Popular New Year resolutions 'improve sexual health'

Washington, Jan 2 (ANI): Finding it hard to stick to your New Year resolutions? Well, then here's something that would offer you the much-needed motivation: researchers have found that many popular pledges actually improve urologic or sexual health.

For men who have vowed to lose weight this year, your New Year resolution can help resolve erectile dysfunction.

Morbid obesity, as well as other conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and smoking can adversely affect sexual dysfunction.

"This study showed that weight loss and other risk factors for ED that are alleviated by weight loss may be keys to restoring sexual function," said Anthony Y. Smith, MD.

For those who have promised to kick the butt, quitting cigarettes can help decrease bladder cancer risk. The researchers have found that only about 33 percent of people know that smoking is a leading risk factor for the disease,

American Cancer Society estimates that smokers are twice as likely to get bladder cancer as non-smokers.

Men who have pledged to give up high cholesterol food, lowering the levels will not only protect them against heart disease, it will also help in managing the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level.

A study of 1,214 men without prostate cancer at the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center in North Carolina shows that PSA levels were lower among men with lower total and LDL cholesterol levels.

"We don't understand exactly how cholesterol affects prostate health. But, we are finding that that there is an important link. Thus, managing your cholesterol level may not only reduce the risk of heart disease, but improve prostate health," said Dr Stephen J. Freedland.

Stress can contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED), the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. For men who are finding it difficult to reduce stress, experts have cautioned that they should see a doctor if the problem persists.

Improving the overall health will lead to improved sexual and urologic health. (ANI)