Study Finds Surprising Link Between Erectile Dysfunction and Coffee Habits

Study Finds Surprising Link Between Erectile Dysfunction and Coffee Habits

Much has been made of the rise in sales of erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs during the pandemic. Last summer, Superdrug announced that it had logged a 30% year-on-year increase in orders, while online searches about the condition rose to their highest levels in 12 months. A positive spin would be that stay-home guidelines resulted in more moments of personal closeness, and that macho stigmas related to medication are fading.

Yet ED, which affects around one in five men in the UK, is often symptomatic of stress and depression – both of which have spiked as coronavirus upset the rhythms of ordinary life. And, with a 28-tablet pack of Viagra Connect retailing at £113, the reality is that – unless prescribed by a doctor – a medicated fix remains out of the reach of many.

Luckily, researchers at the University of Texas may have stumbled on a simple lifestyle adjustment that could leave you full of beans where it counts. In a study using data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the scientists analysed the caffeine intake of 3,724 men and its relationship to the prevalence of ED. The results suggested that those who consumed between 85mg and 170mg per day – equivalent to one or two cups – were more than 42% less likely to report difficulties compared to those who drank none. This was attributed to caffeine’s ability to relax arteries and muscle tissue in the penis, potentially increasing blood flow.

So, though coffee isn’t guaranteed to give every part of you a lift, it’s well worth a shot. What's more, coffee’s not the only kitchen staple linked to better blood flow. Consider one (or all) of these pill-free remedies...