Erectile dysfunction and your heart health

All arteries in the body can be affected by blocked or hardening, which causes a reduction in blood flow to many areas, including the genitals. During a sexual encounter, a good blood flow to the penis causes it to swell, and an erection takes place.

The arteries in the penis are very tiny, and a reduced blood flow to the genital extremities, may cause erection difficulties.

ED can also be as a result of underlying medical conditions such high blood pressure, diabetes, stress, and anxiety. However, if these conditions are ruled out by the doctor, then the answer could lie in a cardiovascular problem which may not have been diagnosed.

Erection difficulties might be the first clue that blocked arteries may be impeding the blood flow to various parts of the body, including the parts needed for sexuality.

What if cardiovascular issues are diagnosed?

It is important to note that many people with heart or circulatory problems experience problems with their sex lives.

Some are concerned that a heart attack may be triggered during sex, and are often afraid to fully enjoy the sexual encounter. If you are under the care of a doctor and following the doc’s advice, sex is not likely to trigger a heart attack.

If you have had to undergo heart surgery, it is advisable to wait for the wound to heal before attempting to have sex. After a few weeks, and with approval of the doctor, you might feel comfortable enough to resume your sex life.

What about a pacemaker?

A pacemaker can save your life by bringing an irregular heartbeat back to normality. This is not a major operation, and can sometimes be done under a local anaesthetic.

Leads are implanted under the skin, just below the shoulder, (near your heart) and inside the veins. The electrodes, attached to the pacemaker, sense your natural heartbeat, and if the beat is slower, or higher than normal, electrical impulses are delivered to your heart to make it beat normally.

A pacemaker is a small device, (also under the skin) only about 4cm by 5cm, and you may not even be aware that it is there. Most pacemakers only work when they need to, and the battery life is approximately 5 to 7 years – depending on the usage.

If you have a pacemaker, avoid prolonged contact with electrical devices which may interfere the working of the pacemaker, such as disrupting the electric signalling of the device. The devices can include:

• Cell phones 
• Headphones
• Electronic cigarettes

Household appliances like microwaves are usually safe if they are working properly.

A blessing in disguise?

Erectile dysfunction can be a blessing in disguise if it reveals a life-threatening cardiovascular issue.

If you have any concerns about ED, visit the doctor for a full examination, just in case it is a sign of an underlying medical condition.

We can help

If you are having problems with your libido, we can help. Herbal Remedies International have taken potent, natural herbal ingredients, and developed excellent formulas to help combat issues of low libidos. Our products are safe to take and don’t need a doctor’s script.

Visit us at herbalremedies.co.za to view our amazing range of products and the number of issues we cover.

We are here to help you!