Erectile Dysfunction: The Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Mark Hyman

Nov 11, 2024

Episode description

Erectile dysfunction is more than just a bedroom issue—it’s often an early indicator of more serious health problems. In this episode of “The Doctor’s Farmacy,” I look back on conversations with Dr. George Papanicolaou and Dr. George Shapiro to explore the surprising connections between sexual health and overall wellness and why ED is often an early indicator of metabolic issues, insulin resistance, and heart health. I’ll cover conventional treatments, as well as emerging therapies, and share how lifestyle changes in diet, exercise, and sleep can boost testosterone and improve sexual performance.

View Show Notes From This Episode

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Full-length episodes of these interviews can be found here:

The Science of Erectile Dysfunction and Unexpected Ways to Treat It

How To Treat Erectile Dysfunction Without The Little Blue Pill

The State of Science for Sex, Aging, and Regenerative Medicine

This episode is brought to you by Pique, LMNT, and Eight Sleep.

Head over to PiqueLife.com/Hyman20 and get up to 20% off + a complimentary beaker and rechargeable frother.

LMNT is giving listeners a FREE eight-count sample pack of their vital electrolyte drink mix with any purchase. Just visit DrinkLMNT.com/Hyman today.

Save three-hundred dollars off the POD 4 Ultra and two-hundred dollars off the Pod 4. Head to EightSleep.com/Mark.

Episode description

Erectile dysfunction is more than just a bedroom issue—it’s often an early indicator of more serious health problems. In this episode of “The Doctor’s Farmacy,” I look back on conversations with Dr. George Papanicolaou and Dr. George Shapiro to explore the surprising connections between sexual health and overall wellness and why ED is often an early indicator of metabolic issues, insulin resistance, and heart health. I’ll cover conventional treatments, as well as emerging therapies, and share how lifestyle changes in diet, exercise, and sleep can boost testosterone and improve sexual performance.

View Show Notes From This Episode

Get Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hyman

Sign Up for Dr. Hyman’s Weekly Longevity Journal

Full-length episodes of these interviews can be found here:

The Science of Erectile Dysfunction and Unexpected Ways to Treat It

How To Treat Erectile Dysfunction Without The Little Blue Pill

The State of Science for Sex, Aging, and Regenerative Medicine

This episode is brought to you by Pique, LMNT, and Eight Sleep.

Head over to PiqueLife.com/Hyman20 and get up to 20% off + a complimentary beaker and rechargeable frother.

LMNT is giving listeners a FREE eight-count sample pack of their vital electrolyte drink mix with any purchase. Just visit DrinkLMNT.com/Hyman today.

Save three-hundred dollars off the POD 4 Ultra and two-hundred dollars off the Pod 4. Head to EightSleep.com/Mark.

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Track health data with comprehensive lab tests from Function Health

Function Health is a service co-founded by the host that allows you to get over 110 biomarkers tested twice a year to track your health data.

Utilize regenerative injections to enhance erectile function

Injecting exosomes or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) directly into the penis, known as a P-shot, can significantly improve erections by delivering a high concentration of growth factors.

Utilize GainsWave to regenerate penile tissue with shockwave therapy

A non-invasive technology called GainsWave uses low-intensity shockwaves to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in the penis, with results lasting up to two years.

Reduce sugar intake to combat erectile dysfunction

Sugar is extremely inflammatory to the blood vessel lining, and within two hours of consumption, it causes vasoconstriction that reduces blood flow.

Recognize erectile dysfunction as early indicator of heart disease

The first sign of endothelial dysfunction, which causes heart attacks and strokes, is often erectile dysfunction because it's a systemic vascular problem.

Reduce alcohol to prevent testosterone conversion to estrogen

Alcohol increases an enzyme called aromatase, which converts testosterone into estrogen, leading to symptoms like 'man boobs' and lower testosterone levels.

Demand proper cholesterol testing for better metabolic health

An estimated 99% of people are not getting the right 21st-century cholesterol panel (lipoprotein fractionation), which is crucial for understanding metabolic health.

Reduce belly fat to boost testosterone levels

Visceral belly fat contains an enzyme called aromatase that actively converts your testosterone into estrogen, leading to lower T levels and hormonal chaos.

Address erectile dysfunction in young men to break stigma

A recent study found that one in four men under the age of 40 is affected by erectile dysfunction, highlighting it's not just an issue for older men.

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