Coffee Decreases Erectile Dysfunction Risk; Mechanism Found to Increase Penile Blood Flow

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A new study has shown that consuming two to three cups of coffee a day can lessen the chances of developing erectile dysfunction.

Men who consumed between 85 and 170milligrams or 2–3 cups of caffeine were found to have 42 percent lesser chance of having erectile dysfunction (ED), according to the study that was published in PLOS ONE.

The study was also found to be true among men who were overweight and obese and those who have hypertension, but not among those who have diabetes.

"Even though we saw a reduction in the prevalence of ED with men who were obese, overweight and hypertensive, that was not true of men with diabetes. Diabetes is one of the strongest risk factors for ED, so this was not surprising," said David S. Lopez, lead author and professor at University of Texas Health School of Public Health, reports Science Daily.

The published study suggests that caffeine helps improve penile blood flow by "triggering a series of pharmacological effects that lead to the relaxation of penile helicine arteries and muscle in the cavernosal spaces."

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is a sexual dysfunction wherein a man is incapable of maintaining an erection during sexual intercourse. According to Medicine Net, 30 million American men are affected by this condition.

Erectile dysfunction is caused by depression, aging, low testosterone levels, substance abuse, alcoholism, diabetes, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, and spinal cord injury. While fairly common, it is treatable in all age groups.

Treatment includes taking oral inhibitors (e.g. Viagra, Cialis, etc.), psychotherapy, surgery, the use of vacuum devices, intraurethral medications (MUSE), intracavernosal injections and a healthier lifestyle.

For the research, Lopez and his colleagues analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Questions about ED and information about consumption of food and drinks were included in the questionnaire. While coffee was especially popular, other sources of caffeine i.e. soda, tea, and soft drinks were also noted.

Coffee has numerous incredible health benefits. Some previous studies have shown that coffee works against dementia and Alzheimer's disease, lowers risk of developing some cancers and potentially diminishes the risk of Type II diabetes, as per Authority Nutrition.

Meanwhile, scientists claim that although caffeine may lessen the chances of developing ED among men with the aforementioned conditions, further research is still needed, Medical Daily has learned.

The research is supported by the Division of Urology at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston.