SEX aid pill Viagra may have far more benefits than simply helping to combat erectile dysfunction, scientists say.
Research published in the World Journal of Men’s Health found that erection pills such as Viagra and Cialis may help protect against , strokes and .
Research found that erection pills may help protect against heart disease and strokesCredit: Getty
They could also help men with enlarged prostate and urinary problems.
More than 80 per cent of men affected by also experience problems getting erections, yet treatments remain widely underused and under-prescribed.
Now, the scientists led by Prostate Cancer UK, say that the findings strengthen the case for to men undergoing prostate cancer treatment.
The is also calling for GPs to be more proactive in offering men .
Erection pills are medically known as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, or .
They work by blocking the PDE5 enzyme, which normally restricts blood flow by tightening muscles and narrowing blood vessels.
This allows blood vessels to relax, increasing blood flow to the penis.
But the research, which reviewed a range of published studies, found that the same mechanism occurred in other organs, including the heart, brain, lungs and urinary system.
Across the studies, heart conditions were repeatedly cited, with scientists claiming that and muscle relaxation may offer benefits.
Evidence also linked PDE5 inhibitors with a lower risk of suffering a stroke, which scientists believe was due to the drug helping circulation.
Diabetes was another condition where associations with improvement were identified.
Researchers highlighted that diabetes and erectile dysfunction often coexist, particularly in older men and those with prostate cancer.
The also found evidence of benefit for men with an enlarged prostate.
Around a third of men aged over 50 suffer from urinary problems, with an usually the nagging cause.
These can include a weak flow of pee, urine dribbling and the frustrating sensation that the bladder isn’t fully emptied after peeing.
PDE5 inhibitors were linked with improvements in urinary symptoms, including problems urinating.
These urological benefits are thought to result from muscle relaxation in the bladder and prostate.
But, researchers did not say how often patients took the pills before they saw these effects.
Sophie Smith, a senior specialist nurse at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Treatments for prostate cancer can negatively impact a man’s sexual wellbeing, so every man should be routinely offered medication to help with erection problems at the start of his prostate cancer journey.
“Sadly, too many men are missing out on simple treatments that could set them on the right track to getting their sex life back.
“Evidence shows, the treatments could improve many other serious, life-limiting conditions they may face.
“Lots of men tell us that they find it difficult to bring up the subject of sex at their appointments, often because they are embarrassed, or they don’t want to waste the doctor’s time.
“I encourage healthcare professionals to talk proactively and regularly with patients about their sexual wellbeing, and treatments that can help.
“I’d also like to reassure every man living with or after prostate cancer that your sex life is important, and that you can talk to your about erection problems.
“Finally, erection pills don’t work for all men, but there are other treatment options.”
affects 4.3million men in the UK, including half of all men aged 40 to 70.
One in 10 will experience erectile dysfunction at some point in their lifetime.
Drugs like Viagra are used to manage erectile dysfunction in at least two thirds of cases, according to the .
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
