Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder of the functioning of the intestine. It is not serious, but can cause significant discomfort. This pathology affects approximately 5 to 10% of the French population, or nearly 3 million people. Several diseases are linked to this disorder and, recently, scientists have discovered a potential link between irritable bowel syndrome and erectile dysfunction. They presented this discovery in the journal Sexual Medicine.
This pathology is not serious, but it is annoying. Already because of the abdominal pain it causes, but also for the intestinal transit disorders it causes. Individuals who suffer from it complain of constipation, diarrhea or an alternation of the two.
Irritable bowel syndrome is quite common, affecting between 5 and 10% of the French population, or more than 3 million people.
Symptoms can appear at any age, however the disorder more often affects young adults. To date, it is estimated that 2/3 of those affected are women. But this figure could be biased by the fact that men consult less for this type of problem.
Different abnormalities are observed in this disease. For example, there may be motility disorders in the small intestine and colon that cause food to move too slowly or too quickly.
The intestines may also be more sensitive. People then feel bloating or contractions more strongly. Finally, a disruption of the microbiota, the microorganisms that colonize different parts of our body, including the intestines, may be involved. We talk about dysbiosis and it often occurs through eating certain foods.
Several factors can cause irritable bowel syndrome. Fatigue and stress can trigger it, as can gastroenteritis.
Food is also involved. This is particularly the case for unbalanced or overly copious meals. In addition, a significant consumption of ultra-processed foods also seems to be linked to the development of the pathology. Some patients also opt for a gluten-free diet, because this protein is sometimes difficult for them to digest. However, such a diet is very restrictive and must therefore be supervised by a dietician.
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A disorder associated with several other pathologies
In most cases, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome persist. However, patients experience alternations between periods of crisis and lulls.
Several studies have shown an association of this disorder with other diseases. It can thus be observed in cases of endometriosis, fibromyalgia, interstitial cystitis or even chronic fatigue syndrome.
Migraine also shows links to irritable bowel syndrome. Statistics show that patients suffering from this intestinal pathology also suffer from migraines more frequently than others. Treatments used to treat migraine also play an important role in the management of the intestinal disorder.
On the other hand, having the syndrome does not increase the risks of developing colon cancer or chronic inflammatory intestinal disease, the famous IBD, which includes, for example, Crohn's disease.
Recently, scientists have just discovered a potential link with another disorder: erectile problems.
Irritable bowel syndrome affects all parts of the intestine, from the small intestine to the colon.
Credits: Shutterstock/Sebastian Kaulitzki
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Erectile dysfunction, a lasting reduction in the quality of erections
Erectile dysfunction or erectile dysfunction is characterized by an inability to obtain or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.
These disorders can occur at any age, but become much more common after the age of 50. They affect just over one in ten men during their lifetime.
These disorders become really problematic if they last more than three months or if they repeat themselves with each sexual intercourse. This is therefore to be differentiated from the “temporary breakdown”, which is quite commonplace.
There are several possible causes of erection problems. There may be a physical origin, this is what mainly happens to men over 50. The latter in fact experience a gradual decline in testosterone levels and sometimes other health problems which affect erectile abilities.
Persistent erectile dysfunction can also be a warning symptom of the potential occurrence of cardiovascular disease. Indeed, this pathology concerns an obstruction of the arteries. However, the arteries of the corpora cavernosa of the penis are often blocked before the coronary arteries.
Other pathologies can also cause erectile dysfunction. Patients may suffer from nerve damage, hormonal disorders or even chronic illnesses, such as sickle cell anemia or sleep apnea.
To this list, we could perhaps also add irritable bowel syndrome.
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Irritable bowel syndrome causing erectile dysfunction?
In this new study, researchers, led by Doctor Mario Valladares-Garrido, of César Vallejo University, wanted to know if there could be a link between irritable bowel syndrome and erectile dysfunction. .
To do this, they questioned students aged 19 to 24 about their intestinal and sexual health. They then found that students diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome had a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction.
Several triggering factors appear to be common to both pathologies. This is particularly the case with stress. The latter could therefore have an indirect impact on both areas of the body. Indeed, people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome often experience a reduction in their quality of life, which results in a significant mental and emotional impact.
It may also be a poor intestinal condition which impairs hormone production and therefore erection capacity.
IBD has also been associated with erectile dysfunction. In both cases, IBD and irritable bowel syndrome, we observe chronic inflammation which can cause vascular problems. These can then interfere with erections.
However, this potential link still needs to be confirmed by additional research. In fact, the sample studied currently only includes students. The observed association may not concern the entire population.
On the other hand, if this association were to be verified, it will have implications on how to treat the two pathologies, taking into account physical and psychological factors in particular.
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With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
