Does Aspirin Aggravate or Help with Erectile Dysfunction?

Highlights

• At least two studies have found aspirin for erectile dysfunction to be effective, under specific conditions.
• However, at least one study has shown aspirin may be associated with increased risk of ED, although it’s not clear why.
• While the studies on aspirin and erectile dysfunction are promising, more research is needed on aspirin as a treatment for ED.
• In addition, aspirin raises the risk of certain types of bleeding, making it potentially dangerous for some people.
• Taking Viagra and aspirin together is generally safe, but discuss any medication changes with your doctor.

---

Rumor has it that aspirin can help treat erectile dysfunction. Does the science support that theory? From what we know so far, the jury is still out.

Here’s why.

About Aspirin

Aspirin, known scientifically as acetylsalicylic acid, is one of the most commonly available and most-used drugs in the world. The medication, which is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, is available over the counter and has proved itself to be one of the most versatile of drugs since its discovery in 1853.

Millions of Americans at risk of heart disease take low-dose (81 milligram tablets) aspirin daily to prevent the formation of arterial blood clots that could break loose and travel to the heart or brain, or venous thrombosis that can embolize to the lungs — with catastrophic results.

Aspirin is also an effective anti-inflammatory agent, useful in combating arthritis and other inflammatory disorders, and it’s used to treat fever and simple headaches.

But can aspirin help with erectile dysfunction?

Aspirin And Erectile Dysfunction

Insufficient blood flow to the penis, also known as vasculogenic ED or VED, is one of the most common causes of ED, and happens for a number of reasons. While not all of those causes can be treated by aspirin, the anti-inflammatory aspects of the drug may have benefits for others.

To test this theory, a 2018 study conducted by two Turkish urologists associated with Istanbul Medipol University School of Medicine  tracked the effects of daily aspirin therapy (100 milligrams daily) on 120 patients diagnosed with vascular ED.

Another 64 men, also diagnosed with vascular ED, were given daily doses of placebo and served as the control group for the study. None of the men in the double-blind, randomized study knew whether he was being treated with the active drug or a placebo.

To evaluate the study participants’ erectile function and satisfaction with the sexual encounters in their lives, they were required to self-administer both the Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) and Sexual Encounter profiles (IIEF-SEP) of the International Index of Erectile Function, or IIEF.

The study’s results showed that men who’d been taking aspirin reported sharp improvements in both erectile function and satisfaction with their sexual encounters.

How Much Aspirin To Take for Erectile Dysfunction?

The study indicated that 100 milligrams, or about one-third of a standard dose, was effective for erectile dysfunction. At the end of six weeks of aspirin therapy, study participants taking that dosage reported that their scores on the 30-point IIEF-EF had improved from an average of 14.1 at the outset of the study to an average of 21.3 by study’s end.

By contrast, those men who received placebo started with a baseline IIEF-EF of 14.3. At the end of six weeks, their IIEF-EF scores had climbed an average of only 2 points, to 16.3.

All study participants were asked to respond to two key questions on the IIEF-SEP questionnaire. To the SEP-2 question, “Were you able to insert your penis into your partner’s vagina?”, the participants treated with aspirin went from affirmative responses of 51.6 percent at the outset of the study to 70.5 percent by study’s end.

Among those who received the placebo, the percentage responding yes to SEP-2 rose only slightly, from 50 to 54.7 percent.

Affirmative responses to the SEP-3 question, “Did your erection last long enough for you to have successful intercourse?”, among men treated with aspirin went from 31.6 percent at baseline to 46.3 percent by study’s end.

Among men in the placebo group, the percentage responding affirmatively to SEP-3 was 31.2 at the outset and only 35.1 at the end of the study.

These positive results hold the promise that low-dose aspirin therapy might be a viable treatment for erectile dysfunction, particularly among men with mild to moderate symptoms.

What Other Research Has Been Conducted on Aspirin and ED?

Unfortunately, since 2018, there has been little research into aspirin as an ED treatment. A 2020 meta-analysis only found two studies — the one discussed above and a 2013 study on lithium-related ED — that met rigorous enough standards to be considered.

In addition, both studies were very narrow in focus. The Turkish study, for example, didn’t include patients with chronic conditions that can cause ED, such as diabetes, while the other study only looked at ED caused by taking lithium as part of a psychiatric treatment.

Some even argue that aspirin may raise the risk of ED. A 2023 study found a potential causal relationship between ED and regular aspirin usage. This doesn’t mean that aspirin causes ED, however  — it may simply be that people with chronic conditions that cause ED, like heart disease, are more likely to take aspirin.

But the results of this study illustrate how far we still have to go before we can definitively say whether aspirin helps or hurts erectile function.

Should I Take Aspirin for Erectile Dysfunction?

While in general, aspirin doesn’t seem to be harmful to erectile function, its value isn’t yet clear. The studies have focused on ED that’s related to vascular inflammation that isn’t caused by a chronic condition.

While it appears that aspirin can improve erectile dysfunction symptoms in men with those conditions, there’s not enough evidence to prove this conclusively.

And like all medications, aspirin is not without its downsides. It can irritate the stomach lining and possibly cause bleeding. For some, taking enteric-coated aspirin might be enough to mitigate this threat.

However, for those with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, aspirin may not be a wise choice.

As with all medications, even those sold over the counter, talk with your physician before taking aspirin on a regular basis.

Can I Take Aspirin and Viagra Together?

Drugs.com reports no documented interactions with Viagra and aspirin. While this doesn’t mean that no individual will experience an interaction, the two drugs are generally seen as safe to be taken together.

However, remember that Viagra (like all ED medications) opens up the blood vessels and that aspirin can cause bleeding. So if you’re at risk of gastric bleeding, talk to your doctor before taking any ED medication, including Cialis, Levitra, vardenafil (Levitra), and Stendra.

Get ED Treatment That’s Tested and Trusted

While we learn more about ED and treating it every day, don’t lose track of the fact that real, FDA-approved ED treatment is available via prescription. Prescription ED medication is a valuable tool for managing ED and enjoying a healthy sex life, has been on the market for decades, and has years of study to back up its safety and effectiveness.

Learn about the right ED medication for you by visiting our erectile dysfunction page and getting your free medical consultation with a U.S.-licensed physician.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about health and related topics but is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.