Caffeine May Help Prevent Erectile Dysfunction: Study

A team of researchers recently claimed that regular caffeine intake can prevent erectile dysfunction. The study by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center, in Houston, claims that men who consume more caffeine in their daily routine are less likely to experience the problem. However, caffeine did not seem to work for men with diabetes, as the researchers found that caffeine has no effect on their level of impotence.

"Diabetes is one of the strongest risk factors for erectile dysfunction, so this was not surprising," lead author Dr. David Lopez said in a news release from the university.

During the study, the researchers examined the 24-hour dietary habits of more than 3,700 men and noticed the amount of caffeine taken on a daily basis. In addition, the men were examined for sexual dysfunction. The data revealed that men who consumed two mugs of coffee per day -- equivalent to 75 mg to 85 mg of daily intake of caffeine -- were 42 percent less likely to develop erectile dysfunction as compared to those who did not consume any caffeine. Heavy consumers of caffeine were 39 percent less likely to develop the disorder.

According to Dr. Natan Bar-Chama of Mount Sinai Hospital in the New York City, the findings are in line with ongoing research on the health effects of caffeine. "These findings also support the latest U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee position that drinking three to five cups a day reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, two conditions that are well established as significant risk factors for erectile dysfunction."

The complete study has been published in the journal PLOS One.