Sex can help fight gout, scientists claim.
Millions suffer under the severe suffering of Henry VIII.
This allows you to combat severe joint pain that is usually treatable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
But experts say more sex can help manage the condition, the most common form of arthritis.
Sex can help fight gout, scientists claim. Italian researchers believe it encourages people to stop drinking and red meat. Excessive intake of both can cause the condition
The latest study examined evidence from studies on how being in a couple and having a good sex life affected outcomes for gout patients.
Researchers reviewed the available literature on gout and its links to sexual and erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and relationships.
Not only did they find that the condition worsened sexual performance—improving sexual health also had a detrimental effect on coping with the condition.
The team led by dr. Andrea Sansone, an endocrinologist at Rome’s Tor Vergata University, said: “Improving gout treatment leads to better sexual health and conversely, promoting better sexual health can improve disease control.
“The presence of a partner improves the behavior of gout patients, with positive implications for both sexual health and gout treatment.
“Thus, the bidirectional relationship between gout and sexual dysfunction, that is, how gout can negatively affect sexual health and how promoting a healthy sex life can improve clinical and therapeutic outcomes of gout, is a promising new chapter in sexual medicine. in which more and more research will be done in the coming years.’
They did not specify exactly how more sex could reduce gout.
But keeping to a healthy weight and exercising regularly can help prevent painful flare-ups, says the NHS.
Previous research has also linked a healthier sex life to improved immune and mental health.
Experts have welcomed the latest study, published today in the journal Sexual Medicine.
They said the benefits of sex may be greater as a result of partners encouraging loved ones to adhere to treatments.
DR Mark Russell, a rheumatologist at King’s College London, told MailOnline: ‘This study highlights one of the many effects that gout can have on patients.
“Gout affects one in 40 people in the UK and we know from research that it is often undiagnosed and undertreated.
“There are very effective medications such as allopurinol that can be used long-term to control gout and prevent complications.
“This study highlights a possible link between sexual health and adherence to therapy in gout.
“We know from studies that compliance in people with gout is often lower than in other chronic diseases.
“This study can provide relevant context for healthcare professionals when it comes to discussing the importance of adherence to medications such as allopurinol, which are highly effective in treating the symptoms of gout and preventing complications.”
About 1.5 million people in the UK and 9.2 million in the US suffer from gout. It is almost twice as common in men as in women.
Official data shows the number of cases in the UK has risen by a fifth in three years.
Experts believe increasing obesity, sedentary lifestyle during lockdown and poor diet are responsible for the rise.
The painful condition causes sudden and severe joint pain, usually in the big toe, but also in other areas of the feet, hands, wrists, elbows or knees.
It can also cause the skin over the joint to become warm, swollen and red.
Too much uric acid – which is formed when chemicals in certain foods such as red meat and alcohol are broken down – in the body can lead to deposits of sodium urate crystals in and around the joints, causing discomfort and pain.
If you liked this article…
My gout pills don’t seem to be working – can you help? DR MARTIN SCURR answers your questions
Gout is suddenly on the rise, so why are so few patients getting the treatment they need?
Binge eating and sedentary lifestyle during lockdown led to massive rise in gout, data shows
Source link
Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
