Erectile dysfunction (ED) is often seen as a purely sexual issue, but in many cases it is a warning sign of underlying health problems. For an erection to occur and be maintained, healthy blood vessels, proper nerve function, and sufficient hormone levels are needed. When one part of this system fails, the erection may not come — even though sexual desire might still be there.
Many studies have shown that erectile problems can be an early indicator of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis. Because the blood vessels in the penis are relatively small, blockages or reduced blood flow may show up there before larger vessels (such as those in the heart) become critical.
What you should do:
- If you regularly have trouble obtaining or maintaining an erection, consider it a cue to get screened for: blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar (glucose), and cardiovascular markers.
- Optimise lifestyle factors: maintain healthy weight, manage stress, stop smoking, limit alcohol, exercise regularly, get adequate sleep — these support vascular, nerve and hormone health.
- Discuss openly with your partner and/or a healthcare provider — ED is a medical condition, not a sign of failure or lack of virility.
