Uric acid is a natural component found in the body which is produced as a result of the digestion of foods containing purines, which include red meat, seafood, and some vegetables such as asparagus and spinach.
The kidneys are responsible for filtering uric acid from the body, and levels can vary depending on various factors, including diet, genetics, and alcohol consumption. High levels of uric acid can be a sign of gout, kidney stones, or other health conditions.
Effects of Uric Acid on Male Sexual Function
While uric acid is a natural component found in the body, high levels of uric acid in the blood can have negative effects on the body, including the male sexual function.
High levels of uric acid can lead to erectile dysfunction and can cause a decrease in the testosterone levels in males. Testosterone is an important hormone in males that regulates numerous functions including sexual function, bone mass and muscle strength.
How Uric Acid Affects Erectile Dysfunction?
One of the primary effects of high levels of uric acid on the male sexual function is the development of erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction is a medical condition that affects millions of men worldwide, and its primary clinical manifestation is an inability to achieve and maintain an erection which is adequate for sexual intercourse. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine showed that there is a strong correlation between high levels of uric acid and erectile dysfunction.
The study shows that males with high levels of uric acid were 2.2 times more likely to develop erectile dysfunction than those with lower levels of uric acid. The study also suggests that the higher the levels of uric acid in the blood, the higher the incidence of erectile dysfunction.
How Uric Acid Affects Testosterone Levels?
Another significant effect of high levels of uric acid on male sexual function is the decrease in the testosterone levels.
Testosterone is an important hormone in males that regulates numerous functions including sexual function, bone mass and muscle strength. A study published in the Journal of Endocrinology shows that high levels of uric acid hinder the production of testosterone. The study showed that males with high levels of uric acid had lower testosterone levels.
Therefore, males with high levels of uric acid may experience a decrease in sexual desire, decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, and other health complications related to low testosterone levels.
How to Lower Uric Acid Levels?
Fortunately, high levels of uric acid can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication. Dietary changes such as avoiding foods high in purines can help reduce uric acid levels.
Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, helps to dilute the concentration of uric acid in the urine. Additionally, medications such as allopurinol and probenecid can help lower uric acid levels and help with gout, kidney stones, and other related health conditions.
Conclusion
While uric acid is a natural component found in the body, high levels of uric acid can have negative effects on male sexual function.
High levels of uric acid can cause erectile dysfunction and decrease in testosterone levels, affecting many aspects of male sexual function including sexual desire and muscle strength. Therefore, it is important to manage and control high levels of uric acid through lifestyle changes and medication to avoid these negative effects on male sexual function.