question-icon

Can Metformin Be Used To Treat Erectile Dysfunction?

default
Posted on Thu, 23 Jul 2015
Twitter Thu, 23 Jul 2015 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 12 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on
Question : Can metformin be used to tread erectile disfunction?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (5 hours 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
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16845 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Doctor Now
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

125 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
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