Over-the-counter tablets used by millions of people could be causing men problems in the bedroom, a top doctor has warned.
Up to half of adult men suffer from some degree of erectile dysfunction and record numbers are now using drugs like Viagra to combat the problem.
Common causes include heart disease, diabetes and obesity – but Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical adviser at The Independent Pharmacy, claims a failure to rise to the occasion could be due to household medications.
“Many people don’t realize that erectile dysfunction is a side effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin and ibuprofen,” he said.
Research shows that up to two-thirds of the British population use aspirin at some point, while half of British over-60s use the drug every day.
Erectile dysfunction is a possible side effect of aspirin as it can affect blood flow to the penis, says Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical adviser at The Independent Pharmacy.
Up to half of adult men suffer from some degree of erectile dysfunction and record numbers are now using tablets like Viagra to combat the problem
In America, a quarter of all adults take aspirin daily to reduce the risk of heart problems, even though no doctor has informed them of this.
The pills have a variety of uses, including as a painkiller, but they are also prescribed to patients with heart disease to reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Meanwhile, Americans go through an astonishing 30 billion doses of ibuprofen per year, with one in seven taking the recommended 600 mg per day.
And Britons collectively spend £4.9 million every year on the drug – using ibuprofen for pain relief and also to reduce inflammation in joint conditions.
The biggest side effect of these medications that doctors most often worry about is the damage they can cause to the stomach.
Aspirin in particular has been associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in older patients.
Dr. Grant warned that patients should not make a sudden decision about the medication they are taking without consulting a doctor or pharmacist.
However, he added that in his opinion erectile dysfunction was a disadvantage to consider: ‘Aspirin and Ibuprofen are some of the most commonly used medications,” he said.
Dr. Grant added that he believed that ‘erectile dysfunction is a possible side effect as these tablets may negatively impact blood flow (to the penis) and the ability to maintain erections.
‘Although these tablets are available without a prescription, controlling intake and adhering to recommended dosages is so important.’
The exact connection between erectile dysfunction and aspirin has sparked debate in the medical community.
A 2011 study reported that those who use the drug are 20 percent more likely to experience erection problems.
However, critics said the researchers did not take into account the number of patients who may also have had heart disease – and were prescribed aspirin as a result.
Heart disease is a known cause of erectile dysfunction, as circulatory problems can restrict blood flow to the penis.
And there is also research that has suggested in patients with heart disease that aspirin may actually improve erections.
A 2018 review of all available data concluded that the topic was “controversial” and that more research was needed before a definitive conclusion could be drawn either way.
Other drugs linked to erectile dysfunction include beta blockers and some antidepressants.
Beta blockers are a medication sometimes prescribed to control blood pressure. It is prescribed to around 60,000 people in Britain and an astonishing 30 million American adults every year.
They are also sometimes offered as a treatment to reduce anxiety.
Dr. Grant said: ‘Beta blockers such as atenolol and propranolol list erectile dysfunction as a common side effect.
‘These medications can lower testosterone and affect blood flow at the same time – both of which are prerequisites for achieving and maintaining a healthy erection.’
In addition to erectile dysfunction medications, Dr. Grant recommends including foods in your diet that stimulate blood flow – this includes apples, walnuts and dark leafy greens
“It’s intriguing to discover so many over-the-counter medications that may increase the risk of erection problems in men,” says Dr. Grant
Around 8.7 million Britons and almost 40 million Americans take antidepressants, and Dr Grant warned: ‘Popular antidepressants such as citalopram, sertraline and fluoxetine could also contribute to the risk of erectile dysfunction in men.
‘Antidepressants directly affect hormones, increasing serotonin levels, which can affect testosterone and dopamine levels – affecting libido and the ability to be sexually stimulated.
‘It is often mentioned as a side effect of antidepressants, but it is important to continue talking to your GP to assess which treatments are best available.’
Another type of tablet that can cause erection problems are antihistamines, which are used to control allergies.
The drugs work by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance produced by the body that has a number of functions, including protecting against harmful agents, such as infections.
‘Histamine is crucial for developing an erection because the chemical helps dilate (expand) blood vessels, improve blood flow and allow men to stand erect,’ says Dr Grant.
‘That’s why it’s no surprise to hear that antihistamines can dramatically increase men’s risk of developing erectile dysfunction.
“Overall, it’s intriguing to discover so many over-the-counter medications that may increase men’s risk of erection problems.
‘By adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding the overconsumption of these medicines and having regular GP visits and check-ups, men can feel confident that they are doing everything they can to protect themselves against them.
‘Aside from erectile dysfunction medications, I recommend including foods in your diet that stimulate blood flow – this includes apples, walnuts and dark leafy greens.
‘I also suggest healthy drinking of alcohol, as drinking can play a huge role in the development of erectile dysfunction.’