Excessive Computer Use Tied to Increased Risk of Erectile Dysfunction in Men, Study Suggests
Men, it might be time to reconsider your screen time habits. According to a recent study in Andrology, for every 1.2 hours spent on the computer, men faced a staggering 3.57 times higher risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED).
The study examined over 200,000 men aged between 40 and 60, sourced from the UK Biobank, an expansive online repository housing medical and lifestyle data from over half a million individuals across Britain.
Excessive Computer Use, tied to increased risk of Erectile Dysfunction in Men
An intriguing discovery emerged: men exhibiting a heightened genetic predisposition towards spending excessive leisure hours on their computers displayed a more pronounced correlation with decreased levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, vital for sperm production stimulation in men.
Equally fascinating was the researchers’ revelation that other sedentary leisure activities, such as driving or watching TV, did not exhibit the same propensity to heighten the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) as leisurely computer use. However, at present, the researchers have yet to ascertain the underlying reason for the observed correlation between leisurely computer use and ED risk.
The authors of this study wrote in the article: “Although the specific mechanism of erectile dysfunction caused by computer use has not been clarified in the present study, the damage of sedentary behavior to erectile dysfunction appears to be clear, which needs to attract public attention. In other words, physical activity can help to prevent or improve erectile dysfunction.”
This is not the first time that researchers have found that men living a sedentary lifestyle often experience higher rates of ED. With this information, it shows the connection between sedentary behavior of computer use for leisure and the association of ED.
While the study does not establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship, it does imply that men experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED) and engaging in prolonged sessions of video gaming, social media interaction, or other computer-based leisure activities should seriously contemplate reducing their screen time and incorporating more physical activity into their routines.
Takeaway message
If a man experiences erectile dysfunction (ED) and has been dedicating numerous hours each day to leisurely computer use, it’s advisable for him to contemplate implementing a consistent exercise regimen, as other studies have demonstrated its potential to alleviate ED symptoms. However, if the issue persists, it’s crucial for men to seek guidance from a urologist, who can provide a comprehensive range of solutions to address the problem.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.