Can an STD Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Can an STD Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

No man wants to dwell on the subject of erectile dysfunction. Talking about it with others can be embarrassing, awkward, or downright scary. Yet, the reality is that erectile dysfunction can occur because of a myriad of physical problems. Can an STD cause erectile dysfunction? The answer, unfortunately, is yes. Here, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the connection between ED and STDs –– as well as what you can to protect yourself and your partner(s): 

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Most men, around 52%, will experience some level of ED during their lifetime. And it’s worth noting that only a portion of them will do so because of an STD. Indeed, there are dozens of physiological reasons why a man may struggle to get and/or maintain an erection. Some of these are physical, like diabetes, heart disease, and high-blood pressure. Others are entirely psychological like depression, anxiety, or stress. So while struggling with ED doesn’t mean you necessarily have an STD, you should still get it checked out all the same. The good news is that ED is a common condition that can be allayed or managed with a variety of treatments.  

STDs that Cause ED

There are two main STDs associated with erectile dysfunction: chlamydia and gonorrhea. Both of these bacterial infections affect the urethra, which in turn can cause the prostate gland to become infected and inflamed. When this happens, blood flow in the penis may become restricted, thus making it difficult to get and keep an erection. What’s more, both men and women with chlamydia and gonorrhea may experience pain during sexual intercourse. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are unlikely to cause infertility in  men –– though both can cause urethral scarring. 

One final note: just thinking you have an STD can contribute to ED. Since erectile dysfunction is sometimes caused by mental stress and worry, fretting over your own health could actually lead to ED. 

ED and STDs

Not only can STDs lead to ED, but having ED could make you more vulnerable to contracting an STD. A study from ten years ago found that men who were prescribed drugs for ED were two-to-three times more likely to contract an STD than the general population. Make no mistake: ED drugs do not cause STDs. So why does ED make men more vulnerable to STDs? The answer may relate to safe-sex practices. It’s possible that men with ED are more willing to forgo condoms during intercourse. Doing so, though, greatly increases the risk of STD transference. Remember, you’re never too young or too old to get an STD; always practice safe sex.