Popping an aspirin for the everyday aches and pains of life is pretty much routine for men of a certain age. However, they may want to think twice in the future in view of a study showing that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, may increase a man’s risk of developing erectile dysfunction.
For many aging men, a dose of over-the-counter pain medication becomes a routine part of their daily regimen. Aspirin can be a lifesaver for people with heart problems or who have been told that they face an increased risk of stroke. When dealing with the general aches and pains of aging, there is usually very little hesitation when considering the possible side effects of these everyday painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications.
There is a new reason you should consider how much of these medications you put in your body. Research published in The Journal of Urology has shown significant evidence that men who regularly take painkillers could develop an increased risk for erectile dysfunction. The study was conducted on middle-aged men who frequently used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, and who also experience ED. The drugs included in the study were such widely used NSAIDs as aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
What Constitutes Regular Use?
For this study, regular use of painkillers was considered to be men who used these medications at least five days per week, or more than two doses per day.
There was some speculation about the validity of the study, since ED is a common problem in aging men even without the use of painkillers. There are also other factors that must be considered, such as the effects of poor diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption. As a result, a conclusive statement cannot yet be made as to just how detrimental these medications are.
Further studies must be conducted to definitively prove that these NSAIDs cause erectile dysfunction. However, with a 38 percent increased rate of reported ED in people taking these medications, there is significant evidence to warrant this continued research.
In addition to these over-the-counter medications, prescription painkillers such as codeine, methadone, and morphine can also inhibit the body’s production of nitric oxide, which is essential to get an erection. Abuse of these medications can cause ED even in young, otherwise healthy men. In addition, medications for depression and high blood pressure can also result in this disorder. If you are experiencing ED, talk to your doctor, and consider your daily medications as well as your lifestyle as a possible source of the problem.
If you have already been diagnosed with ED caused by insufficient blood flow to the penis, you might want to consider ordering your ED drugs online from a reliable online facilitator such as eDrugstore.com. To learn more about the benefits of online ordering, pay a visit to eDrugstore’s Erection Problems page.
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