Erectile Dysfunction and Lifestyle Behaviors

A growing body of literature supports a holistic view of erectile dysfunction (ED) rather than a narrower, reductionist model. Patients with systemic vascular disease may be asymptomatic in general but may have ED as an isolated or early symptom. When investigated more thoroughly, men with ED are often found to have risk factors for coronary atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, and high blood pressure. ED may therefore serve as a warning signal for underlying serious health conditions. When ED is identified, an investigation should be made to find vascular abnormalities and, if present, optimize the patient's cardiovascular health. Although numerous medications have been used for this indication, lifestyle modification may prove to be an outstanding means of decreasing cardiovascular risk factors while empowering patients to improve their ...