LIFESTYLE AND EPs

Lifestyle factors can also contribute to EPs.
These include:

• Diet and being overweight - obesity may cause damage to blood vessels, and a diet high in saturated fats may increase blood cholesterol levels, contributing to EPs⁹

• Alcohol consumption - alcohol can damage the nerves and affect hormone levels

• Recreational drug use such as taking cocaine or cannabis can result in EPs.¹⁰ Anabolic steroids are sometimes taken without medical advice to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance; these can also cause EPs¹¹

• Not exercising enough - a lack of exercise is linked to hypertension and obesity. Exercise has been shown to improve erectile function in men affected by vascular EPs¹²

• Smoking - this causes blood vessel constriction^13,14

• Men who cycle for more than 3 hours a week may have an increased risk of developing EPs. They may be advised to stop cycling for a while to see if there is any improvement.¹³