Can STD cause ED
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Yes, sexually transmitted diseases can cause erectile dysfunction. But can all STDs cause ED? No, not all STDs have the potential to cause ED. Some STDs like gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, hepatitis, and HIV can cause ED. These diseases not only affect a person physically but can also have long-lasting effects on their mental state. Communicating with your partner and seeking professional help is always a good idea.
Let us now read this article to understand what the common STDs causing ED are, how they cause ED, treatment options, and preventive measures for the same.
Common STDs And Their Effects Causing ED
Some common STDs along with their effects causing erectile dysfunction are
Chlamydia: It is caused by a bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis. This STD is very easy to treat and cure. Chlamydia can cause pain during urination, testicular pain, and infection of the rectum and prostate [1], all of which can interfere with sexual function and can cause ED. [2]
Gonorrhea: It is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Patients who suffer from gonorrhea may have pain in their testicles, rectum, epididymis, and prostate. These patients may notice whitish discharge from the penis in the early stages and yellowish-greenish discharge in the later stages. According to a patient education material by Colorado State University, gonorrhea, if left untreated, can cause erectile dysfunction [3].
HIV: HIV leads to the inflammation of the entire bodily system and damages blood vessels. Poor blood flow will lead to poor erections. People suffering from HIV face a reduced sexual interest and arousal. In a survey that involved filling out an anonymous self-questionnaire, 40 percent of men reported loss of sexual interest [4].
Hepatitis: Both hepatitis B [5] and C [6] are associated with loss of erectile function and thereby cause erectile dysfunction.
Syphilis: This STD progresses in 3 stages: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Every stage has its own symptoms. If not treated, syphilis in tertiary or late stages can cause erectile dysfunction [7].
How Can STD Cause ED: Mechanism Of Action
Some STDs can cause erectile dysfunction directly, while others can cause it by indirect means. There are two types of mechanisms by which STDs can cause ED. They are physical and psychological. They may cause an infection, inflammation, hormonal disturbances, damage to reproductive organs, and other systemic conditions in the body [8]. All of these, when untreated, can cause erectile dysfunction.
Prostatitis: Prostatitis refers to inflammation of the prostate gland and the surrounding area. This condition can damage the nerves and blood flow to the penis, which is important for achieving and maintaining an erection. Prostatitis can have multiple causes; sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are one of them [9]. Among these, chlamydia is one of the most common STDs associated with prostatitis [10].
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Damage to the reproductive organ tract: STDs like gonorrhea, if untreated, can cause pain, scarring in the pathway that carries sperm, problems with fertility, and erectile dysfunction [11].
Systemic illness: some STDs like HIV and hepatitis B and C exist along with a lot of other diseases and systemic conditions. These STIs are associated with cardiovascular diseases, chronic inflammation, and mental health conditions [12].
Endothelial dysfunction: STDs like syphilis can damage the endothelium (lining of blood vessels), which plays an important role in achieving erections[13].
Treatments Options For STDs causing ED
You might be wondering about the quality of life with an STD. It is not good, but that does not mean that it can not be improved. Treatment options for STDs causing EDs may involve treatment for the underlying STD, managing ED, or a combination of both.
Treating the underlying STD: Different STDs have different lines of treatment. But in this section our main focus is to cover the STDs that are responsible for causing ED.
In most of the cases, treating STDs can improve and cure erectile dysfunction.
- For bacterial infections: STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis that are caused by bacteria are often treated with antibiotics. [14]
- Viral infections: Some viral infections like HIV and hepatitis may not be curable, but with antiviral therapy and long-term medical care, their impact on sexual health can be reduced. [14]
- In some cases, additional tests or follow-up care may be necessary to ensure the infection is fully resolved or well controlled.
- In cases where STDs involve psychological impacts, counseling and therapy sessions by a healthcare professional play a major role.
“Do not self medicate and rely on medicines by yourself. Treatment and duration should always be decided by a healthcare professional.”
Managing erectile dysfunction: In some cases, even after the STD has been treated, the symptoms of erectile dysfunction persist. In such cases, a proper treatment therapy for ED is followed.
The line of treatment for erectile dysfunction include the following [15]–
- Counseling especially when anxiety, embarrassment, or relationship stress is involved.
- Lifestyle changes, such as improving diet, sleep, and physical activity, which can support both sexual health and overall well-being.
- Medical options, which may be considered in persistent cases under professional guidance.
How can we prevent STDs?
Anyone who is sexually active can get an STD. The good news? STDs are preventable, and you can try some measures to keep you and your partner STD-free [16].
- Practice safe sex: By practicing safe sex, we mean always use contraceptives. Use condoms every time you have sex. Condoms can reduce the risk of infection in both the partners.
- Avoid multiple partners: Always prefer staying in a long-term sexual relationship with either one person or fewer people. Having sex with multiple partners can increase the risk of developing an STD.
- Get vaccinated: Some STDs, like warts or human papillomavirus infections, can be prevented by getting the HPV vaccine.
- Open communication: There is nothing to be shy about. Communicate with your partner about your safety, desires, the importance of safe sex, and regular testing.
- Regular testing: Anyone who is sexually active should get an STD test done, and there is nothing to be ashamed about. Because there are a lot of STDs that do not have any symptoms but can pose serious risks.
Conclusion
Although not every STD can cause erectile dysfunction, a few infections do harm the physical and mental health of men. In most cases, early detection of STDs means that the underlying ED can be successfully managed and treated. Sharing feelings, getting tested from time to time and practicing safe sex are important for both prevention and recovering from STDs. Whenever you suspect an STD or experience ED, talking to a doctor right away can help you manage the symptoms and maintain good sexual health.
Worried about how to open up to your partner about an STD? Watch this video by Allo for clear and supportive advice for honest and clear communication.
