Erectile Dysfunction Health Center
Obesity Linked to Erectile Dysfunction
Oct. 31, 2008 -- A new study shows that obesity has a significant impact on male sexual health.
The study, published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, focused on 2,435 Italian male patients who sought outpatient treatment for sexual dysfunction between 2001 and 2007. Among participants, 41.5% were normal weight, 42.4% were overweight, 12.1% were obese, and 4% were severely obese. The mean age was 52.
Patients had lab blood tests and a penile Doppler ultrasound to measure penile blood flow. They also were interviewed about their erectile dysfunction and completed a mental health questionnaire.
Giovanni Corona, MD, from the University of Florence, and colleagues found that the degree of obesity correlated with decrease in testosterone level. Among study participants, the more the severe the obesity, the lower the level of testosterone.
The study also concluded that conditions related to obesity, particularly hypertension (or high blood pressure), are the most significant causes of obesity-related mental health. Abnormal penile blood flow was found to be linked to high blood pressure.
For men, obesity's impact on sexual function appears to be a physical issue, not a self-esteem or emotional problem.
"The link between obesity and ED might be a useful motivation for men to improve their health-related lifestyle choices," Mario Maggi, MD, co-author of the study, says in a news release.
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Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
