Erectile Dysfunction linked to undiagnosed type 2 diabetes

It can be a daunting prospect for people to pluck up the courage to go and speak to their doctor about problems related to sex, especially maybe if said doctor treats the whole family or is regarded as a friend.

This explains somewhat why Medical Specialists® Pharmacy have a patient base spanning tens of thousands; people that have come to them primarily to use the online consultation service for erectile dysfunction treatments, or for the treatment of premature ejaculation. The benefit with this service is the whole process can be done online, confidentially, efficiently, securely, without a face-to-face visit to your doctor, as everything is processed in-house at Medical Specialists® and no information passed to third-parties.

However, men suffering with problems in the bedroom should take these problems more serious, as they could be a predictor for other undiagnosed conditions, such as diabetes. Gum disease and erectile dysfunction has already been linked in previous studies.

In addition, studies have also demonstrated that erectile dysfunction could be an early warning of cardiovascular disease. However, researchers have now shown that a possibly link exists between erectile dysfunction and undiagnosed hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, as well as undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.

This according to the results from a cross-sectional survey which is featured in the July/August issue of the Annals of Family Medicine, with researchers involved in the study arguing men – especially those in middle-age – with impotence problems should be able to receive diabetes screening.

The Study’s lead researcher Dr. Sean Skeldon, from the University of Toronto in Canada, says the risks were higher in middle-aged men aged 40 to 59 years old. He commented: “The probability of having undiagnosed diabetes increased from one in 50 in men without erectile dysfunction, to one in 10 in men with erectile dysfunction.”

Results were attained by collating the data from more than 4,500 men from the United States; all over the age of 20 and participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2001 and 2004. The study was conducted with the aim of trying to find if associations existed between male impotence and blood pressure, cholesterol, in addition to blood sugar. Interestingly, the researchers couldn’t seem to find a link with problems achieving or sustaining an erection to undiagnosed high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

However, the findings showed that 11.5% of the men with undiagnosed diabetes had also stated they suffered with impotence problems, with an even bigger proportion for men between the ages of 40 to 59 years old – 19% showing unusually high blood sugar.

All men– particular those middle-aged– have some degree of risk of type 2 diabetes even without a diagnosis and the researchers suggest that doctors should get not only screenings, but also the sexual histories of middle-aged men.

Type 2 diabetes has been strongly linked with both genetics and ethnicity, but an incredibly large percentage of cases of type 2 diabetes are caused by poor diet that leads to being overweight or due to obesity. With early enough lifestyle changes such as improving your diet, regular exercise and weight loss, it may just be enough to slow down or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

More evidence emerges to show a gum disease and erectile dysfunction link

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and heart disease have been closely associated with each other in recent years. As science has developed leaps and bounds, numerous studies over the years have provided evidence to show that many men who have difficulty achieving and sustaining an erection, will show early signs of atherosclerosis; a hardening of the arteries. Links have also been established between heart disease and the severe gum disease known as ‘periodontitis’.

This is a condition whereby inflammation and infection occurs within tissue supporting your teeth and is the result of gingivitis being left untreated. It is a very serious condition sometimes resulting in tooth loss, and infection of gums and the jaw bones. Periodontitis is the main culprit for adult tooth loss and it is estimated annually in the United Kingdom that there are six cases of severe periodontitis for every 100,000 people. If left untreated, it may increase the risk of serious health problems such as heart attack and stroke.

However, an intriguing study of patients in Turkey published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, suggests that men with ED are three times more likely to have gum disease than men who do not suffer from impotence. The Turkish researchers examined 80 male patients with ED and 82 male patients without it. Non-smokers were specifically chosen for the study as smoking is known to be a massive cause for both ED and gum disease. In addition, all patients involved were aged between 30 and 40 years of age to dismiss the prospect of age as being risk factor.

Before determining any results from their study, scientists took into account things such as education status, household income and body mass index (BMI), with both groups being similar in these regards. After all these important points were taken into account, the link between ED and bad oral hygiene still stood up.

In total, 52% of men suffering with ED also had inflamed gums, whilst 23% of men in the control group had periodontal disease. Therefore, it was estimated that men shown to have severe periodontal disease were actually 3.29 times more likely to suffer from ED their counterparts with healthier gums. The men’s sexual performance was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function, whilst the plaque index and tests on the gums were used to check patient’s oral health.

The lead author for the study, Doctor Faith Oguz, of Inonu University in Turkey, said: “Erectile dysfunction is a major public health problem that affects the quality of life of some 150 million men, and their partners, worldwide. Physical factors cause nearly two-thirds of cases, mainly because of problems with the blood vessels, with psychological issues like emotional stress and depression accounting for the remainder. Chronic periodontitis is a group of infectious diseases caused predominantly by bacteria that most commonly occur with inflammation of the gums. Many studies have reported that chronic periodontitis may induce vascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease, which have been linked with erection problems.”

The Turkish study only looked at men aged between 30 and 40 years old however. ED can affect men of all ages and it is estimated that a staggering two thirds of men over the age of 70 have quite severe symptoms.

The causes of male impotence is a subject that Medical Specialists Pharmacy has previously discussed in great detail and following requests from our patients, we ran a side-by-side comparison of each of the treatments available for men. Viagra, Cialis and Levitra are available today at Medical Specialists, at low prices. All are obtainable with or without a prescription. If you do not have a prescription, you can undergo a private and confidential online consultation with one of our Doctors and if suitable, they will write you a prescription. This is passed to our in-house Pharmacists, and dispensed and dispatched to you at your home, your place of work, or where ever you choose, discreetly within 24 hours.

New Research by the Journal of Periodontology Suggests a Link between Oral Hygiene and Erectile Dysfunction

Research conducted on behalf of the Journal of Periodontology suggests a link between periodontitus, a severe form of gum disease, and erectile dysfunction. The study involved 70 individuals of which it was estimated around 80% suffered simultaneously from both conditions, with notable heightened erectile dysfunction in those suffering from severe periodontitus.

Researchers are keen to expand the study on a larger scale with longitudinal follow-up in order to further ascertain the link between the two and how this may affect men with either health concern. The research highlights the importance of good oral health in men and particularly in those suffering from erectile dysfunction. Though the findings are preliminary, it is clear that an increased awareness of good oral hygiene is apparent in men experiencing ED problems.

These findings bring a number of common erectile dysfunction issues to the surface once more. Firstly, the link between a disease such as periodontitus and ED is a relatively difficult concept of association and one which may also affect the general health of sufferers; a fact not necessarily welcomed by men who may find it difficult to seek treatment for the latter condition.

Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation made the following comments regarding the new research; “To associate gum disease, the major preventable cause of tooth loss in adults, with such a taboo subject amongst males is not something that should be taken lightly, if in theory, four out of five men who suffer from erectile dysfunction have poor oral health, the effect it could have on their general health poses a serious risk to those involved.”

Secondly, the reluctance of men suffering from erectile dysfunction to seek advice and treatments is an ongoing issue, an issue Medical Specialists are keen to resolve by offering confidential, medically accredited advice. Research such as that published in the Journal of Periodontology in to cause and prevention of the condition is thoroughly welcomed by the company;

David Bailey, managing director of Medical Specialists comments; “The more we know medically about erectile dysfunction, the more we can work to develop and supply effective treatments to combat this often debilitating condition. The result of this study confirms the correlation with gum disease and now we can take positive steps to reduce the risk of becoming a potential sufferer of erectile dysfunction.”

Medical Specialists would urge men to visit their dentist regularly as well as their doctor to ensure the healthy functionality of both areas. Prevention of potential gum disease in men is recommended by Dr Nigel Carter, who suggests a routine of brushing twice daily, regular visits to the dentist and a reduction of sugary foods and drinks.

Erectile Dysfunction can only be treated effectively with medical advice, recognised treatments and an understanding of the condition by sufferers. Medical Specialists offer all three: securely, confidentially and discreetly. Managing Director David Bailey confirms; “We are proud to employ GMC Doctors and RPSGB Pharmacists to offer expert advice,” he explains, “we supply Viagra, Cialis and Levitra, the leading treatments for erectile dysfunction, which can be dispersed and delivered within a 24 hour period. There is no need to suffer in silence with this condition.”

Famous sufferers of erectile dysfunction such as Sir Stirling Moss, agree that men should seek help and treatment for the condition rather than feel embarrassed or suffer in silence. In an interview with BBC News in 2006, Sir Moss admitted he suffered from the condition and had tried a variety of available treatments such as Viagra UK, Cialis UK and Levitra UK and found Levitra suited him best.

Sir Stirling’s experimentation is common among sufferers. It is important to ascertain the correct treatment for the individual, a fact that Medical Specialists highlight with exacting medical questions in order to prescribe the correct treatment for the individual. Sufferers may choose from Viagra, Cialis or Levitra and can vary their treatment accordingly.

Lastly, encouragement from famous names such as Sir Stirling Moss and others encourages men to seek help. An Online Pharmacy such as Medical Specialists can provide expert medical advice and treatments with little embarrassment to the sufferer, helping to reduce the stigma associated with erectile dysfunction.
Furthermore, the supply of recognised treatments Viagra, Cialis and Levitra UK ensures customers are continually supplied with the best treatments available in the United Kingdom. Erectile dysfunction can be treated and Medical Specialists can help in all respects of problems associated with this condition.

How Gum Disease Can Lead To Male Impotence

Once in the bloodstream, this plaque-causing bacteria can attach itself to the walls of the arteries or existing plaque in the arteries and lead to coronary artery disease.  When blood flow is constricted, due to plaque build up in the arteries, the heart must pump harder to move blood through these arteries and blood vessels.

In the same study that tracked men with periodontal disease,  2.1% of respondents without Male Impotence had advanced periodontal disease, 9.8% of the subjects had mild Male Impotence and the same advanced periodontal disease. The most recent  number was 15.8%, and it was representing the percent of persons with moderate or severe Male Impotence and advanced periodontal disease.

This study demonstrates the human mouth is full of bacteria, and people who do not brush their teeth regularly, or visit their dentist to remove plaque tend to have higher levels of bacteria  and are more likely to have bleeding,swollen gums and gingivitis, which can lead to periodontal disease. 

These openings in the gum line or on the gums are a perfect host to allow dangerous bacteria to enter the bloodstream and potentially cause serious health problems, such as heart disease or Male Impotence.