Although previous studies have hypothesized that caffeine could improve erectile dysfunction (ED), it took a study at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston to put the theory to the test with a population-based study investigating the association.
The Study Parameters
Although the study looked at other types of caffeinated beverages, such as soda, tea, sports drinks and energy drinks, the primary focus was on coffee.
Using several years of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which assesses the health and nutrition of Americans, the research team analyzed the caffeine intake of 3,724 men aged 20 and older.
The Study Results
The researchers discovered that men who consumed the equivalent of two to three cups of coffee (85 to 170 mg) daily were 42% less likely to report ED than men who consumed 0 to 7 mg of caffeine daily.
But consuming more than two to three cups of coffee wasn’t necessarily better. Men who consumed 170 to 303 mg of caffeine daily were 39% less likely to report ED than those who consumed 0 to 7 mg of caffeine daily.
Caffeine’s Effects on ED with Other Risk Factors
The positive benefits of drinking two to three cups of coffee daily were also present in men who had other risk factors for erectile dysfunction, such as high blood pressure, obesity or being overweight.
Unfortunately, the caffeine intake didn’t lower the risk of ED for men with diabetes. As lead researcher Dr. David Lopez explains, “Diabetes is one of the strongest risk factors for ED, so this was not surprising.”
How Caffeine Helps Erectile Dysfunction
Although the researchers admit there are limitations to their study, and that this particular study can’t confirm a causal link between coffee consumption and a reduced risk of erectile dysfunction, it makes sense that caffeine would help ED. After all, caffeine appears to increase blood flow to the penis, which is vital for erections.
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