Men, be careful with your computer in your free time | Excessive use is associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction

Although modern lifestyles often involve extended periods of free time in front of the screen, it is important to be aware of the possible consequences for sexual health.
New research highlights the importance of balancing sedentary activities with physical exercise to promote overall well-being.

A recent study by a team in China suggests that spending excessive time in sedentary leisure activities, such as computer use, can significantly increase the risk of erectile dysfunction. Their study made a disturbing discovery – every 72 minutes more time spent on the computer during leisure activities increases the chances of erectile dysfunction more than three times.

While occasional erectile dysfunction is common, long-term problems can interfere with a person’s sex life. These problems can stem from a variety of factors, including psychological stress, guilt, or underlying medical conditions. Lifestyle choices, such as prolonged sitting, can also contribute to erectile dysfunction by affecting hormone levels and damaging the function of the blood vessels necessary for proper blood flow through the penis.

The study, which is published in the journal Andrology, used a method called Mendelian randomization to investigate the link between sedentary leisure time activities and erectile dysfunction. Analyzing the genetic data of more than 220,000 people of European descent, the researchers looked for correlations between specific genes associated with sedentary behavior and the prevalence of erectile dysfunction.

Interestingly, spending more time using a computer during leisure time is associated not only with a higher risk of erectile dysfunction, but also with decreased levels of a hormone that is key to sperm production.
However, the study did not find a direct cause-and-effect relationship between watching television or recreational driving and erectile dysfunction.

The study acknowledges limitations, suggesting that the distinction between different sedentary activities such as computer use and television viewing may be blurred. Additionally, the available genetic data for recreational driving may not be sufficient to draw correct conclusions.

Despite these limitations, the results highlight the potential negative impact of increased screen time on sexual health. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this relationship and to examine whether interventions targeting sedentary behavior can mitigate the risk of erectile dysfunction.