Erection problems and your heart: why a health check matters.
November is the month a lot of men finally think about their health, thanks to Movember.
So here's something worth knowing: if you're having trouble getting or keeping an erection, it isn't only about your sex life. For some men, erection problems are one of the first signs that something is going on with the heart or blood vessels. That's why it's worth having a health check with your GP.
I'm Rich Pearson, and I run The Shockwave Therapy Clinic in Highams Park, E4, with my wife Cher.
I see men from Chingford, Walthamstow, Woodford and across East London about erection problems, and this is the conversation I would like every man to have with their doctor before coming to see me for Erectile Dysfunction Shockwave Therapy.
Why a health check with your GP is worthwhile
ED can be an early sign of heart disease or diabetes, so a check with your GP is worthwhile. We'll also ask about your general health at your assessment. Your GP may suggest checks such as blood tests.
Please don't stop or change any medicine your GP has prescribed without talking to them. If you'd rather not go to your GP surgery, the NHS says a sexual health clinic can also help with erection problems, and many offer walk-in appointments. You can find a sexual health clinic near you on the NHS website.
Why would erections and your heart be linked?
An erection depends on good blood flow. The blood vessels in the penis are small, so if they're affected by the same things that can narrow or stiffen the arteries elsewhere, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or smoking, erections can be one of the first things to change.
A large 2021 review of the research, published in BJU International, brought together systematic reviews on this question. It found that men with erectile dysfunction (ED) had a higher risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke than men without it, and concluded that ED is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. Importantly, the authors noted that ED often shows up before any heart symptoms do, which gives you and your doctor a window to check your risk and act early.
That doesn't mean erection problems always point to heart trouble. Most men have the odd night when things don't work, and the NHS says this is usually down to stress, tiredness or too much alcohol. It's when it keeps happening that it's worth getting checked.
Other common causes
According to the NHS, erection problems that keep happening can be linked to:
high blood pressure or high cholesterol
diabetes
depression or anxiety
hormone problems
side effects of some medicines
Several of these have no symptoms of their own, which is another reason a simple check-up can be so useful.
What usually happens at the GP
The NHS explains that a doctor or nurse may ask about your lifestyle, relationships and any problems you're having, do some basic health checks such as taking your blood pressure, and examine you to rule out an obvious physical cause. If you have symptoms like needing to pee more often, they may also check your prostate. It's a routine conversation for them, even if it doesn't feel routine for you.
If you're aged 40 to 74 and don't already have certain conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure, you may also be eligible for a free NHS Health Check. It checks things like your blood pressure and cholesterol, and gives you a score for your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease over the next 10 years. You should be invited every 5 years. If you haven't been, contact your GP practice, or your local council if your practice doesn't offer the check. For most of us in Highams Park, Chingford and Walthamstow, that's Waltham Forest Council.
Questions you should ask your GP about Erectile Dysfunction.
Before you take the trip to see your doctor, you should be prepared by making a list of important valuable questions you can ask at your appointment about your ED symptoms and general health, such as the ones below...
Could my erection problems be linked to my blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar?
Should I have a blood test, or an NHS Health Check?
Could any of my current medicines be playing a part?
What lifestyle changes would make the biggest difference for me?
What are my treatment options, and which would you suggest I try first?
Writing these down before your appointment can help. GPs talk about erection problems to many men every single week, so there's no need to feel embarrassed, it is a very normal and common problem that a vast amount of men have suffered from.
Small changes that can help
The NHS says healthy lifestyle changes can sometimes help with erection problems. They're also good for your heart:
lose weight if you're overweight
stop smoking
eat a healthy diet
exercise daily
try to reduce stress and anxiety
keep alcohol to no more than 14 units a week
take a break from cycling for a while if you cycle for more than 3 hours a week
Locally, a regular brisk walk around Highams Park Lake or into Epping Forest is an easy place to start.
Where Shockwave Therapy fits
Some men ask about focused low-intensity shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT). It's a non-invasive treatment aimed at ED linked to blood flow, and I carry out all ED treatment at our clinic myself.
Shockwave Therapy is not a replacement for a GP check, and it doesn't treat the underlying heart or blood vessel risk. Side effects are usually mild and short-lived, such as redness, tenderness or occasionally bruising.
Results do vary from person to person, and we can never promise a particular outcome, so if, after your initial consultation, I do not believe that the treatment is right for you, then I advise another approach would suit you better.
You can read more in our guide to ED treatment at our clinic and our article on what studies of shockwave for ED measure.
Talk to us in confidence
Every conversation is confidential. If you'd like to talk through whether Li-ESWT might suit you, message Rich on WhatsApp, call 07807 333469, or use our contact page.
We can be found at 102 Larkshall Crescent, Highams Park, E4 6NS, a 5-minute walk from Highams Park station, with free on-site parking on the drive plus free street parking opposite. We're open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm.
Sources
This article is general information, not medical advice. Results vary from person to person. We'll ask about your general health at your assessment.
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