Obesity and kidney disease obstruct blood vessels, impairing circulation and affecting erection. Additionally, overweight men with kidney problems may have testosterone deficiency, which is also necessary for erectile function. Learn more below.
Obesity and kidney disease cause erectile dysfunction in different, but interconnected ways.
Excess weight leads to diabetes and high blood pressure. Both block blood vessels and impair circulation, something necessary for an erection to occur.
Kidney problems also compromise blood vessels. As a result, the penis does not receive enough blood to remain erect. Kidney failure also causes hormonal issues. The adrenal glands are involved in testosterone production, responsible for sexual function.
Stay here to learn more about the subject.
How does obesity affect the kidneys?
Obesity affects the kidneys because being overweight increases body mass. Consequently, the renal system has to filter more blood, a process called hyperfiltration.
Excess weight is also a gateway to cardiovascular problems, such as hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. See how these diseases harm the kidneys:
1. High blood pressure
High blood pressure makes the tissue around the renal blood vessels fibrous and rigid, impairing the kidneys’ ability to filter blood.
Another consequence of high blood pressure is the buildup of fat in the renal arteries. This clogs the arteries, and the blood cannot circulate.
2. Diabetes
Diabetes also exhausts the kidneys. With excess sugar in the blood, the renal system has to work twice as hard to filter the blood. This effort damages the renal blood vessels, impairing blood filtration.
The kidneys’ inability to filter blood leads to excess protein in the urine, such as albumin.
3. Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a set of risk factors for cardiovascular problems. This includes:
- Waist circumference greater than 102 cm (men) and 88 cm (women)
- HDL (good cholesterol) below 40 mg/dl (men) and 50 mg/dl (women)
- Triglycerides (blood fat) equal to or greater than 150 mg/dl
- Blood pressure equal to or greater than 135/85 mmHg or using medication to control pressure
- Blood sugar level equal to or greater than 110 mg/dl.
How do obesity and kidney disease affect erectile function?
Erectile difficulties are common in men with obesity and kidney disease.
About 50% of obese men with kidney problems have some form of sexual dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common, according to the dissertation “Prevalence of erectile dysfunction in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing conservative treatment,” developed by José Fernando Pereira Mesquita for the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Juiz de Fora.
The same study explains that chronic kidney disease affects the vascular system, including the penile cavernous arteries. This condition leads to the blockage of these arteries responsible for the penile blood flow needed for the hardening of the male genital organ.
Risk Factors
Some of the main risk factors for chronic kidney disease are:
Diabetes and high blood pressure
High blood sugar levels block blood vessels. The kidneys cannot filter blood, and the body does not expel toxins through urine.
In the case of hypertension, there is a buildup of fat in the renal arteries. This impairs the kidneys’ filtering capacity, and blood flow decreases, causing erectile dysfunction.
Poor diet
Diets rich in sugar and fat are catalysts for diabetes and high blood pressure, conditions associated with kidney disease.
In addition, an excessive protein diet is also unhealthy. This is because this component increases the amount of urea and creatinine to be filtered. As a result, the kidneys have to increase their workload, become worn out, and risk collapsing.
Family history
According to an article published in the Brazilian Journal of Nephrology, people with a family history of chronic kidney disease are more likely to have this problem. The same study also points out that all those in risk groups should undergo tests to check for kidney lesions and to determine renal function level annually.
Excessive medication use
Certain medications can harm the kidneys. Analgesics and some anti-inflammatory drugs can block the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing blood flow and impairing filtration capacity. When the kidneys are not functioning, toxins accumulate in the body.
Obesity and smoking
Obesity is a gateway to conditions that worsen kidney disease: high blood pressure and diabetes. Smoking narrows blood vessels, resulting in reduced blood flow to the kidneys and high blood pressure.
Metabolic syndrome
This is a set of conditions favorable to cardiovascular diseases. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by changes in blood fat and sugar levels, uncontrolled high blood pressure, low good cholesterol, and waist circumference.
Genetic disorders
Polycystic kidney disease involves the formation of fluid-filled sacs. They deteriorate normal kidney tissue, and over time, these sacs take up space in the kidneys’ tissue. PKD has consequences such as high blood pressure, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and kidney failure.
Complications of untreated obesity and kidney disease
Kidney disease is often referred to as a silent disease. However, the body does show signs that the kidneys are not functioning properly. Foamy urine, pain when urinating, and swelling in the lower limbs are the main signs of kidney abnormalities.
Having these symptoms and not seeking medical help can lead to a worsening of the condition, which can be treated more effectively when detected early. If the person is obese, ignoring changes in urine and swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles is even more dangerous.
The complications of untreated obesity and kidney problems are:
- Kidney failure;
- Kidney stones;
- High blood pressure.
How to prevent these and other health problems?
Basically, to prevent obesity, kidney problems, and possible consequences to erectile function, you should focus on the following areas:
- Healthy eating: Eating fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, and healthy fats reduces the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as providing more energy. For men, healthy eating contributes to prostate health.
- Physical activity: Regular exercise helps burn calories, prevent/control hypertension and blood sugar levels. Another benefit is the release of serotonin, known as the ‘happiness hormone,’ which can contribute to psychological well-being;
- Don’t smoke: Smoking is linked to various health problems. Smoking also harms sexual health because cigarettes cause impotence.
Importance of medical monitoring
Having regular medical check-ups is important to detect diseases early and control already diagnosed conditions.
This is why check-ups should be part of adult life starting at age 30. The tests vary by age, but blood tests to measure cholesterol, sugar, and blood fat levels are always included.
Obesity and kidney disease cause blood pressure and diabetes problems. As a result, physical, psychological, and sexual health are affected.
Both can be better managed with a balanced diet and physical exercise. If you have any health problems, seek medical advice immediately.
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