Does Erectile Dysfunction Affect Fertility?

does erectile dysfunction affect fertility

In today’s world, many men have erectile dysfunction making it one of the most common diseases. Also, the constant fear of making them unable to plan for a healthy family pushes them towards stress regularly. And if that is not enough, insecurity and embarrassment often prevent men from seeking proper treatment.

Though beliefs say that erectile dysfunction directly impacts a man’s infertility, in the end, they fail to father a child. But this is not true; having ED does not indicate you cannot become a father, especially when you have modern treatments to help you in every possible step you take to treat your infertility.

To make it more informative, let’s take a deep dive into this article and talk about the vital information associated with erectile dysfunction, leading to male infertility, and how to plan for a healthy baby.

Erectile dysfunction: Normal or Threateable? 

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. Occasionally, many people experience it during times of stress or due to recent nutritional or lifestyle changes.  However, when ED is encountered frequently, it indicates serious health issues that require treatment. Also, erectile dysfunction affects your mental health and negatively impacts your relationship, which is why it needs to be addressed by a professional expert.

To plan for an effective treatment, it is essential to determine the common symptoms and causes that lead to erectile dysfunction.

Symptoms of ED

The common signs that indicate you are affected by ED are:

  • Reduced sexual desire
  • Trouble keeping an erection 
  • Trouble getting an erection
  • Abnormal male breast growth 
  • Pain or swelling in the testicles 
  • Decreased facial or body hair 

When the above-listed symptoms appear, they indicate that you have been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. It can occur due to various reasons, so read on to learn about it.

Causes of erectile dysfunction?

Some men have erectile dysfunction sporadically, while for others, it can appear as a chronic problem. The causes can result from a combination of medical, psychological, and lifestyle issues. Hence, the  common causes of erectile dysfunction are:

  • Heart disease 
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Kidney disease 
  • Cancer therapies 
  • Obesity 
  • Sleep disorders 
  • Use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs
  • Prolonged use of certain medications
  • Earlier surgeries that affected the spinal cord or pelvic area
  • Injuries to the genitals or damage to the nerves that control erections
male infertility

The other complications that can result due to erectile dysfunction are: 

  • An unsatisfactory sex life 
  • Stress or anxiety
  • Relationship problems 
  • Inability to get your partner pregnant 
  • Embarrassment or low-self esteem 

About one-third of the time, male infertility is a factor when couples struggle to conceive. Low sperm production, sperm abnormalities, or obstructions in the sperm delivery pathway are the causes of male infertility. Male infertility isn’t directly caused by ED, although the two conditions are frequently encountered together and may share the exact underlying causes.

The connection between erectile dysfunction and infertility 

Erectile dysfunction and fertility don’t have any direct connection. Yet the audacity can make it very complex for a couple to conceive or start their family at the earliest possible time. Also, it is seen that men who are unable to sustain an erection usually avoid sexual activity due to stress and negative body image. Moreover, it can make sexual activity unpleasant and cause numerous relationship issues. So, if you fall into the same condition, it is suggested that you seek help at the right time before the situation worsens.

Methods to prevent erectile dysfunction 

To prevent erectile dysfunction, the best possible way is to make healthy lifestyle choices and manage existing health conditions. For example: 

  • Exercise regularly 
  • Follow a healthy diet 
  • Quit smoking, limit or avoid alcohol and illegal drugs 
  • Reduce your stress level 
  • Visit your doctor often for regular screening and medical screening tests
  • Talk with your doctor to manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart problems, and other conditions. 

After following the essential tips and making significant changes to your lifestyle, if you have failed to overcome ED issues, no worries; the treatment plan will help you effortlessly fight the ED illness only if you need to know when to seek professional help!

FAQ’s

Q. Can Erectile Dysfunction Affect Sperm Count?

Ans. ED typically doesn’t directly impact sperm count, as they are separate aspects of male reproductive health. However, underlying factors contributing to both conditions, such as hormonal imbalances or vascular issues, could potentially influence both erectile function and sperm production. If you have concerns about either condition, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended.

Q. How common is Erectile Dysfunction?

Ans. ED is relatively common, affecting men of various ages. It becomes more prevalent with age, with around 50% of men over 50 experiencing some degree of it. Psychological, physiological, and lifestyle factors can contribute to its occurrence.

Q. Erectile Dysfunction Life Long?

Ans. ED can be either temporary or lifelong, depending on its underlying causes. While some cases are situational or linked to temporary factors, others might stem from chronic conditions and become lifelong issues. Consulting a healthcare professional can help determine the specific cause and appropriate treatment.

Seek professional help right now! 

Erectile dysfunction is not an uncommon condition; it is wider than that. If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for more than a year and have not found any success despite making constant changes to your lifestyle, know that it is time to consult a fertility expert to identify the reasons behind infertility, such as ED can be one of them. To get the best consultation with the healthcare provider, if you are searching for the best fertility center in Delhi, reach out to Crysta IVF

The fertility experts here will make you comfortable and monitor your health condition through a personalized approach. Later, after the analysis, the top IVF doctors will suggest the best possible treatment to fight male infertility due to Erectile Dysfunction and other conditions.

Also Read: Male Fertility Facts: Know The Best Age to Become a Father


Shivangi Prajapati

Shivangi Prajapati, a writer by profession and passion, has expertise in the healthcare industry. With her extensive research into medical advances, she loves breaking down complex health information, making it easier for people to understand the recent trends in clinical and medical realities. Her dedication to providing trustworthy, relevant, and usable information helps people take good care of their health.