From the Guidelines
Magnesium does not typically cause decreased erections, and in fact, it may help support erectile function in some cases. The relationship between magnesium and erectile function is complex, and there is limited direct evidence to suggest that magnesium causes decreased erections. According to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine 1, the focus is on the treatment of erectile dysfunction with PDE-5 inhibitors, and there is no mention of magnesium as a cause of decreased erections.
Some key points to consider:
- Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a role in many bodily functions, including muscle relaxation, blood vessel dilation, and energy production, all of which can be important for normal erectile function.
- Magnesium deficiency might contribute to erectile difficulties, as adequate magnesium levels help maintain proper blood flow throughout the body, including to the genital area.
- If you're concerned about erectile dysfunction, it's more likely to be caused by other factors such as cardiovascular issues, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, psychological factors, certain medications, or lifestyle factors like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
- The American College of Physicians recommends that clinicians initiate therapy with a PDE-5 inhibitor in men who seek treatment for erectile dysfunction and who do not have a contraindication to PDE-5 inhibitor use, as stated in the study 1.
It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your specific situation, including any supplements or medications you're taking, to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
From the Research
Magnesium and Erectile Dysfunction
- The relationship between magnesium and erectile dysfunction is explored in a study published in 2017 2.
- This study found that hypomagnesemia (low serum magnesium levels) is associated with a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease.
- The study suggests that magnesium is essential for the metabolism of nitric oxide, which helps in penile erection.
- The results show that hypomagnesemic patients had a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction (93.3% vs 70.8%, P<0.001) compared to normomagnesemic patients.
Predictors of Erectile Dysfunction
- The study 2 also identified several predictors of erectile dysfunction, including:
- Hypomagnesemia (relative risk [RR] 2.27)
- Age ≥70 (RR 1.74)
- Proteinuria (RR 1.80)
- Smoking (RR 21.12)
- C-reactive protein (RR 1.34)
- Abdomal obesity (RR 3.92)
- Hypertension (RR 2.14)
Other Studies on Erectile Dysfunction
- Other studies 3, 4, 5, 6 focus on the treatment of erectile dysfunction using phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, but do not specifically address the relationship between magnesium and erectile dysfunction.
- These studies discuss the efficacy and safety of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, as well as the importance of considering patient preferences and individual factors when selecting a treatment for erectile dysfunction.