In the 2019 review by Kessler et al., 58.9% of the people studied in Nigeria had erectile dysfunction - #1 of 13 countries shown here.
The most common reasons
Blood vessels and the heart
An erection is blood flow. Narrowed or stiff arteries (atherosclerosis) reduce it - and because the arteries of the penis are small, the problem often shows there years before it shows in the heart.
An erection is blood flow. Narrowed or stiff arteries (atherosclerosis) reduce it - and because the arteries of the penis are small, the problem often shows there years before it shows in the heart.
High blood pressure
Over time it damages the lining of the blood vessels, and some blood-pressure medicines can affect erections too - never stop one without your doctor.
Over time it damages the lining of the blood vessels, and some blood-pressure medicines can affect erections too - never stop one without your doctor.
Diabetes
High blood sugar harms both blood vessels and nerves. Men with diabetes get ED more often and earlier.
High blood sugar harms both blood vessels and nerves. Men with diabetes get ED more often and earlier.
High cholesterol
Fatty deposits narrow the arteries that carry blood to the penis.
Fatty deposits narrow the arteries that carry blood to the penis.
Weight and metabolic syndrome
A large waist, high blood sugar, high blood pressure and abnormal blood fats together raise the risk.
A large waist, high blood sugar, high blood pressure and abnormal blood fats together raise the risk.
Smoking
Nicotine and smoke damage blood vessels and restrict blood flow.
Nicotine and smoke damage blood vessels and restrict blood flow.
// SEE A DOCTOR
ED is common and treatable - and it can be an early warning sign of heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure. If it lasts more than a few weeks, see a doctor. Seek urgent help for chest pain or an erection lasting more than 4 hours. Never take someone else's prescription medicine.
Sources
- World Population Review - Erectile Dysfunction Rates by Country
- Kessler A. et al. (2019) The global prevalence of erectile dysfunction: a review. BJU International
- Nicolosi A. et al. (2004) Sexual behavior and sexual dysfunctions after age 40: the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors. Urology