Scientific data shows that there is a lot of truth in this exaggerated formulation. A current analysis published in the “Journal of Sexual Medicine” once again comes to the conclusion: Men with erectile dysfunction have a significantly increased risk of serious cardiovascular diseases and also a higher mortality. Other studies show that erectile dysfunction can often occur several years before a heart attack – sometimes five years or more in advance.

Why vascular problems first show up in the penis

The explanation is actually simple. An erection is primarily a vascular process. In order for it to occur, the blood vessels in the penis have to expand significantly so that enough blood flows into the erectile tissue.

However, the arteries that supply the penis are significantly smaller than many other vessels in the body. While coronary arteries have a diameter of around three to four millimeters, the penile arteries are only around one to two millimeters in size.

When deposits form in the vessels – for example due to increased cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, diabetes or smoking – these small vessels are often affected first. This is precisely why erections can subside sooner than other physical functions.

Or to put it another way: The penis often responds earlier than the heart.

If there is no morning erection

Many men notice subtle changes at first. Morning erections become less frequent, the erection is less stable or wears off more quickly.

Such changes are often dismissed as a normal part of getting older. In fact, it is important to take a closer look – especially if these changes persist over several months.

Persistent erectile dysfunction may be an indication of:

• Arteriosclerosis (vesicle calcification)
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes mellitus
• Fat metabolism disorders
• incipient cardiovascular diseases

Therefore, erection problems should not be viewed medically in isolation, but always in connection with general vascular health.

Impotence drugs rarely solve the actual problem

In public perception, the topic is often reduced to medications such as Viagra. These medications can actually help improve erections.

However, they usually do not solve the cause.

If erectile dysfunction is caused by a vascular disease, the actual problem remains. Therefore, in the case of new or long-lasting erectile dysfunction, it should always be checked whether risk factors such as increased blood lipids, high blood pressure or diabetes are present.

In practice, this means: In addition to the urological examination, blood tests, blood pressure measurements and an assessment of the cardiovascular risk are often included.

Men often ignore warning signs for too long

Another problem is that many men suppress such changes for a long time. Potency problems are still considered a taboo topic – and are therefore often only discussed when the symptoms are clearly pronounced.

The early point in time would be particularly valuable medically. If erectile dysfunction is actually an early warning sign of vascular problems, this also opens up an opportunity: you can take countermeasures before serious cardiovascular diseases develop.

We urologists therefore continually encourage our patients to actively discuss these problems with their doctor. There is really no reason to be ashamed, even if the problem is in the intimate area. In addition, there are now excellent digital contact points for men where the inhibition threshold is even lower – you just have to use them.

• regular physical activity
• a balanced diet
• enough sleep
• Stress reduction
• Avoid nicotine

It is no coincidence that men with a healthy lifestyle often have stable erections for longer.

The old medical quip therefore has a kernel of truth: If the “antenna” becomes weaker, it is worth listening more closely – not only in the interest of sexuality, but above all for the health of the heart.