Erectile dysfunction is a common male sexual dysfunction that affects many men of different ages. It can be caused by a variety of medical conditions. It can also be caused by lifestyle choices. One such lifestyle choice is taking supplements. While most health supplements have little to no effect on erectile dysfunction, there are anecdotes about the effects of creatine on erectile dysfunction. Can Creatine Cause Erectile Dysfunction? Let us separate the myths from the facts and explore the connection between creatine and erectile dysfunction.
What is creatine?
Creatine monohydrate, or simply creatine, is a natural source of energy. It helps your skeletal muscles contract. It does this by steadily supplying your muscles with energy as you exercise.
Around half of the creatine in your body comes from your diet. Your best sources of creatine are protein-rich foods. If you want to increase your creatine intake, make sure that you eat red meat such as beef, veal, and pork. Seafood and animal milk are also excellent sources of creatine. Although poultry, such as chicken and turkey, are not as rich in creatine as red meat they can still contribute to your overall creatine intake. Quinoa does not contain creatine but it is rich in amino acids that your body synthesizes into creatine.
The other half of your body’s creatine comes from inside your body. Your pancreas, liver, and kidneys produce creatine. The bulk of your natural creatine is available for use by your skeletal muscles while performing physical activities.
There are also creatine supplements that you can buy. You can get creatine supplements in tablet, capsule, powder, or liquid form. Some creatine comes in the form of energy bars. Some people feel the need to take creatine supplements because they work out a lot or are always engaged in physically demanding activities. They feel that they don’t get enough creatine from their diet so they need to get creatine from other sources.
The myths surrounding creatine and erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a sensitive topic that can easily be misunderstood. There are claims that taking creatine supplements can cause erectile dysfunction. Is there truth to these claims? Let’s find out.
Myth 1: Creatine causes dehydration and erectile dysfunction
One of the most popular myths out there is that creatine intake can cause dehydration. Dehydration is a contributing factor to erectile dysfunction. According to the myth, creatine draws more water into the muscles. This action reduces blood volume and blood flow into your penis. As we all know, a healthy blood flow to the penis is key to achieving and maintaining erections.
Fact: Creatine does not cause dehydration and erectile dysfunction
So, does creatine cause erectile dysfunction due to dehydration? Part of the myth is true. Dehydration is a contributing factor to erectile dysfunction. Dehydration indeed causes reduced blood volume and blood flow to the penis and it can lead to erectile dysfunction. However, that is the only part that this myth got right.
First of all, creatine does not cause dehydration. This myth might have stemmed from the feeling of thirst that people feel when taking creatine. This is not because of dehydration. Your body holds slightly more water when taking creatine, hence the thirsty feeling. In fact, taking creatine supplements might help you stay hydrated. Health experts recommend drinking three to four litres of water daily when consuming creatine. Why so much water? Proper hydration helps ensure that your body absorbs creatine.
Since you are encouraged to increase your water intake while taking creatine, you are reducing your risk of erectile dysfunction. Proper hydration ensures adequate blood flow throughout your body, including your penis. Hydration also helps fight off inflammation which might damage your blood vessels and cause erectile dysfunction.
Myth 2: Creatine affects testosterone levels
There is a myth that creatine negatively affects the testosterone levels in your body. The theory is that the way that creatine affects energy production in the body might disrupt the body’s normal testosterone level. Testosterone is the male sex hormone that plays a critical role in regulating sex drive and erectile functions.
Fact: No indications that creatine negatively affects testosterone levels
Does creatine monohydrate cause erectile dysfunction by altering testosterone levels? There are no indications that creatine negatively affects testosterone levels. On the contrary, some studies suggest that creatine can cause a slight increase in testosterone levels in some cases. According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, DHT levels increased by 56% in some participants after seven days of creatine loading. Dihydrotestosterone or DHT is a more active form of testosterone. This increase might help enhance sexual functions rather than impair it as the myth suggests.
Myth 3: Creatine can cause kidney damage leading to hormonal imbalance and ED
Another myth is that creatine can damage the kidneys. Kidney damage can then lead to hormonal imbalance and erectile dysfunction.
Fact: There are only anecdotes and are not supported by scientific evidence
Does creatine affect erectile dysfunction by causing kidney damage? Although there have been reports of kidney damage stemming from creatine intake, these are just anecdotes and are not supported by scientific evidence. However, if you have pre-existing kidney issues, consult your doctor before taking creatine. A healthcare professional can provide you with proper guidance regarding creatine and how it might affect your body or interact with other medical conditions.
Creatine: Beyond the myths
So, with all these myths debunked, is it safe to say that creatine cannot cause erectile dysfunction? No. Although creatine does not directly cause erectile dysfunction, creatine intake might cause ED in rare instances.
One study published by the National Library of Medicine showed that creatine supplementation might potentially worsen mania in individuals with bipolar disorder. Mania is the state of abnormally elevated mood and energy common in persons with bipolar disorder. This can cause considerable stress which increases the risk of erectile dysfunction. In addition, bipolar disorder and its treatments increase the risk of erectile dysfunction. Lithium is a common part of therapy for bipolar disorders, and according to an article published by the National Library of Medicine, several studies reported erectile dysfunction among patients who took lithium as monotherapy or in combination with other psychotherapeutic agents.
What to do when experiencing erectile dysfunction while taking creatine supplements
If you experience erectile dysfunction while taking creatine supplements, it is highly unlikely that creatine is the culprit. Instead of relying on myths, consult a doctor. A doctor can properly diagnose your condition and pinpoint the precise cause of your erectile dysfunction.
Once your doctor has determined what is causing your erectile dysfunction, ask for a custom treatment. What’s the difference? A doctor will most likely prescribe a medication to treat your erectile dysfunction. There’s nothing wrong with that since these medications have been proven effective in treating erectile dysfunction. However, a custom treatment plan for ED is more efficient.
Over-the-counter medications are formulated to treat ED in the general population so it does not consider your unique medical needs. In contrast, a custom treatment plan is specifically tailored to address all your medical needs
When you get custom treatment, you are getting treatment for the primary causes of your ED. For example, if your ED is because of hypertension due to excessive alcohol consumption, the treatment plan will address your comorbidity, and the doctor can formulate a medication with compounded ingredients that target your specific health needs. Compounded medications can be tailored to include a combination of active ingredients that work synergistically to improve your blood flow and enhance your erectile function. In addition to medication, your custom treatment plan may incorporate lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes, exercise regimens, and stress management techniques. This comprehensive approach helps alleviate the symptoms of ED while also targeting the underlying issues that may be contributing to it.
Over-the-counter medications may offer a quick fix, but a personalized treatment plan promotes your overall well-being and long-term health.
If you want to access custom treatment for ED, contact Men’s Health Clinic (MHC). MHC is a top telehealth clinic specialising in male sexual dysfunction and has helped more than 150,000 men worldwide.
Conclusion
Can Creatine Cause Erectile Dysfunction? No, except in some rare instances. However, before you take creatine supplements, it is safer to consult your doctor. If you have erectile dysfunction, book a FREE consultation with Men’s Health Clinic (MHC). A licensed ED expert from MHC can provide you with professional medical guidance on how to treat your ED, including putting you on a custom treatment plan, which is your best treatment option to get rid of your ED once and for all.
