Having pain medication at arm’s reach as always been part of aging men daily regimen. When it comes to dealing with aches and pains associated with growing old, most men have a hard time holding back on taking painkillers as they go about their everyday life with little consideration to the possible side effect.

New research has shown that a long term prescription of pain medication for some men may lead to high risk of erectile dysfunction. This means that men that are engaged in a high dose of long-term use of painkillers, also known as “opiods” are not safe from the risk of ED. Painkillers have always known to reduce testosterone levels in men and women until a new study shows it also play a role in the effect of erectile dysfunction, fatigue, constipation, obesity, osteoporosis, and depression.

Erectile dysfunction is referred to inability to sustain and maintain a proper erection sustainable to penetrate during sexual activity. Erection occurs when the arteries carrying blood into the penis widen during sexual stimulation and allow blood to flow in. there are other nerves and hormones present in the body that help to maintain an erection. Any difficulty condition involving the proper function of the circulation or hormonal system may affect the victim from getting a proper erection.

Doctors and scientist have also attributed other factors (both physical and psychological) as a cause of erectile dysfunction. This factor includes; anxieties, diseases, poor diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, surgical problem and sometimes medication.

Nevertheless, there has been conjecture about the study of painkillers been associated with the cause of erectile dysfunction, since ED has already been a common medical condition among aging men without the use of painkillers. However, further research has shown that there has been an increased rate of reported erectile dysfunction among the men on opioid medication. This prompts warrant for further research to backup and understands this hypothesis.

Painkillers medication still stands as the most widely prescribed medication for patients with uncontrollable pain, especially post-operative patients. This does not mean all these painkillers are entirely bad for you. However, abuse or long-term use of all these medications can result to ED both in young and aged men. Patient that consumes these drugs at least five days per week or more than two doses a day are more at higher risk of the side effect of these medications.

It is recommended to try an alternative to painkillers medication when you are experiencing casual pain. Patients should try some stress-free exercise such as physical therapy to reduce pain severity.
If you are suffering from ED you may wanna consider seeing your doctor to confirm if your daily medication can be the source of the problem.