Scientists have discovered a potential link between the digestive disorder irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and impotency.
Peruvian scientists found men with IBS had twice the chance of developing erectile dysfunction, compared to those without the uncomfortable and often embarrassing problem.
They theorised that this could be due to confidence knocks experienced by those with IBS as a result of the disruptive symptoms like cramps, bloating, wind, diarrhoea and constipation.
But the scientists added there could also be a potential physiological link — for instance, IBS may limit the production of male sex hormones needed to maintain an erection.
They have called for further research to be conducted into the potential links between the two health conditions.
Scientists don’t currently know what causes IBS though it is considered relatively common with around a fifth of Brits suffering from the condition.
While there is no cure, diet changes such as limiting certain vegetables and medication can help alleviate symptoms.
In the small study, published in the journal Sexual Medicine, experts surveyed 133 medical students on their experience of either or both conditions.
Scientists have discovered a potential link between the digestive disorder irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and impotency
They found about a third suffered from erectile dysfunction and about a tenth from IBS.
Analysis revealed those with IBS had a 108 per cent chance of also suffering from impotency.
While noting their study was observational, the scientists highlighted some intriguing theories that may explain their findings.
The first was that the potentially debilitating digestive problems may lead to increased psychological stress, which is known to interfere with sexual function.
‘This observed association may be due to the fact that individuals with IBS often experience diminished quality of life resulting from the disease, which commonly results in a significant mental and emotional impact,’ they wrote.
Another theory is that gut changes brought on by IBS could somehow impact a man’s ability to develop and maintain an erection.
The scientists said malfunctioning gut bacteria may interfere with the production of hormones that are crucial to healthy sexual function.
It may also be the case that IBS causes inflammation in the lower part of the body, potentially inhibiting blood flow to the penis, they added.
This isn’t the first study to link IBS with erectile dysfunction.
A Taiwanese study found men with IBS were almost three times as likely to suffer from impotency compared to those without.
Erectile dysfunction can be easily treated with Viagra and lifestyle interventions, experts say
The new study had a number of limitations which the authors acknowledged.
Firstly, it was a small sample of medical students in Peru which means the findings may not be relevant to different demographics.
What’s more, the reliability of the data relied on the participants being truthful about their symptoms in the survey.
Given the shame and stigma associated with both conditions the authors said some participants may not have revealed the extent of their problems.
Erectile dysfunction, also called impotency, is thought to effect about half of men over 40.
While most cases are isolated and nothing to worry about, repeated or sustained impotency should be checked out by a GP.
This is not only because it can be treated through medications like Viagra but because the issue can also be a potential indicator of serious health problems.
These include health problems like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, diabetes, hormone imbalances and mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
