The symptom of high cholesterol that can manifest when you are in bed

High cholesterol doesn't always manifest itself visibly . But that's why it's key to correctly identify the symptoms that do appear in our appearance.

One of those symptoms can be seen in the bedroom: research has shown that men with high cholesterol are almost twice as likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction.

Having high cholesterol means having cholesterol in your blood. While the body needs a certain amount of cholesterol, having too much in our system can be dangerous.

This is because it can build up and clog arteries, causing a process known as atherosclerosis, in which blood vessels narrow and harden. If left untreated, it can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

High cholesterol is often considered a silent killer because it typically presents no symptoms. Most people don't realize they have high cholesterol until they have a blood test or experience an associated medical episode.

Oxford Online Pharmacy's chief pharmacist, Robert Bradshaw , explains the relationship between cholesterol and erectile dysfunction in an article reported by the Daily Mirror .

"Research consistently shows that the higher your cholesterol levels, the greater your risk of erectile dysfunction ," says Bradshaw, citing a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology , which found that men with total cholesterol levels above 6.21 mmol/L were nearly twice as likely to experience erectile dysfunction as those with levels below 4.65 mmol/L.

An independent study, published in the journal Urology , reveals that the type of cholesterol in the blood also alters the risk of erectile dysfunction. "Men with erectile dysfunction have significantly higher levels of low-density lipoprotein ('bad cholesterol') than healthy men," says Robert Bradshaw.

Another study found that men with higher levels of high-density lipoprotein ('good' cholesterol) were much less likely to develop erectile dysfunction than those with lower levels, even if their total cholesterol was the same. In short: the higher the cholesterol, the greater the likelihood of having erectile problems.

Bradshaw explains that the relationship between cholesterol and erectile dysfunction stems from how cholesterol affects blood flow. "Since erections depend on good blood flow to the penis, anything that affects the blood vessels can also affect the ability to achieve and maintain an erection," the author writes.

Anyone with high cholesterol has excess fat in their blood, which can begin to accumulate and form deposits on the lining of blood vessels. Over time, this damage causes vessels to narrow and restrict blood flow.

In cases of erectile dysfunction, reduced blood flow to the arteries of the penis can affect the ability to achieve or maintain an erection. Additionally, high cholesterol can also interfere with the function of the smooth muscles and peripheral nerves involved in the erection process.