The Role of Diet in the Pathogenesis of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED), characterized by a man’s constant or recurrent disability to obtain and/or maintain penile erection sufficient to achieve and complete satisfactory sexual intercourse, is a common ailment. Its incidence and prevalence increases with age. ED is caused by several factors -psychological factors, organic factors, and metabolic factors. ED may also be iatrogenic and related to some drugs, pelvic surgery, or radiotherapy. The main etiology is vascular in nature, with risk factors that are common to other cardiovascular diseases. Several drugs, mechanical and prosthetic devices, and surgical procedures are used to alleviate ED. Lifestyle modulation is increasingly being added as first-line treatments for ED. These include lack of physical activity and cigarette smoking. Obesity and an unhealthy quality of diet are also lifestyles that affect ED. This manuscript narratively reviews the impact of excessive caloric intake, various dietary ingredients, and special diets on ED.