Statin Use May Improve Erectile Function
In addition to seeing improvements in cholesterol levels, men taking statins may notice positive effects in the bedroom as well.
A new study presented this spring at the American College of Cardiology annual session details research findings to suggest that cholesterol-lowering statins not only decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke, but also improve sexual health.
“Statins improve erectile funtion” says John B. Kostis, MD, professor of medicine and director of the Cardiovascular Institute at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, NJ.
“This may help increase adherence to statin therapy among patients who need statin treatment for primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.”
While the mechanism for the beneficial effect of statins on erectile function is not known with certainty, Dr. Kostis commented that “the probable mechanism is through increased availability of nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator of the penile arterial system leading to erection.”
More good news about a class of drugs that saves lives.
Reference: Kostis JB, Dobrzynski JM. Effect of statins on erectile function. Presented at: The American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session; 2014 Mar 29; Washington DC.
Reviewed / Posted by: Scott W. Yates, MD, MBA, MS, FACP