New research studies conclude that men with erectile dysfunction are at a tremendous risk of diabetes and heart disease. Dr Allan, co-author of a paper published in the Medical Journal of Australia reports "Studies suggest that the degree of risk for a cardiovascular event after developing erectile dysfunction (ED) is similar to that due to being a current smoker. For men diagnosed with diabetes, prevalence estimates of ED range from 34 to 89 per cent."

     Research also shows men over the age of 20 who have been diagnosed with ED have more than double the incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events when compared with men without the condition.

     There was also a clear association between ED and elevated rates of obesity and depression, she said, and doctors who treat men for ED should also take the opportunity to check this.

     Dr Allan is of the opinion that glucose testing, which can detect undiagnosed cases of diabetes is mandatory as part of ED evaluation. Despite the growing body of evidence pointing to strong associations between general and reproductive health, a better understanding of the inter-relationships between health conditions is still needed," she added.