Erection pills may have benefits for more than just sex, new study finds

In addition to helping you become a stand-up guy, erectile dysfunction (ED) pills may also offer several potential health benefits.

Around 50-55 percent of all British men between the ages of 40 and 70 some degree of ED, according to the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS).

The NHS says that impotence 'is very common' in men over 40 and is 'usually nothing to worry about, but see a GP if it keeps happening'.

ED pills help men rise to the occasion by relaxing blood vessels so more blood can flow into the penis. With arousal, that extra blood flow makes it easier to get and keep an erection. They don’t work without sexual stimulation.

Aside from the obvious benefits, a new study published in the World Journal of Men’s Health found that ED pills - known as PDE5 inhibitors - might also help with heart disease, stroke risk and diabetes.

Possible healthy benefits of ED pills

ED pills have been shown to provide various health benefits (Getty Stock Images)

Researchers found a link between PDE5 inhibitors and heart health, with improved circulation and vascular function.

The study also found that the drug could be beneficial for those with an enlarged prostate, with improvements in urinary symptoms.

Prostate cancer patients often have erectile issues and PDE5 inhibitors are generally recommended.

"In summary, the available evidence base is encouraging bearing in mind the potentially pleiotropic effects of PDE5i and could be particularly relevant in the case of prostate cancer patients," the authors wrote.

"However, because the evidence base is mostly generated from observational studies, these findings cannot prove a causal relationship," they noted.

ED pills 'could improve many other serious, life-limiting conditions'

50-55 percent of all British men between the ages of 40 and 70 some degree of ED (Getty Stock Images)

“Sadly, too many men are missing out on simple treatments that could set them on the right track to getting their sex life back and, the evidence shows, could improve many other serious, life-limiting conditions they may face,” Sophie Smith, a senior specialist nurse with Prostate Cancer UK, told The Telegraph.

“Lots of men tell us that they find it difficult to bring up the subject of sex at their appointments, often because they are embarrassed, or they don’t want to waste the doctor’s time.”

Smith added: “I encourage healthcare professionals to talk proactively and regularly with patients about their sexual wellbeing, and treatments that can help.

“I’d also like to reassure every man living with or after prostate cancer that your sex life is important, and that you can talk to your GP about erection problems.

“Finally, erection pills don’t work for all men, but there are other treatment options.”

Causes of erectile dysfunction

'Most men occasionally fail to get or keep an erection', and the NHS says 'this is usually caused by stress, tiredness or drinking too much alcohol, and it's nothing to worry about'.

ED can also be caused by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, depression or anxiety.

"Depending on the cause, you may still be able to get an erection at other times, such as when you wake up. Sometimes you might also have low sex drive (loss of libido)," it adds.