Young men are more likely to have erectile dysfunction if they also have common medical conditions

As if erectile dysfunction (ED) weren’t difficult enough, scientists say impotence may be linked to a common condition that causes humiliating and stubborn symptoms.

ED, which affects about 30 million American men, occurs when you can’t get or keep an erection strong enough for satisfying sex. It can be caused by psychological problems, such as stress or past trauma, physical problems, such as diabetes or nerve problems, medications or substance use.

Now, scientists are investigating a possible link between ED and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic gastrointestinal disorder believed to affect 10% to 15% of the US population.

In a small study of medical students, Peruvian researchers determined that those with IBS had a 108% higher prevalence of ED than those without the stomach condition.

The authors of the study noted that medical students often face high academic demands. Stress can significantly affect the production of sex hormones, especially testosterone, and disrupt the coordination between nerves and blood vessels necessary for an erection.

They also noted that IBS sufferers often have a poor quality of life due to uncomfortable symptoms such as uncontrollable gas, diarrhea and bloating, which severely affects their mental health and impairs their desire to awakening

Possible explanations beyond psychological factors include IBS-related changes in gut hormones, which can affect blood flow and nerve signaling, and problems with the inner lining of blood vessels.

A separate 2024 study confirmed that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may contribute to ED.

IBD is similar to IBS in that it is a chronic digestive condition, but IBS does not cause inflammation.

Between 2.4 million and 3.1 million Americans are estimated to have IBD.

The study authors suggested that Crohn’s disease — a type of IBD characterized by inflammation in the digestive tract — may increase the risk of ED, while ulcerative colitis does not.

Ulcerative colitis is a type of IBD that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum. The study authors said further research is needed to clarify a causal relationship between IBD and ED.

There are no known cures for IBD or IBS.

Patients may find relief with medication, a healthier diet, and lifestyle changes such as managing stress and drinking more water. IBD sufferers sometimes need surgery.

Men with ED, meanwhile, may benefit from oral medications, exercise, sobriety, psychosexual counseling, or surgery.