Statins are medications that are prescribed for treating high cholesterol. These medicines help eliminate the levels of LDL or “bad” cholesterol in the blood and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Such medicines may cause some side effects. Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be one of the side effects of Statins. The medicine might not directly contribute to erectile dysfunction, it causes erection difficulties by triggering hormonal fluctuations.
Statins come under a class of medications that help manage cholesterol levels in a safe range. The function of these medicines is to reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol, also called “bad cholesterol,” in the body.
It treats hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), characterized by an increase in bad cholesterol levels in the blood. These medications lower the risk of chronic health conditions like cardiovascular disorders, atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. They do trigger some side effects such as headaches, nausea, confusion, muscle aches, etc.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence happens because of a lack of proper blood flow to the penile. The erectile muscles and penile blood vessels constrict, which prevents the flow of blood to the penile. Lack of adequate blood supply to the penile leads to erection difficulties.
This can be a result of some physiological problems like chronic or underlying health conditions, surgery, hormonal fluctuations, or injury. Besides, stress, depression, anxiety, and relationship problems can also influence sexual function and cause psychogenic erectile dysfunction.
As per some studies, Statins can trigger hormonal imbalances in the body. This can be a side effect of this medicine. The primary hormone that regulates the sexual function in males is Testosterone. Statins can impact the production of this hormone in the body.
It can hinder the release of testosterone hormone and decrease its levels in the body. Since testosterone control sexual function, its decline can cause a decrease in the sex drive or libido. As a result, the person will lack the interest to engage in sexual activity.
Apart from low sex drive or low libido, Statins can give rise to the symptoms of erectile dysfunction and also contribute to fertility problems. Those who had erectile dysfunction even a long time before using Statins might experience severe erection difficulties. Statins can worsen the pre-existing ED.
The erection difficulties can be managed with ED medicines like Sildigra 100. This medicine is a high dose pill, that revives the erection function during arousal.
According to some sources, the effects of this medicine may produce different results in every individual. In some, the medicine can give rise to the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, while in others it might help overcome erection problems.
The erection difficulties happen because of a lack of proper blood flow to the penile. The reason why the blood flow does not happen is the narrowing and constriction of the penile blood vessels. The narrowing results from the accumulation of plaque in the passages of the blood vessels.
Plaque is nothing but cholesterol fat. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that sticks onto the walls of the blood vessels and deposits. The building up of these fatty substances contributes to the narrowing of the penile blood vessels. In this way, the blood flows to the penile limits.
However, the function of Statins is to prevent plaque formation in the passages of the blood vessels, it may also ease erection function. The medicine can inhibit the building up of plaque in the penile arteries and might support a healthy erection function.
High cholesterol potentiates the risk of developing heart disease mainly. Given below are ways in which it can cause impotence issues in men:
Restricts blood flow: High cholesterol causes plaque accumulation in the arteries. Plaque can also be formed in the passages of the penile blood vessels. This blocks the blood flow inside the penile arteries. Lack of blood flow to the penile gives rise to erection problems in men.
Endothelial Dysfunction: Cholesterol is a waxy substance that sticks to the endothelial walls of the penile arteries. The walls of the blood vessels have blood vessels to facilitate the blood flow. The fat deposits hinder the blood flow through the tiny blood vessels of the endothelial walls.
Reduces Nitric Oxide Release: Nitric oxide is a vital chemical that increases the relaxation of penile muscles and arteries. High cholesterol can inhibit the release of nitric oxide, further preventing the dilation of penile blood vessels. Without sufficient nitric oxide, achieving an erection becomes challenging.
