The impact of lifestyle modification on erectile dysfunction

Abstract

While it has been difficult to establish causality, strong associations between erectile dysfunction (ED) and lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity/metabolic syndrome, smoking, and psychosocial factors have been identified. The pathophysiology behind the associations is thought to center around endothelial dysfunction. Similar to the beneficial effects noted in CVD, studies have suggested a beneficial impact of lifestyle modifications on improving ED and underline the importance of encouraging a healthy lifestyle in the management of ED.