U.S. News reports that new research from the American College of Cardiology’s 63 Annual Scientific Session asserts that certain cholesterol medications also improve erectile dysfunction by almost 25 percent.

The soon-to-be most popular cholesterol medication in the world are of the statin variety, which go by the names of Altoprev, Crestor, Lescol, Mevacor, Pravachol and Zocor. These medicines are used to decrease LDL and triglycerides and slightly increase HDL. (LDL are low-density lipoproteins aka The Bad Cholesterol, and HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein aka The Good Cholesterol, which help clean out the LDL cholesterol.)

While these medicines have their benefits, they also have side effects such as bodily pain and weakness, muscle soreness, cramps, constipation, nausea and diarrhea. This new development, however, may make it all worth it, especially since cholesterol issues and erectile dysfunction have a direct correlation. The reason for this is because of the constricted blood vessels prevalent in high-cholesterol sufferers. Statins focus on the dilation of blood vessels, which means more blood will flow exactly where it matters in the matters of lovin’.

Before you consider these cholesterol medicines as an alternative for an erectile dysfunction medicine, keep in mind that statins are definitely not for otherwise healthy males. If you are diagnosed with high cholesterol however, consider this as a possible silver lining and check with your doctor to see if statins are for you. Also be sure to look for the complete study to be published in the April edition of the Journal of Sexual Medicines today.

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