Men: Is Erectile Dysfunction a Problem? It May Be Time to Check Your Heart - Chesapeake Urology

When a man experiences erectile dysfunction (ED), the last thing he may be thinking about is his heart. But, studies have shown a direct link between heart disease and ED that necessitates a closer look at cardiovascular issues as a major factor in sexual dysfunction.

“Erectile dysfunction may be a warning sign of cardiovascular disease,” warns Aaron Weinberg, M.D. a urologist at Chesapeake Urology. “It is evident from several studies that ED is not just a sexual issue; it could be an early indicator of heart disease, and in many cases, maybe a warning sign of a future cardiac event such as a heart attack or stroke.”

Since February is Heart Health Month, if ED is a problem, having a complete cardiovascular workup can be a lifesaver.

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION – NOT JUST A SEXUAL ISSUE

Physicians at Chesapeake Urology say that men experiencing erectile dysfunction should have a thorough medical evaluation to rule out cardiovascular disease as a cause of an erectile problem. Vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), hypertension (high blood pressure), and high cholesterol can affect the blood vessels by restricting blood flow to the heart, brain, and to the penis, in the case of ED.

“When a man first experiences a problem achieving an erection, it’s certainly traumatic,” explains Marc Siegelbaum, M.D. director of the Erectile Dysfunction Program at Chesapeake Urology. “Most often, men don’t think about ED as a heart issue, but we know that there is sometimes a correlation that should be checked out.”

“Vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis affect not only the blood vessels supplying the heart but also blood vessels that supply the penis. Ongoing erectile dysfunction is often a sign of an underlying health condition that should be addressed with a physician not just for sexual reasons, but for overall health,” says Dr. Siegelbaum.

UNDERLYING MEDICAL CONDITIONS OFTEN LINKED TO ED

Dr. Weinberg adds that in addition to cardiovascular disease, other medical conditions are also linked to erectile dysfunction including diabetes, obesity, and even sleep apnea. Stress, psychological issues, and certain medications can also lead to erectile problems, so a thorough evaluation by a physician is always recommended to identify the cause and determine the best treatment options for ED, as well as any underlying medical issues.

UPCOMING, FREE ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION COMMUNITY EDUCATION SEMINARS

• Dr. Aaron Weinberg will be presenting a free men’s health seminar: “Canary in the Coal Mine: Erectile Function and Men’s Health,” as part of Carroll Hospital’s Men’s Health Night, Wednesday, March 7, 2018, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Carroll Hospital East Pavilion, Shauck Auditorium, 291 Stoner Ave. in Westminster. The free men’s health program will also include dietary information from a registered dietician, and glucose and blood pressure screenings.
• Dr. Aaron Weinberg will also present at the free men’s health seminar, “Cardiovascular Disease and Erectile Dysfunction,” Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at 6:30 p.m., Doubletree by Hilton – Baltimore North, 1726 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD.

To learn more about these and other upcoming free community health seminars or to register, visit https://www.chesapeakeurology.com/about/educational-seminars/.

FIND MORE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ED, CAUSES, AND TREATMENTS – VISIT CHESAPEAKE UROLOGY’S ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION WEBSITE – WWW.ED.CHESAPEAKEUROLOGY.COM –
OR CALL 866-953-3111 TO FIND A UROLOGIST NEAR YOU.