Phthalates, chemical substances that are ubiquitous in 21st century America, may significantly increase the risk of erectile dysfunction, particularly among men of certain racial and ethnic groups. These eye-opening revelations are among the conclusions of a study published in the May 2017 issue of the “American Journal of Men’s Health.”
One indicator of the degree to which phthalates have infiltrated the lives of Americans was a recent random urine sampling that revealed measurable amounts of these chemicals in the urine of more than 90 percent of the population. And while the focus of this article is on phthalates’ effects on male sexual function, these chemicals also have been implicated in other health problems, including metabolic syndrome and the intensity of menopausal hot flashes.
Who Had Higher ED Risk?
Researchers assessing the effects of phthalates on male sexual function analyzed data for a dozen phthalate metabolites from more than 3,700 men who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-04. The research team was made up of scientists from the University of Texas, Johns Hopkins University, Imperial College London, and the University of Ioannina School of Medicine in Greece.
Based on the research team’s analysis, Mexican-Americans and non-Hispanic blacks seemed to experience the greatest risk of ED based on their use of phthalate-containing products. Phthalate exposure has also been linked to lower levels of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone.
Men who want to minimize their exposure to phthalates should steer clear of scented grooming products and antibacterial soaps and body washes.
However, if you are experiencing ED symptoms that you suspect are caused by insufficient blood flow to the penis, your best bet is to use Viagra or one of the other PDE5 inhibitors. If the convenience of ordering these drugs online appeals to you, consider taking your business to eDrugstore.com. Click here to visit its Erectile Dysfunction page where you’ll learn more about all the services eDrugstore has to offer.
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