November 22 2008
NSAIDs and Erectile Dysfunction
Tagged Under : blood pressure, Cialis, ED, heart attacks, Levitra, Motrin, Viagra
Yet another reason for men to exercise caution in the use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief: These drugs may cause erectile dysfunction (ED).
Finnish researchers surveyed close to 1,100 men between the ages of 50 to 70 about their use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which include most over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (generic: Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen (generic: Aleve). They also asked how often the men had experienced ED, the inability to achieve and sustain penile engorgement.
The men who were taking NSAIDs were twice as likely to have ED as the non-users. This outcome was statistically adjusted to account for various medical conditions that could confound the results.
The researchers speculated that NSAIDs may reduce the body’s release of nitric oxide (NO), a compound that is critical in ensuring optimal blood flow to the penile tissue. In fact, ED drugs on the market–Viagra, Cilais, and Levitra–all work by releasing NO.
This side effect of NSAIDs is in addition to others that have been known for quite some times, such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, stomach bleeding, and potential kidney and liver damage. Even though acetaminophen (generic: Tylenol, Panadol) may be a first choice for mild-to-moderate pain, but it may damage the liver as well.
Men who experience ED should consult their physicians to exclude an underlying disorder that could be causing the problem–for example, diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
