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module menu icon Lifestyle and EPs

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 constriction13,14

  • 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

Having an awareness of these factors and what may help men with EPs gives opportunities for signposting to other pharmacy services, such as weight management, or for giving general lifestyle advice.

It has been shown that men who visit the pharmacy for their EP treatment are more likely to return to the pharmacy for other healthcare advice.15