Can Anemia cause impotance?

[epyonblade]

I think i may be anemic and i have had trouble getting an erection recently. It only gets semi-hard. Its affecting my sex life alot and also affecting my confidance in the matter. I'm only 29 and i have never had this happen before. Its been going on for about 6 months now. Could anemia be the problem or could it be something completely differant? .

[Red_Star]

Studies have shown that over 80% of erectile dysfunction (ED) is due to physical causes. Two risk factors for ED include poor diet and smoking. Smoking depletes many nutrients and particularly mentioned are vitamin C and vitamin E.  Smokers with the lowest vitamin C levels have the fastest disappearance of vitamin E (known as the "sex" vitamin). I cannot find anaemia specifically mentioned as a cause of ED however.

I found a few websites from Bernard Rosen's PhD and the following supplements and herbs are listed for his "Nutrition And Erectile Dysfunction Public Presentation"

Dr Lamm
(The hardness factor):

Pycnogenol: 80mg
L-Arginine: 3g
Horny Goat Weed: 2 x 500mg capsules
Omega-3 fatty acids: minimum 800mg EPA and 300mg of DHA
Red wine extract: 200mg
Grapeseed extract: 100mg
Niacin: 2 x 400mg capsules
Vitamin C: 500mg
Vitamin E: 400IU

Other herbs mentioned for ED: ashwaganda; maca; rhodiola rosea; saw palmetto; tongkat ali; tribulus; yohimbine/yohimbe.

Excerpt from "Nutrition and Erectile Dysfunction" by Bernard Rosen, PhD...

"To better understand the causes of ED we can look at the scientifically documented risk factors.  Risk factors related to lifestyle choices include alcohol consumption, diet, hormone levels, inflammation, obesity, sedentary (lack of exercise) lifestyle, cholesterol levels, use of prescription drugs, tobacco smoking, stress, and (yes) motorcycling.

There is also a strong association between ED and the medical diagnoses of depression, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).  Studies show that most men with ED suffer from these conditions which are often a direct result of the same lifestyle choice risk factors previously listed.  In fact, the connection has been made that ED is often a warning sign for cardiovascular disease.

So, how is this all related to diet and nutrition?  For the body to operate optimally it needs the right nutrients.  Many studies have shown the connection between a poor diet and all the risk factors and conditions listed above.  Diets that are high in sugars, refined grains, processed meat and dairy; while low in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats
produce these conditions.  Once men are placed on healthier diets, their symptoms of ED are reduced and often completely eliminated.  Through proper nutrition, regular exercise, and sometimes with the help of specific supplements proper erectile functioning can be restored."

[epyonblade]

also, i am tired a lot and feel weak in general. I admit i have a bad diet but im not overweight (if anything im underweight). I have very little appitite and i smoke. I drink occasionally but not to excess. Also I have noticed that on occasion i have blood in my stools. Could all of this be related or am i just stressing about nothing?