Can STDs Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

March 18, 2021

5 mins

Erectile dysfunction is not a new challenge that men face. The inability to get an erection has been a problem for men around the world for hundreds of years. The physiology behind getting an erection is quite complex and involves the functions of many different body systems to work properly. 

A perplexing problem that is still being analyzed to this day is the possible causes of erectile dysfunction. There is evidence to suggest that living a healthy lifestyle, limiting alcohol consumption, and not smoking can decrease the likelihood of getting ED. These are commonly known ways to reduce the chances of ED and there is continual research into other factors that could play a role in the development of erectile dysfunction. 

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One cause of ED that people want to know more about is the effects of sexually transmitted infections on the development of ED. 

This article aims to provide clarity and give you insight into whether or not STDs can cause ED, which variants can cause ED, as well as how ED and STDs are treated. Equipped with this knowledge you can ensure that you are doing everything in your power to limit the chances of sexual dysfunction and increase your knowledge about STDs. 

What are STDs?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a group of illnesses from bacteria or viral infections that can be transmitted through sexual contact. STDs have a certain level of stigma behind them, but they happen to a lot of people and are nothing to be ashamed of. 

STDs affect the genitalia and are often spread through sexual contact. STDs affect both men and women and are an important factor in maintaining public health. 

The COVID-19 pandemic is not the only pandemic that has occurred within the last 100 years. The HIV/AIDS pandemic affected millions around the globe decades ago.

When first discovered, HIV/AIDS was a topic that struck fear in people as there was no available treatment and very little was known about the disease. While HIV/AIDS is nowhere near as infectious as COVID-19, it does show that public opinion of the sexual nature of the disease downplayed its reach and scope. The transmission of HIV is still occurring with nearly 1.2 million people in the U.S. having HIV.

STDs are like any other infection in the human body. If you detect and treat it early, you will most likely have fewer complications. The longer you wait, the more complications you may have. 

What is Erectile Dysfunction and What Causes it?

Erectile dysfunction (ED), unlike an STD, is not infectious. ED is the inability or difficulty to maintain or attain an erection. When men reach an erection, it's a process that involves the brain, hormones, circulatory system, prostate, and genitals. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a disruption in any one of these organs.

Having poor circulatory health, a hormonal imbalance, or an inflamed prostate can all cause ED. While these are what directly cause ED, unhealthy lifestyle choices may lead to other health issues and possibly the development of ED. Natural ways to prevent ED include getting regular exercise, eating healthy, and seeing a healthcare provider as soon as you notice any health concerns. 

How Can STDs Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

STDs can infect the prostate, an important part of the male reproductive system. This may lead to ED from a build-up of inflammation in the area. The prostate is located near the urethra, between the bladder and the penis. The positioning of the prostate plays a significant role in its function. The prostate controls urine flow and plays a role in producing seminal fluid. 

An infection from an STD typically starts in the urethra. Because of this, it isn’t uncommon for the prostate to become infected when you have an STD. An inflamed prostate can cause pain during, before, and after sexual activity. An inflamed prostate can also cause pain during urination. Many health experts believe pain from prostatitis leads to ED from an STD. Prostatitis is a term used to describe pain in the prostate.

What STDs Can Lead to Erectile Dysfunction?

It is important to note that not all STDs are the same and that each has slightly different symptoms associated with them. 

The two main STDs that tend to cause prostatitis are chlamydia and gonorrhea. Both STDs are mainly caused by bacterial infections.

The urethra is an easy place for bacteria to grow. Prostate seminal fluid production in the area makes it an easy target for infection. 

How are STDs Treated?

The best way to avoid prostatitis and associated pain and sexual dysfunction is to treat it as quickly as possible. If you are sexually active, you should ensure that you are getting regular STD tests. Doing so can save you money on costly treatments and ensure that you aren’t spreading STDs to any sexual partner. 

When caught early, many bacterial STDs can effectively be treated with a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics work by selectively targeting bacteria within the body and killing or inoculating them in some way. Viral STDs like HIV have no cure. However, antiviral medications can effectively suppress an HIV infection to undetectable levels. 

How is Erectile Dysfunction Treated?

There are many treatments available for erectile dysfunction, and the type of treatment depends on the cause. 

For the vast majority of erectile dysfunction cases, ED medications may help restore normal erectile function. Viagra®, Cialis®, and Levitra are a few common treatment options for ED. The chemical makeup of each medication differs slightly, so one medication may work better for someone than the other. 

If medications don't work, a healthcare provider may recommend other options. Injections work by providing a vasodilator directly where you need it.

Surgical remedies are typically a last resort but some men opt for them for the ability to have an erection without being tied down to a prescription. Surgery for ED involves placing an inflatable implant inside the penis. A reservoir is implanted in the testicles. When healed, the implant allows the patient to get an erection by inflating or depleting the implant in the scrotum.

Can Prostate Damage be Reversed?

Luckily, an enlarged prostate due to infection will normally resolve itself once the infection has been treated with antibiotics. For some men, it can be a long process to recover from prostatitis.

Conditions like Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) can cause an enlarged prostate. BPH can be managed with ED medications like Cialis®. These medications can reduce the size of the prostate and alleviate pain and discomfort in the penis.

How Rex MD Can Help

In summary, STDs can cause erectile dysfunction if they cause prostatitis. The pain and discomfort experienced in the genital region comes from the development of ED near the penis.

STDs are not the only cause of ED. There are many different causes of ED. The most popular and standard treatment option available for ED is PDE5 inhibitor medications like Viagra®, Cialis®, and Levitra. 

REX MD offers all of these medications at competitive prices. If you are looking for an effective ED treatment, REX MD may be able to help.