Name: Aspirin for Erectile Dysfunction: A Critical Review
Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common issues faced by millions of men worldwide. It describes the inability to erect and maintain an erection for performance. ED prevalence increases with age, and several studies suggest that up to 40% of men aged over 40 experience some form of ED. While there are many ways to treat ED (medication, psychotherapy, surgery), aspirin among others is one of the non-traditional ways that many men manage to gain sexual function. The aim of this essay is to explain what is aspirin used for treating erectile dysfunction and how effective it is.
Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain, reduce fever and break down blood clots. It acts by suppressing the release of prostaglandins, the chemicals that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Aspirin has been in the market for more than 100 years, and it is one of the most popular drugs in the world. Over the past few years, the potential of aspirin to treat ED has come under growing scrutiny.
There are several reasons why aspirin is known to be helpful in treating ED — it increases the flow of blood. ED tends to result from the lack of blood supply to the penis, which leads to the failure to get and maintain an erection. Aspirin has been discovered to act as a vasodilator, which means it widens the blood vessels and pumps more blood around them. This increased circulation can increase erectile function as more blood will flow into the penis, creating a better, longer-lasting erection.
Why Aspirin Works in ED:
A 2009 paper in the Journal of Sexual Medicine studied the erectile function of ED men using aspirin. The researchers randomly assigned 184 ED men to receive 100 mg of aspirin or a placebo daily for six weeks. Their findings indicated that men on aspirin had much better erectile function than those on placebo. These authors determined that aspirin could be a promising drug for treating ED, particularly in men with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors.
Another review in the Journal of Urology in 2018 examined aspirin’s effect on erectile function in men with diabetes. ED is a well-known risk factor, and up to 75% of diabetic men will develop ED at some point. They divided 60 diabetic and ED men into two groups. One group took 75 mg of aspirin per day for six weeks, and the other group took a placebo. It found that aspirin-treated men had a better erection function than their placebo-treated counterparts.
Though these studies point to the potential benefit of aspirin for erectile dysfunction, it’s important to remember that they were very small and short-lived. We need better long-term research to verify the efficacy of aspirin in ED. Additionally, aspirin might not be right for everyone, especially for those with bleeding disorders or on blood-thinning medications. You should always talk to your doctor before taking any new medications, including aspirin.
Arguments against ED With Aspirin:
Even with these encouraging results, no other research has identified an associated association between taking aspirin and ED. A 2003 study from the American Journal of Epidemiology found that aspirin didn’t reduce ED risk. Their researchers recruited more than 51,000 men and found no significant differences in ED rates between users and non-users.
A study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2017 found that aspirin did not improve erectile function in ED men. They drew that conclusion from a study of over 300 men, which found that aspirin didn’t cause a meaningful increase in IIEF scores.
Safety and Side Effects:
General Safety Profile
When administered correctly, aspirin is a safe drug for the vast majority of patients. Doses can be from 75 mg to 325 mg in adults, depending on the disease or symptoms being cured or prevented. Given its effectiveness, aspirin is certainly not a drug that is impervious to danger, particularly when used over the long term.
Long-term Use and Associated Risks
Taking aspirin over the long-term is a more significant issue because it leads to the following side effects:
Diarrhoea: Overdosage with aspirin poses a very high risk for gastro-intestinal bleeding. Aspirin can inflame the mucosa of the stomach and in so doing cause ulcers and bleeding. This is amplified if a history of stomach problems exists or high doses of aspirin are used.
Tinnitus and Hearing Loss: The less famous side effect of aspirin is a sound in your ears called tinnitus. In high quantities, the ears become damaged – temporarily or irreversibly – to the point of losing their ability to hear. If your hearing is already damaged, take extra precautions when taking aspirin.
Tolerances: Some people can have allergic reactions to aspirin; you might watch for symptoms of hives, trouble breathing or face, lips, tongue, or throat swelling. People with any allergy to the NSAID medications are not supposed to use it.
Special Population Considerations
When deciding to take aspirin, you should think about a risk-benefit ratio (especially in off-label conditions such as ED). Aim carefully in patients with bleeding conditions, such as hemophilia and CVDs. In patients suffering from these conditions, bleeding issues can occur with some risks of aspirin’s blood-thinning effect (this should be discussed with the doctor).
Consultation is Key
Due to some imminent risks associated with aspirin, it is highly advisable to see a doctor before using aspirin, particularly when determining whether to use the drug for several different conditions such as ED. They’ll take a look at your medical history and your current condition and tell you if aspirin is something you can do or if alternative approaches are worth considering.
Conclusion: Erectile Dysfunction and Aspirin- A Review of the Literature
Ultimately, aspirin could serve as a potential future treatment for ED because of its improved blood flow system. These results need further analysis to determine ED efficacy and safety. Importantly, using aspirin for ED should be determined by the balance of benefit-risk ratio and side effects. Although aspirin might be useful for improving erectile function, it does not replace the standard medications for ED. Men suffering from ED should visit a doctor for treatment.
