Young men who suffer from IBS more likely to have erectile dysfunction: Study

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Dealing with erectile dysfunction can be hard.

But it’s even tougher if you also suffer from irritable bowel syndrome.

ED, which affects close to 50% of Canadian men, ages 40-88, according to the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, occurs when an individual can’t get or maintain an erection firm enough for sex.

Men may still very much be interested in sex, but the penis, unfortunately, is unable to stay erect enough for intercourse.

Those with IBS — a disorder that affects the intestines — have problems with motility and sensitivity, leading to abdominal pain, changes in bowel patterns and other symptoms, according to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation.

Scientists are now determining whether there is a link between ED and IBS.

Peruvian researchers studied a small group of medical students and found that IBS sufferers had a 108% higher prevalence of ED than those without the chronic gastrointestinal disorder.

The study authors noted in the journal Sexual Medicine that medical students are faced with immense academic demands so stress can significantly influence the production of sex hormones, especially testosterone, as well as disrupt the coordination between nerves and blood vessels required for an erection.

The scientists also highlighted that those with IBS often have a poor quality of life because of embarrassing symptoms like uncontrollable gas, diarrhea and bloating, which can impact one’s mental health and diminish their desire for arousal.

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Aside from psychological factors, other explanations could include IBS-related changes to gut hormones, which can affect blood flow and nerve signalling, and troubles with the inner lining of blood vessels.

Another study from 2019, published in the journal Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, found that erectile dysfunction is “highly prevalent” in men with newly diagnosed IBD.

While IBD is also a chronic digestive condition like IBS, it does not cause inflammation.

Nearly 260,000 Canadians have IBD, according to Health Canada.

There are no known cures for IBD, IBS or ED, though men who have erectile dysfunction can treat it with oral medications, exercise, injections, therapy, implants and surgery.

For more health news and content around diseases, conditions, wellness, healthy living, drugs, treatments and more, head to Healthing.ca – a member of the Postmedia Network.