Iron is one of the most important nutrients a person needs, which is why many vitamin supplements and foods (such as cereal) are typically fortified with iron. Yet in some cases, too much iron can cause issues, including the occasional penis problems. Iron overload is fairly uncommon, but by no means unheard-of, so men who are interested in their penis health - and in overall general health as well - should be aware of hemochromatosis, a condition in which the body gets too much iron.

Hemochromatosis

The word ‘hemochromatosis’ refers to any situation in which the body is keeping more iron than it needs. There several ways in which this iron overload can occur; for example, individuals born with the blood disorder thalassemia often suffer from iron overload, as do some sickle cell patients and some individuals with myelodysplasia syndromes.

But one of the more common causes of iron overload is hereditary hemochromatosis. This genetic condition is most often found in Caucasian people, especially those of northern European descent. Although it is found in both sexes, it is more often found among men than among women. An estimated one in 200-250 people has hereditary hemochromatosis, of which about half of the men and a quarter of the women have a form that is clinically significant. (That means that half of the men and a quarter of the women experience some sort of symptoms and need some medical attention.)

Most often, people with this disorder feel fatigued, achy and nauseous. They may experience liver issues or diabetes. This is due to iron in the blood settling into organs and causing damage.

The most common way to treat hereditary hemochromatosis is by phlebotomy - that is, by taking blood from the patient. A doctor will determine how often a patient needs to rid himself of some blood in order to keep his iron at a proper level.

Sexual dysfunction

Studies indicate that sexual dysfunction is also a common issue related to hemochromatosis. It’s estimated that between 10% and 40% of men with iron overload also have penis problems, most often related to libido and erectile function.

Why does this occur? Typically it is because some of the excess iron circulating through the body may settle in the testicles, which can cause damage to the body’s ability to produce sufficient amounts of testosterone. When testosterone levels drop, a man tends to have a lower sex drive. He also tends to have more difficulty in obtaining or maintaining an erection. This latter issue is compounded if the excess iron is also deposited in the heart. When the heart is unable to operate at peak function, it impacts the ability of blood to flow freely and quickly into the penis, which is crucial for proper erectile functioning.

Sometimes a person may have penis problems of this sort due to hemochromatosis without knowing he has it. If a man sees a doctor for sexual performance issues, he may want to ask if hemochromatosis is a possible cause, especially if he is a Caucasian of northern European descent.

Treating the hemochromatosis is essential not just for tending to these penis problems but for ensuring overall health as well. It also pays to utilize a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) . The better crème will include vitamin C and L-arginine, both of which improve health in a way that can alleviate penis problems. Vitamin C is crucial for collagen production, which impacts penile tissue firmness. L-arginine, meanwhile, helps to create nitric oxide, which in turn helps keep penile blood vessels more open and receptive to increased blood flow.