Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for satisfactory sex. ED affects a significant number of men. Between 12 and 19 percent of men of reproductive age experience ED, and rates increase with age. Worldwide, an estimated 150 million men currently experience ED. Experts estimate that number will rise to 322 million by 2025.
Many cases of ED result from an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. Lifestyle factors like smoking, obesity, and lack of exercise can also contribute. But could a simple protein also play a role?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, making up 25 to 35 percent of your total protein. There are at least 29 different types of collagen. It’s a major building block of skin, muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It’s also a component of the genitourinary system.
One cause of ED is cavernosal fibrosis, which involves increased deposits of collagen in the penis. So, what is the connection between collagen and erectile dysfunction, and could collagen-based therapies offer a new approach to treatment?
Collagen is biocompatible and biodegradable, and it may have regenerative properties. For these reasons, scientists are exploring the possibilities of using collagen to treat male genitourinary diseases. Read on to learn more.