Warning Flags of Erectile Dysfunction
Warning Flags of Erectile Dysfunction
What is the problem and what is known about it so far?
Erectile dysfunction (ED, the inability to achieve or maintain an erection) is more common in men with diabetes than those without diabetes. However, little is known about the warning signs that may give clues about a man's chances of getting ED. Recognizing the early warnings of ED may help doctors treat conditions before they become serious.
Why did the researchers do this particular study?
The researchers wanted to find warning signs of whether a person was more likely to get ED.
Who was studied?
The study included 327 Chinese men with diabetes who were followed from 1995 to 1999.
How was the study done?
Participants were interviewed and had a physical exam to check their health status. Blood was drawn for lab tests. Researchers also measured the blood flow in their penises.
What did the researchers find?
ED was much more common in the older men, those who had depression, and those who had diabetes for a long time. ED was also more likely in men with a low level of physical activity, neuropathy (nerve disease), or retinopathy (eye disease).
What were the limitations of the study?
The results might be different based on how ED is defined by doctors.
What are the implications of the study?
Older men with diabetes of long duration are more likely to get ED than others. Men with diabetes and ED tend to have other health problems; therefore, ED may be a warning sign of more serious medical problems. More research is needed to study the links between ED and its warning signs.
Predictors for erectile dysfunction among diabetics, by H. Zheng and colleagues. Diab Res Clin Prac 71:313–319, 2006.
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