysfunction and about a tenth from IBS.

Analysis found that people with IBS had a 108 percent chance of also suffering from impotence.

While noting that their study was observational, the scientists highlighted some intriguing theories that could explain their findings.

The first was that the potentially debilitating digestive problems can lead to increased psychological stress, which is known to interfere with sexual function.

“This observed association may be due to the fact that people with IBS often experience reduced quality of life as a result of the disease, which typically results in significant mental and emotional impact,” they wrote.

Another theory is that intestinal changes caused by IBS may somehow affect a man’s ability to develop and maintain an erection.

The scientists said that poorly functioning gut bacteria can disrupt the production of hormones that are crucial for healthy sexual functioning.

It could also be that IBS causes inflammation in the lower part of the body, potentially inhibiting blood flow to the penis, she added.

This isn’t the first study linking IBS to erectile dysfunction.

A Taiwanese study found that men with IBS were almost three times more likely to have impotence than men without IBS.

Erectile dysfunction can be easily treated with Viagra and lifestyle interventions, experts say

The new study had some limitations that the authors acknowledged.

First, it involved a small sample of medical students in Peru, meaning the findings may not be relevant across different demographic groups.

Furthermore, the reliability of the data depended on participants being honest about their symptoms in the survey.

Given the shame and stigma associated with both conditions, the authors said some participants may not have disclosed the extent of their problems.

Erectile dysfunction, also called impotence, is expected to affect about half of men over 40.

Although most cases are isolated and nothing to worry about, repeated or persistent impotence should be investigated by a GP.

This is not only because it can be treated with medications like Viagra, but because the problem can also be a potential indicator of serious health problems.

These include health problems such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, diabetes, hormonal imbalances and mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.