The terms impotence and erectile dysfunction mean the same thing and indicate the involvement of biochemical processes in the body involved in achieving and sustaining an erection. While the causes of impotence vary, a survey of men in Pakistan, Nigeria and Egypt, showed that coffee and caffeine consumption correlates with moderate to severe erectile dysfunction. The study's authors point out similar results in Brazil in a study conducted by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, although in the same study, Japan, Malaysia and Italy did not report a similar correlation.
Impotence/Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction means an inability to get an erection or to keep one long enough for sexual intercourse. The complicated process for erection is initiated in the brain, the nervous system carries the message, blood flow increases to the penis to fill the erectile tissues, and the veins for blood leaving the penis shut off to keep the blood in the erectile tissue. Interference at any point in this process results in erectile dysfunction.
Causes of Impotence
Damage to cells or tissue of the penis cause decreased blood flow through the arteries supplying blood to the penis or inability to keep the blood from flowing through the veins back into general circulation. Some diseases that affect the ability to have an erection include heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney failure, stroke, multiple sclerosis and depression. The action of medications for treating heart disease and those that effect the central nervous system can interfere with erection. The chemical substances of alcohol, nicotine, cocaine and heroin cause impotence.
Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction
Research on the prevalence of erectile dysfunction rely on surveys asking men about erectile dysfunction and related health and social factors, but the World Health Organization's overview shows marked differences among the studies. The Massachusetts Male Aging Study showed that 31 percent of men with an average age of 62 had moderate to complete erectile dysfunction. A survey in Pakistan, Nigeria and Egypt reported 10.2 percent of men between the ages of 35 and 39 had moderate to complete erectile dysfunction, and 55.5 percent of men between 60 and 70 had moderate to complete erectile dysfunction. The Mens' Health Survey from Canada and five European countries reported only on complete erectile dysfunction, with 5 percent of men age 40 having complete erectile dysfunction and 15 percent of men age 70 having complete erectile dysfunction. Regardless of the study, the prevalence of erectile dysfunction increases with age.
Coffee and Caffeine Effects
Coffee acts on the body's metabolism and stimulates the central nervous system. The caffeine in coffee inhibits the neurotransmitters adenosine and benzodiazepine and causes changes to other signaling chemicals produced in the brain. Coffee might increase alertness, short-term recall and reaction time, and acts as a stimulant to reduce fatigue and improve mood. Drinking too much coffee can cause headaches, affect sleep patterns, increase behavior related to nervous tension and increase heart rate.
Coffee and Impotence
Impotence related to coffee consumption hasn't been clinically studied. The survey study of men in Pakistan, Nigeria and Egypt indicates twice as many men who drink beverages containing caffeine have moderate to severe impotence. In theory, high caffeine use might cause the adrenal glands to produce excess amounts of cortisol to deal with the additional stimulation of the central nervous system resulting in stress. Overuse of the adrenal gland means reduced ability for it to produce the hormones needed for sexual response to cause an erection.
Safe Coffee Consumption
Part of the reason for the popularity of coffee and other beverages containing caffeine is enjoyment, so recommending elimination from the diet might not work. According to "Nursing Standard," less than 400mg of caffeine per day is a safe limit for healthy people. Six ounces of coffee contains varying amounts of caffeine, from 40mg to 180mg, with brewed coffee containing the highest amounts, instant coffee moderate amounts and decaffeinated coffee small amounts. Patients requiring limits on caffeine based on health issues like high blood pressure should follow their physician's recommendations.
References
- International Journal of Impotence Research" Prevalence of erectile dysfunction...; Shaeer KZM et al; 2003
- "Nursing Standard"; Health aspects of caffeine: benefits and risks; Ruxton Carrie; 2009
- World Health Organization; Men, Aging and Health; 2001
- "Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary"; 19th edition; 2001
Member Comments