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Can Metformin Be Used To Treat Erectile Dysfunction?

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Posted on Wed, 12 Aug 2015
Question: Can metformin be used to tread erectile disfunction?
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (25 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes, it can help some men by improving blood flow

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

This is a recent (as in the past few yrs) idea.

An erection occurs as a result of relaxation of the blood vessels in the penis due to release of a chemical called nitric oxide.This relaxation causes an increase in blood flow to the area.

It is thought the medications such as metformin and any other meds that may improve the body's response to insulin would help to increase nitric oxide levels.

The increase would then help with relaxation-increased flow- erection

A medical study looked at metformin along with meds such as viagra. Viagra and the other meds like it need nitric oxide to work so since the metformin increases the nitric oxide, they can work together though may still be helpful on its own.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Can Metformin Be Used To Treat Erectile Dysfunction?

Brief Answer: yes, it can help some men by improving blood flow Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic This is a recent (as in the past few yrs) idea. An erection occurs as a result of relaxation of the blood vessels in the penis due to release of a chemical called nitric oxide.This relaxation causes an increase in blood flow to the area. It is thought the medications such as metformin and any other meds that may improve the body's response to insulin would help to increase nitric oxide levels. The increase would then help with relaxation-increased flow- erection A medical study looked at metformin along with meds such as viagra. Viagra and the other meds like it need nitric oxide to work so since the metformin increases the nitric oxide, they can work together though may still be helpful on its own. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions