Do Animals Suffer from ED?

Erectile dysfunction is a troubling condition for any man.

But, is the inability to get an erection just a problem that men face, or can animals deal with the problem too?

It’s a good question. While there isn’t much research on the topic, there are several theories.

A different bone structure

Most animals actually have a penis bone called the baculum. Since there’s a bone in the penis, getting an erection obviously isn’t that difficult. There are some animals that don’t have this bone, but their penis is still different than a human’s. It’s more rigid and extends easily.

Sex is more complicated for humans. Men rely on blood flow to get and keep an erection. It’s not just mechanics either. To be successful, you have to be aroused.

While men deal with erectile dysfunction, it’s unlikely that the animal kingdom faces the same problem.

Mating issues

Just because animals don’t suffer from ED, it doesn’t mean they don’t deal with mating problems.

An iguana in the Belgian zoo, for example, was in danger of having his penis amputated because he had a six-day long erection. However, iguanas actually have two penises so even if amputation was necessary the zoo animal had a backup plan.

Research also shows that pollution is causing mating problems for polar bears. Scientists believe a toxic chemical, PCBs, are weakening the penis bone in polar bears, which could increase fertility problems and extinction probabilities.

And, here’s a problem that will make any man cringe, the pollution has weakened the penis bone so much that some polar bears could fracture it during sex.

PCBs are no longer manufactured in the U.S because of the harmful side effects that were detected. They were once found in coolants and lubricants. However, those that were manufactured are still causing problems.

While it’s likely that humans are the only species that battle ED, there are treatments for it including oral medications like Cialis.