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Taking large amounts of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen over a period of more than three months increases the risk of erectile dysfunction, according to a study published in the Journal of Urology.
Such conclusions were reached by scientists from Kaiser Permanente Southern California in San Diego (USA), who analyzed data collected in an ethnically diverse group of almost 81 people. men aged 45-69. The information came from from electronic health records of patients, automatic databases of pharmacies (there are electronic prescriptions in the US that allow doctors to better control the drugs taken by patients) and surveys on the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and erectile dysfunction.
Factors causing erection problems
The analysis looked at factors that may influence the development of erectile dysfunction, such as age, race, ethnicity, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, high blood cholesterol, overweight and obesity.
It turned out that erectile dysfunction was 1,4 times more common among men who used NSAIDs regularly than men who used them from time to time. Those who took them three times a day for more than three months were almost 2,5 times more likely to develop erectile dysfunction.
The increased risk associated with drugs from this group concerned men of all age groups.
In undertaking these studies, we expected to discover the opposite pattern – that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs would have protective actionbecause they reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease that contributes to erectile dysfunction, comments co-author Dr. Steven J. Jacobsen, epidemiologist and research director at Kaiser Permanente Southern California in San Diego.
In his opinion, more research is needed to better understand the mechanism behind this relationship.
What’s next for NSAIDs?
Dr. Jacobsen also points out that based on the results of this work, men should not stop taking medication. NSAIDs have many proven benefits in preventing heart disease and other conditions. Patients should not stop taking them on the basis of this test. However, if a man using drugs from this group has erectile dysfunction, it is worth discussing it with his doctor – emphasizes the scientist.
Erectile dysfunction is a common condition in people middle-aged and elderly men. Experts estimate that 2,6 million men suffer from erectile dysfunction in Poland. In most cases, however, they can be treated successfully.
Doctors encourage patients not to underestimate this problem, because it is often the first symptom of serious diseases, e.g. hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurological diseases (PAP).