Not only do fizzy drinks cause weight gain, but they could also affect your sex lives too, namely resulting in men experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED). Research has discovered that generally men consume significantly more soft drinks than their female counterparts and this could be impacting their ability to sustain an erection. The research assessed sugar in the pathogenesis of the disease, finding that fizzy drinks have disastrous metabolic consequences, hindering the whole physiological foundation required for a good quality erection. The incredibly high sugar content in fizzy drinks can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes when the drinks are consumed on a regular basis, and diabetes has often been associated with male impotence. With 1 in every 10 men estimated to suffer with erectile dysfunction, and more people around the country living unhealthy lifestyles that brings on diabetes, clearly there are issues to be addressed. Diabetic Medicine has published the new research into diabetes, analysing the information obtained from 88,577 men with an average of 56 whom had completed 145 studies. Those with diabetes are apparently thrice as likely to also be suffering with erectile dysfunction compared to the healthier blokes. In fact, 59% of the men with diabetes also had problems with getting and sustain an erection. It was found that the men who had diabetes usually experienced impotence around 10 to 15 years prior to the others Sean Skeldon, M.D., spoke to Men’s Health and said that diabetes can damage both the blood vessels and nerves – crucial components to achieving a healthy, strong erection.

Causes of erectile dysfunction

ED can be caused by physical or psychological issues. Stress, anxiety, or depression are often known to be heavily linked to men experiencing temporary problems in the bedroom. If the ED carries on more long-term, men should speak to their own GP for analysis to see if there are any underlying health conditions that need to be addressed, as ED has also been linked to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Moreover, some medications – such as certain anti-depressants – are well known to cause ED, in addition to injury, surgery, hormonal changes, and conditions that affect the nervous system. Dr Pixie McKenna told Daily Star Online: “Your ED could be a symptom of an underlying medical issue that is yet to be diagnosed. “If you already have a diagnosis of heart disease or diabetes make sure it is being optimally managed. “If you haven't had a health check for a while then book in for a screen. They are free through the NHS to the over 40s.”

Treatment of erectile dysfunction

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors are the primary medicines to treat ED and work to increase blood flow to the penis. The four primary PDE-5 ED treatments are all available at Medical Specialists® Pharmacy today:

• Sildenafil – sold under the brand name of Viagra
• Tadalafil – sold under the brand name of Cialis
• Vardenafil – sold under the brand name of Levitra
• Avanafil – sold under the brand name of Spedra

However the PDE-5 inhibitors should be used with caution for those with cardiovascular disease and should be discussed with your own GP prior to use, although many argue that sex can actually benefit heart health. In addition, the drugs should also be used with caution in men with anatomical problems with their penis, such as Peyronie's disease, and this too will need to be discussed with your GP before the taking of any ED medicines.