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Erectile Dysfunction & Dysfunctional Breathing
Research suggests that around half the people with sleep apnoea also experience ED. It is more common in older adults and people with a higher body mass.
Other research suggests that this number may be even higher. For example, one study of 401 participants found that 92% had sleep apnoea, and 69% of these people also had ED.
The link between the two may relate to testosterone levels. People with sleep apnoea tend to have lower levels of testosterone, which is an essential hormone in relation to sexual activity. Read more here.
What’s more anxiety and poor breathing patterns are precursors to sleep apnoea and as outlined above have been linked to sufferers of erectile dysfunction. Mouth breathing and hard breathing increase the risk of sleep disordered breathing including sleep apnoea that in turn increases the risk of Erectile Dysfunction.
Anxiety and dysfunctional breathing (mouth breathing and upper thorax breathing) are two common factors in Erectile Dysfunction and they in turn are directly related. Poor breathing patterns are common in sufferers of anxiety and anxiety sufferers tend to have poor breathing patterns.
Mouth breathing compromises breathing in many ways. It is certainly a trigger for breathing pattern disorders (BPD) and dysfunctional breathing, taking in too much air, breathing rate/frequency, expiring too much CO2 and the advantage of the sinuses production of Nitric Oxide is lost and as a result the chemistry gas exchanges including oxygen and carbon dioxide further down the line in the lungs, brain, heart and other organs and muscles can be compromised.
Low carbon dioxide levels are known to trigger vasoconstriction – that is, contraction of smooth muscle. Smooth muscle is found in the airways, the gut and blood vessels. And lastly, low carbon dioxide levels impact oxygen distribution. Red blood cells that carry oxygen molecules are less likely to let go of the oxygen they are carrying when carbon dioxide levels are low (called the Bohr Effect). The end result is that less oxygen goes to the target tissues (muscles including those located in the penis, brain, and gut) leading to symptoms including pain, poor cognitive functions, digestive upset and ultimately anxiety and an ultimately an imbalance in the body’s Autonomic Nervous System.
Improving breathing patterns can help reduce sleep apnoea symptoms and assist with reduced fatigue, stress, support testosterone levels, bodily functions, and general physical and mental health.
Mouth breathing increasing sleep apnoea – read here.
To find out more call us today or please take a moment to complete the contact form below and we will get back to you quickly. You can read our Erectile Dysfunction & Dysfunctional Breathing FAQ’s below the form.
Erectile Dysfunction & Dysfunctional Breathing FAQ's
ED can be caused and affected by a variety of factors, including physical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, psychological factors, medication side effects, lifestyle choices, poor breathing, and sleep habits.
Yes, conditions such as sleep apnea that affect breathing during sleep can cause ED because they reduce oxygen levels and disrupt sleep patterns. Poor breathing practices can lead to poor oxygenation of body organs.
Mouth breathing is the act of breathing primarily through the mouth instead of the nose. Nasal breathing involves inhaling and exhaling through the nostrils.
Yes, long-term mouth breathing can have an impact on men’s sexual health because it can lead to a variety of physiological and psychological factors that affect sexual function
Mouth breathing results in less efficient oxygen intake compared to nasal breathing, which may result in lower oxygen levels in the blood.
Yes, reduced oxygen levels can affect blood vessel function and, in some cases, lead to erectile dysfunction (ED).
Yes, mouth breathing often causes dry mouth, which can lead to decreased saliva production. Saliva is essential for maintaining oral health and preventing diseases that may indirectly affect sexual health.
Prolonged mouth breathing may lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact libido and performance.
Mouth breathing can disrupt normal sleep patterns and lead to sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea has been linked to sexual health problems, including ED.
Yes, treatment for chronic mouth breathing may include breathing exercises, relief of nasal congestion, orthodontic surgery, and lifestyle changes.
Yes, treating chronic mouth breathing through proper breathing techniques, treating associated sleep disorders, and maintaining good oral health can potentially improve men’s sexual health.
Becoming aware of mouth breathing and practicing mindfulness techniques can make transitioning to healthier nasal breathing patterns easy.t
If someone has persistent mouth breathing, sleep problems, or sexual problems, it is recommended to consult a doctor and respiratory specialist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Changing your daily breathing mechanics, breathing exercises (such as the Buteyko method), or yoga-based pranayama techniques can ease the transition from mouth breathing to nasal breathing, potentially benefiting sexual health in the process. Yoga, meditation, and similar practices can also help reduce stress and anxiety, improve overall health, and indirectly improve erectile function.
Poor circulation can restrict blood flow to the penis, making it difficult to achieve and maintain an erection. This may be due to diseases such as arteriosclerosis.
Good breathing increases nitric oxide levels and supports circulation and cardiovascular health.
Anxiety can lead to ED by causing performance anxiety or the release of stress hormones, which constrict blood vessels and make it difficult to achieve an erection. Good breathing habits and relaxation techniques can help reduce anxiety.
Smoking has been known to cause a reduction in lung capacity, as well as damage to blood vessels which can result in limited blood flow. This can lead to difficulties with breathing and even erectile dysfunction.
Improving one’s overall health can be a practical approach to combat both breathing problems and erectile dysfunction. To achieve this, individuals can adopt a range of lifestyle changes, such as engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, and controlling their weight. Additionally, it is crucial to quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption. By implementing these changes, one can mitigate the risk factors associated with respiratory and sexual health issues.
Yes, certain pre-existing health conditions such as obesity and cardiovascular disease can have an impact on both respiratory issues and erectile dysfunction. It is important to prioritise overall health as a means of achieving progress in both of these areas.