THE erectile dysfunctionalthough often experienced as a source of embarrassment or worry, are actually relatively common health problems. According to the Health Insurance, approximately one in ten men will experience erectile difficulties at some point in their lives. These disorders are defined as a persistent inability to obtain or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity.
Several factors can contribute to the onset of erectile dysfunction. Among the most common causes are hormonal imbalances, such as a deficiency of testosterone, which can affect libido and erectile function. Obesity is also a major risk factor, as it is often associated with diabetes and to l’hypertensionwhich can damage blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the penis, according to the Mayo Clinic.
But other habits, related to diet, can influence. Indeed, according to researchers from the University of South China, a spicy diet can lead to erectile dysfunction. Their results are published in the revue Translational Andrology and Urology.
Eating spicy food regularly increases the risk of erectile dysfunction
To arrive at these results, the researchers relied on data from 373 participants, 67.6% of whom were people with erectile dysfunction. The researchers specify that 50.7% were non-smokers and 49.3% were smokers. The volunteers were questioned about their erectile distinction to assess the degree of pathological factors. In addition, the specialists questioned the participants about their smoking history and their food preferences, including how often they consumed spicy meals.
Researchers have found that eating spicy foods may play a role in erectile dysfunction. In fact, “Eating spicy foods more than three times a week was associated with a higher risk of erectile dysfunction,” experts note in their conclusions. They emphasize that a “High frequency of spicy food consumption was associated with psychological factor and lower testosterone levels.” It should be noted that these results were particularly significant among non-smokers.
Also, the authors of the study note in their conclusions that “Dietary habits of non-smoking men with erectile dysfunction should be adjusted to account for the impact of spicy food consumption”.
Please note, however, as specified by Health Insurance, “we are talking about erection problems only when they last more than three months and when they are repeated with each sexual intercourse”. In fact, it should not be confused with a temporary erectile dysfunction. “This last phenomenon, which is completely banal, should not be considered a problem,” insists Health Insurance.
Sources :
- Interaction of smoking and spicy habits modifies the risk of erectile dysfunction – Translational Andrology and Urology – 31/07/2024
- Definition, frequency and causes of erectile dysfunction – Health insurance – 07/23/2023
- Erectile dysfunction – Mayo Clinic
