Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects millions of men worldwide, usually blamed on usual suspects like stress, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or hormonal imbalance. Yet, new evidence indicates that your gut health may be having a lot to do with your erectile function. Researchers are finding a shocking link between gut illnesses—like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—and ED, and that an unhealthy gut can be a primary, but unsuspected, cause of sexual dysfunction. And here's the catch: there is no known cure for these gut illnesses, so prevention and treatment are even more important.

Your gut microbiome—your enormous army of bacteria resident in your colon—plays an essential role in controlling inflammation, hormone balance, and blood vessel function, each of which plays a critical part in erectile functioning. When intestinal bacteria are disrupted (a process referred to as dysbiosis), it is able to start systemic inflammation, interfere with the production of hormones, and create problems with circulation—all of these being critical functions for healthy erections.

Inflammation and Blood Systemic inflammation due to unhealthy gut is associated with endothelial dysfunction, which decreases blood supply to the penis and increases difficulty in getting an erection.

Hormonal Equilibrium: The gut maintains equilibrium of testosterone and nitric oxide, both of which play an important role in erectile function. Low testosterone levels are also often linked with ED.

Gut-Brain Axis: Gut and brain exchange information via an intricate system referred to as the gut-brain axis. Gut health deterioration may result in higher stress, anxiety, and depression—major psychological factors contributing to ED.

How IBD Affects Erectile Function?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) impacts an estimated 10–15% of the U.S. population, and new studies are revealing a strong correlation between IBS and erectile dysfunction. One Peruvian study discovered that IBS-stricken medical students were 108% more likely to experience ED than those without the gastrointestinal disorder. The link can be attributed to several factors:

Chronic Stress: Stress, which often worsens IBS, can decrease testosterone and interfere with the coordination between nerves and blood vessels required for an erection.

Poor Quality of Life: The disruptive and humiliating symptoms of IBS—bloating, gas, and diarrhea—can lower self-esteem and libido, which can make sexual intimacy problematic.

Gut Hormone Disruptions: IBS-induced gut hormone changes can disrupt nerve signaling and blood flow, making erectile dysfunction worse.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, has also been recognized as a possible cause of ED. While IBS involves short-term symptoms, IBD involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. In a 2024 study, men suffering from Crohn's disease were found to have a greater chance of having ED, whereas the situation was not well defined for men with ulcerative colitis.

2.4 to 3.1 million Americans have IBD, and although there are treatments to control symptoms, no cure has been found. The ongoing inflammation of IBD can lead to vascular damage, further compromising erectile function.

Can Fixing Gut Health Reverse ED?

While no cure for erectile dysfunction (ED) due to gut disorders is guaranteed, fixing gut health can help some symptoms. A healthy gut microbiome may support anti-inflammatory effects, vascular health, and increased neurotransmitter production, all of which benefit erectile function. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate, produced by healthy gut bacteria, regulate inflammation and endothelial function to ensure proper blood flow. The gut also plays a critical role in neurotransmitter production, producing serotonin and dopamine that affect mood and stress levels, with ensuing sexual performance. In addition, healthy gut microbiota ensures the maintenance of hormone control, which best maintains testosterone as well as nitric oxide concentrations, both responsible for maintaining a hard-on.

Can Probiotics Help Treat Erectile Dysfunction?

Probiotics, the good bacteria in fermented foods and supplements, might provide some alleviation by rebalancing the gut. Some probiotics have been found to reduce overall inflammation, enhance the gut-brain axis by countering stress and anxiety, and contribute to heart health by reducing cholesterol and improving blood vessel function. Probiotics alone might not treat ED, but they can be an important addition to an overall approach to promoting gut health and overall health.

Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications

As there is no absolute cure for IBS or IBD, it is important to control the symptoms through diet and lifestyle modification. Some dietary suggestions for improved gut and erectile function are listed below:

Foods to Eat:

• Prebiotic foods: Fortify your gut with garlic, onions, bananas, and asparagus.
• Fermented foods: Yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir offer natural probiotics.
• Fiber-rich foods: Whole grains, legumes, and leafy greens enhance digestion and gut motility.
• Healthy fats: Avocados, nuts, and olive oil maintain heart health and hormone production.

Foods to Limit:

• Processed foods: Full of artificial additives and preservatives that can disturb the gut microbiome.
• Sugary and fried foods: Both perpetuate inflammation and weight gain, both of which aggrevate ED.
• Dairy milk: Can cause digestive discomfort in some, aggravating gut disturbances.
• Excessive alcohol: Negatively impacts gut bacteria and hormone levels.

If you’ve been struggling with erectile dysfunction and haven’t found a clear reason why, it might be time to take a closer look at your gut health. Research increasingly supports the idea that conditions like IBS and IBD may contribute to ED by increasing inflammation, disrupting hormone balance, and impairing blood flow. While no cure exists for these digestive disorders, treating them with diet, probiotics, and lifestyle adjustment can potentially improve your gut, as well as your sex life.

If you think your gut is ruining your sex life, talking to a healthcare provider about gut-friendly tactics might be the beginning of reclaiming your well-being and confidence.

On the day of World Malaria Day, as we raise awareness on the dangers posed by this mosquito-borne disease, let's delve a bit deeper into how malaria is different from the other mosquito-borne diseases.

Dengue vs Malaria

Both malaria and dengue are transmitted by female mosquitoes and cause severe illness in humans. There are certain similarities between the two diseases and the mosquito species, which is why the patients and diagnoses are often confused.

As per the co-Principal Investigator, Dr Charles Guissou, for the Target Malaria, a vector control research alliance's Target Malaria Burkina Faso at the Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, "Dengue and malaria are two very different diseases caused by different pathogens and different mosquito species." “Misdiagnosis between malaria and dengue is common, and this can then contribute to inappropriate medical care.”

Every year, malaria causes 200 million cases worldwide, leading to 600,000 deaths. Many of these cases are from Africa, where children and pregnant women pay the highest price. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also reported that in 2022, Africa was home to 95% of malaria cases and 95% of malaria deaths. The global incidence of dengue has grown significantly in recent decades. Cases reported to WHO increased from 505,430 in 2000 to 6.5 million in 2023.

Dr Ajay Gupta, Head & Director - Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali also points out the key differences between malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. He says, "Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. In contrast, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses are transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. This distinction in the type of mosquito also reflects differences in peak biting times—Anopheles mosquitoes bite during nighttime, while Aedes mosquitoes are daytime biters."

"Another key difference lies in complications and disease progression. Malaria, especially caused by Plasmodium falciparum, can progress rapidly to severe illness with cerebral involvement, anemia, kidney failure, and even death if not promptly treated. Dengue, on the other hand, is known for a sudden drop in platelet count and risk of hemorrhage. Chikungunya commonly leads to prolonged joint pain, sometimes lasting weeks or even months after the infection clears," notes the doctor.

There is also a difference between how the mosquitoes that spread dengue and malaria.

The Aedes Mosquito

It is responsible for spreading dengue and has white stripes down the center of the thorax. It also has a resting position where its body is kept low and parallel to the ground, with the proboscis angled downward. It is slender, and the wings have distinctive white markings.

The Anopheles Mosquito

It is responsible for causing malaria and has long palps. It is dark in color and the resting position follows it abdomen at a 45-degree angle to the surface.

Zika Virus

Zika is a viral infection also transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which is the first difference from malaria, in the species of mosquito that causes it. As per the WHO, those with Zika virus do not tend to experience symptoms, and if they do, it includes rash, fever, conjunctivitis, and muscle and joint pain. The symptoms are also what makes it different. They appear from 3 to 14 days after being bitten.

Chikungunya

This is also caused by Aedes mosquitoes, and the symptoms usually appear within 4 to 8 days after infection. The symptoms include fever, joint pain, headaches, and nausea.

Yellow Fever

This is caused by Aedes and haemagogus mosquitoes. People who are infected with this virus do not get sick and experience only mild symptoms. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 12% of people who have symptoms develop serious illness, which includes organ failure and jaundice.

The key difference between all other mosquito-borne diseases and malaria is the species of the mosquito that causes it. While all the others are caused by Aedes, malaria is caused by the Anopheles.

What Else Makes Malaria Different Other Than The Type Of Mosquito That Causes It?

Drinking Beer Could Increase Chances Of Infection

According to the scientists at the University of Emory, in their 2010 study, they found that beer produces an odour in your body that is irresistible to the malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

It Could Take Four Years To Develop Symptoms

There are rare strains of this disease which could in fact take months or even years to get diagnosed. In one of the rare cases, malaria was diagnosed four years later the individuals were infected, reported UK's The Telegraph.

Malaria And Its Connection With Snow White

In 1943, Disney was tasked with creating a film to promote public health awareness. The result? The Winged Scourge — a rather unusual PSA where the Seven Dwarfs learn how to fight off malaria-spreading mosquitoes.

Malaria Has Killed Four Popes, And At Least Eight Presidents Have Suffered From It

George Washington battled malaria, and the disease is also believed to have claimed the lives of Pope Leo and Pope Sixtus—just a few of its prominent victims.

Malaria And India

The doctor also points out that diagnosis and treatment also vary. "Malaria is typically confirmed with a blood smear or rapid diagnostic test and is treated with specific antimalarial drugs. There is no antiviral treatment for dengue, chikungunya, or Zika—management is primarily supportive," he says.

In India, we often see a spike in these illnesses during and after the monsoon season, However, malaria control efforts—such as early diagnosis, insecticide-treated bed nets, and vector control—have significantly reduced the burden in recent years.

"Preventive strategies like eliminating stagnant water, using mosquito repellents, and ensuring proper sanitation are universally effective. But recognizing the distinct nature of malaria is key to prompt diagnosis and management," notes Dr Gupta.

In 2022, about 1 in 5, which is around 702,880, people died due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the United States. There are many factors around you that affect your heart health. Things like what food you eat, whether the area you live in is polluted or not and also what kind of lifestyle you lead. There are many risk factors for heart diseases like high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels or smoking, which are key risk factors according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC explains about 47% of US citizens have at least one of these three risk factors.

Another risk factor could be the place you live in. A new study published in the European Society of Cardiology April 2025 revealed that the walkability of a neighborhood can play a big role for your cardiovascular health. The study revealed that individuals living in areas with low walkability had a 5% higher risk of developing CVD compared to those in very walkable neighborhoods. Interestingly, even in neighborhoods that improved in walkability over time, the risk of CVD remained about 5% higher for those who started in low-walkability areas, possibly due to the lasting effects of earlier sedentary habits.

What Makes A Neighborhood Walk-Friendly?

To figure out how walkable a neighborhood is, the researchers in the study looked at several things. They checked how many people lived in the area (population density), how many shops were nearby, if there were parks and green spaces, and if there were sidewalks to walk on. They also considered if different types of buildings were mixed together (like shops and homes), if there was good public transportation, and how well the streets connected to each other. All these things together helped them decide how easy it was to walk around in a certain neighborhood.

Researchers studied over three million adults who were at least 40 years old and didn't have any heart problems when the study started. The researchers kept track of how walkable each person's neighborhood was for 13 years. They also checked if the walkability of these neighborhoods stayed the same, got better, or got worse during that time.

The findings of this study support what doctors have known for a long time: moving your body is good for your health, especially your heart. What's interesting is that you don't need to do intense workouts to see the benefits. Even small amounts of activity, like walking your dog in a park or carrying your groceries home from the store, can make a difference. These little bursts of energy throughout the day can add up and help lower your risk of getting heart disease.

Should People Opt For More Walkable Places?

A report from 2023 from Smart Growth America found that less than 7% of people in America actually live in very walkable urban neighborhoods. Interestingly, studies have shown that minority groups often live in more walkable neighborhoods. However, these same groups are also more likely to suffer from heart and blood sugar problems. This might be because even in walkable areas, factors like safety, clean environments, and good sidewalks and parks might not be available in all neighborhoods.

Even if you don't live in a very walkable area, there are still things you can do to move more. You might need to get a little creative! You can try lifting weights or doing yoga while you watch TV. If you drive to the store, park a little further away so you have to walk more. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Stand up and move around when you're on the phone, have walking meetings if possible, and make sure to get up and stretch every hour.

During a recent conference on drug addiction, the US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. shared a personal story about his own battle with drug addiction and his journey to recovery. He also emphasized on the importance of helping young people find meaning in life. His speech at the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, emphasized the need for prevention, community, and spiritual support in addressing substance abuse.

RFK Jr.'s Struggle With Addiction

Kennedy revealed that he was addicted to heroin for 14 years. It started during his teenage years. During that time, he constantly promised to quit to himself and his family, but he felt powerless to follow through.

“I didn’t want to be someone who woke up every morning thinking about drugs,” he said, describing the feeling of being unable to “keep contracts” with himself. He shared that he felt like he was born with a hole inside him—something many addicts feel—that he tried to fill with drugs.

He also called addiction "a source of misery, but also a symptom of misery". He stressed that threats of overdose or ruined lives often have little impact on those who are already suffering. “Every addict feels that way in one way or another... and the only thing that works are drugs,” he said.

His message to the 3,000 attendees focused on how deeper issues like hopelessness and disconnection from community contribute to addiction.

Finding A Way Out Through Faith

RFK Jr. went on to describe his recovery journey that started after he read a book by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, who suggested that people who believe in God tend to recover more effectively. This inspired him and rekindled his faith in God. He began to attend the 12-step meetings. God was mentioned in his speech over 20 times, and it was noted that spirituality played a big role in his healing.

RFK Jr. also acknowledged criticism from public health experts and was interrupted several times by hecklers. Without directly engaging them, he said he tries to learn from everyone—“even the people who give me the finger.”

Prevention Through Purpose

While RFK Jr. did praise tools like Suboxone, methadone, and access to rehab, his main focus remained on prevention. “We have this whole generation of kids who’ve lost hope in their future,” he said. According to him, restoring connections to family, community, and purpose is crucial.

He encouraged policy changes that would promote stronger family bonds—such as phone-free meals—and more opportunities for young people to engage in service. “The best way to overcome hopelessness,” he said, “is to wake up each day and pray, ‘Please make me useful to another human being today.’”

While Kennedy’s speech resonated with many, others pushed back on his approach. Researcher Caleb Banta-Green, who was removed after shouting, later said that while spirituality can be helpful, science-based interventions must be prioritized and properly funded.

While Kennedy’s speech resonated with many, others pushed back on his approach. Researcher Caleb Banta-Green, who was removed after shouting, later said that while spirituality can be helpful, science-based interventions must be prioritized and properly funded.