{"id":29069,"date":"2020-06-04T14:57:50","date_gmt":"2020-06-04T14:57:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/?p=29069"},"modified":"2020-06-04T14:57:50","modified_gmt":"2020-06-04T14:57:50","slug":"alcohol-use-and-ed-the-link-between-liver-health-and-sexual-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/erectile-dysfunction\/alcohol-use-and-ed-the-link-between-liver-health-and-sexual-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Alcohol Use and ED: The Link Between Liver Health and Sexual Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

Liver health is intricately related to sexual health and functioning.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

A myriad of chronic health conditions are linked to erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the negative impact of liver disease on sexual health and functioning is rarely discussed. Liver disease, specifically cirrhosis of the liver, dramatically increases the risk of ED in men.<\/p>\n

Men with liver disease should not have to suffer from persistent ED symptoms. This article discusses the relationship between liver health and erectile dysfunction (ED).<\/p>\n

Erectile Dysfunction Causes and Diagnosis<\/h3>\n

Erectile dysfunction<\/a> (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. Further, men with ED may also experience reduced sexual desire. Occasional difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection is not sufficient for diagnosis, but if the problem is ongoing, a doctor will most likely recommend treatment for ED.<\/p>\n

Identifying the cause of erectile dysfunction<\/a> can be tricky. Male sexual arousal requires participation between the brain, hormones, mental state, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels to achieve and maintain an erection. What’s more, ED is often rooted in both physical and mental health conditions.<\/p>\n

Potential causes of erectile dysfunction (ED) include:
\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Category<\/th>Examples<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Cardiovascular conditions<\/td>Heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis (clogged blood vessels)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chronic health conditions<\/td>Diabetes, Parkinson\u2019s disease, multiple sclerosis<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Certain medications<\/td>Medications for depression or chronic health conditions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hormonal imbalance<\/td>Low testosterone <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lifestyle <\/td>Limited exercise, obesity, tobacco use<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Psychological <\/td>Anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, chronic stress<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Physical damage<\/td>Any physical damage to the penis or Peyronie\u2019s disease, resulting in scar tissue inside the penis<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Substance use <\/td>Substance use disorder, alcohol use disorder, illicit substance use<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/p>\n

Patients will most likely be asked questions about their lifestyle habits, medication use, stress levels, and overall health history to pinpoint the correct approach to ED treatment<\/a>. Treatment of an underlying chronic condition may be sufficient to treat ED. However, physicians often recommend a combination of lifestyle changes and prescription medication use for those experiencing persistent ED symptoms.<\/p>\n

Effective ED Treatment<\/h3>\n

Treatment for ED<\/a> often begins with management of underlying health conditions and lifestyle changes. Non-invasive treatments, such as oral medication, are often the first line of medical treatment for ED. More invasive treatment methods, such as surgery or penile implants, are the last lines of defense against ED.<\/p>\n

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four oral prescription lifestyle medications for ED, available in both brand name and generic versions. These drugs are known as phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5) inhibitors that work by improving blood flow to the penis. The drugs have been widely tested and deemed safe for most men.<\/p>\n

The list of FDA-approved drugs includes:<\/p>\n