According to a study conducted by researchers at Taichung Hospital in Taichung City, Taiwan, men with gout are at an increased risk of erectile dysfunction (ED).
Blog Snapshot:
- Gout is a form of arthritis that causes urate crystals, derived from uric acid build-up, to accumulate in the joint of the big toe.
- The team at Affiliated Urologists explains the study’s findings and other physical and psychological factors that may lead to ED.
Gout is a complex condition characterized by the pain, swelling, redness and tenderness it causes in the joint at the base of the big toe. Patients with this condition often describe the sensation as “their big toe being on fire”—the toe is usually hot, swollen, tender and difficult to put weight on.
This condition is caused by the aggregation of urate crystals in the joint, which usually occurs when the body cannot regulate uric acid in the blood. As a result, uric acid builds up and forms sharp, needle-like urate crystals that surround healthy tissue in a joint, eventually causing pain and inflammation. Studies over the years have found more men are affected by this condition than women.
According to researchers at Taichung Hospital in Taichung City, Taiwan, gout sufferers participating in a clinical trial had a 21% increased risk of developing erectile dysfunction. Another study conducted by physicians at the Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, New Jersey in 2013 revealed that 73% of patients with gout had ED compared to those without gout. Additionally, about 43% of men with gout had severe ED over those who did not.
Patients are at an increased risk of developing gout if they eat a diet high in meat, seafood, sugar and alcohol; are overweight; have certain medical conditions related to blood pressure, heart and kidney health; take certain medications such as thiazide diuretics; or have a family history of gout.
Lowering your risk of gout by making certain lifestyle choices could also lower your risk of developing ED. Some of these lifestyle changes may include:
- Staying well-hydrated
- Limiting sugary drinks and alcohol
- Getting protein from low-fat dairy products
- Limiting seafood intake
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
To learn more about other ways you can lower your risk of ED, read our blog: Changes in Diet Can Improve Erectile Dysfunction, or call one of our locations today to schedule an appointment! If you’re suffering from ED, suffer no more! We have a number of treatment options for ED that can help you get back to your life!
Affiliated Urologists is an award-winning practice recognized both locally and nationally that has provided service to patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities in the Valley, for over 40 years. The physicians emphasize top-of-the-line comprehensive urological care and strive to deliver the highest outcomes for patient satisfaction. To make an appointment, call 602-264-0608 or visit http://affiliatedurologists.com/contact/ for instructions on scheduling an appointment.
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
