Introduction
Dupuytren’s disease or Dupuytren’s contracture and Erectile Dysfunction are two different types of health issues. The link between these two diseases may not be immediately evident. But the association between these two health issues has aroused the curiosity of medical professionals and researchers in recent years. Although both ED and DC affect different parts of body, they do share some sort of connections according to many modern researchers. In this article, we will explore the connection between both of these issues.
Understanding Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction is a pretty common sexual disorder for men, which affects the erectile function. Due to ED, men fail to obtain strong erections sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Men of all ages are prone to this issue, but older men specially are more likely to experience it than others. Erectile Dysfunction can occur due to various factors, including ageing, underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart issues, hypertension, high cholesterol etc. Psychological factors such as anxiety or depression can also cause ED in men. Certain hazardous habit such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and taking drugs can play crucial role in the development of this disease.
Exploring Dupuytren’s Disease
Dupuytren’s disease, on the other hand, is a hand deformity that develops slowly. It affects the connective tissues beneath the skin of the palm and fingers. As the condition progresses, the affected tissues thicken and form cords, which causes the fingers to bend inward towards the palm. This results in limited hand functionality and causes major hurdles to perform daily activities.
The Common Thread
Naturally, these two issues may seem unrelated but surprisingly they do share some common features. The link between Erectile Dysfunction and Dupuytren’s disease lies in their shared association with collagen protein. Collagen is a vital protein metabolism which is responsible for giving structure and strength to various tissues in the body, including the erectile tissue of the penis and the connective tissues in the hand affected by Dupuytren’s disease.
Recent research done on this subject conclude that, individuals with Dupuytren’s disease may have an increased risk of developing Erectile Dysfunction. The underlying mechanism appears to involve the overexpression of collagen-producing genes, which lead to collagen protein accumulation and fibrosis in both the hands and the various tissues of penis. This fibrotic process can hinder the expansion of blood vessels, cause Peyronie’s Disease and disrupt the blood supply necessary for achieving and maintaining an erection, thus contributing to Erectile Dysfunction.
Shared Risk Factors
Both Dupuytren’s disease and Erectile Dysfunction share some common risk factors. For example, age is a significant risk factor for both ED and Dupuytren’s disease. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have been linked to the development and progression of both conditions as well. Interestingly, some medical conditions that can impair the flow of blood and affect collagen metabolism, such as, diabetes and hypertension, may also contribute to the development of both ED and Dupuytren’s disease.
Treatments of Erectile Dysfunction
Medicines: Oral medications such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ED. But these drugs should not be taken as a long-term solution. Because in future, these medicines can pose various negative implications on the body.
Vacuum Pump: It is a non-invasive procedure and pretty effective. Vacuum pumps for Erectile Dysfunction generate erection by drawing blood into the penis using a suction. Patients themselves can use these penile pumps in their home.
Management of Underlying Medical Conditions: If issues like diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol are the causes of ED, then managing them effectively is vital in order to improve the erectile function.
Exercises: Psychical exercises increase the blood flow in the various parts of the body, including penile tissues. Regular physical exercises can enable the penis to get more blood supply and thus in turn can improve the erectile function.
Shockwave Therapy: Shockwave therapy is a relatively new treatment for ED and it is completely non-invasive. It uses low-intensity shockwaves to increase the blood flow within penis and generate new blood vessels. It’s an extremely safe treatment procedure and according to MansMatters, a UK-based men’s health clinic, shockwave therapy for ED is probably the best single treatment anyone can get right now. MansMatters only provide non-invasive treatments for male sexual issues. Their other non-invasive treatments include, EMTT therapy, Tesla Chair and NanoVi EXo.
Surgical Treatments: Surgical procedures are only taken when there is no other way and the condition of ED is too severe. Penile implants are the most common surgical treatments of Erectile Dysfunction. These implants are effective in generating erections. However, men can’t obtain natural erections through these implants. Moreover, surgical procedures come with various negative side-effects as well.
Treatments of Dupuytren’s Disease
Non-Surgical Treatments: Steroid injections and collagenase injections are typically used to treat this issue. These injections reduce inflammation, symptoms and break down the contracted tissue. Shockwave therapy for Dupuytren’s contracture is also an effective treatment option. Because shockwave therapy can break down the plaques and improve blood circulation in the hands.
Surgical Treatments: If the condition of Dupuytren’s disease gets in its later stages, then surgical procedures may be required. Fasciectomy, fasciotomy and dermofasciectomy are some of the common surgical treatments of the disease.
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that more research studies need to be done on this subject in order to better understand the connection between these two issues. Both of these diseases can pose extreme psychological pressure and depression. However, it’s important not to succumb to the anxiety or depression. Seek professional help. With effective management, it’s possible to improve both of these unfortunate conditions.