In this groundbreaking episode, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon sits down with Dr. Tobias Kohler, a professor of urology at the Mayo Clinic, to discuss a topic most people are afraid to talk about: men's sexual health.
Dr. Kohler shares eye-opening insights, backed by over two decades of clinical experience and research, on the powerful link between foundational health habits and male sexual function. They reveal why erectile dysfunction is a critical "check engine light" for heart disease and how building muscle and exercising can improve not just your erections, but your overall longevity.
This conversation goes beyond simple fixes, providing actionable, science-based information that every man needs to hear.
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Chapters
0:00 - Link between muscle mass & erections
0:52 - Erectile function
1:13 - The truth about penis size & penile implants
2:32 - The foundational pillars of men's health
8:48 - Erectile dysfunction is an early sign of heart disease
16:14 - The role of anxiety, alcohol & cannabis on ED
24:29 - The "use-it-or-lose-it" organ
29:31 - The truth about PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra & Cialis)
46:46 - The "C"s of urinary frequency
54:43 - The connection between muscle, testosterone & sexual function
1:02:07 - Is there a point of no return for penile health?
Erections: A “Check Engine Light” for Your Health
One of the most striking points from the discussion was Dr. Kohler’s perspective on erectile dysfunction (ED). He described it not just as a sexual problem, but as one of the earliest "check engine lights" for heart disease. The blood vessels leading to the penis are much smaller than those in the heart. As we age, plaque can build up in these vessels. This process, known as atherosclerosis, affects the smaller vessels first.
This means if you're experiencing persistent issues with erections, it's a strong indicator that you may have vascular problems that could soon affect your heart. As Dr. Kohler put it, "If the penis is failing, you should assume you're going to have problems with your heart soon until proven otherwise." The good news is that anything good for your heart—like exercise and a healthy diet—is also good for your penis.
The "Use-It-or-Lose-It" Organ
The conversation also tackled the surprising phenomenon of penile shortening. When the penis goes into a "garage" for an extended period—meaning there is a consistent lack of erections—it can lose length. Dr. Kohler shared that a consistent lack of erections for just three months can lead to a loss of 1-2 centimeters in length due to the formation of scar tissue. This is why he calls the penis a "use-it-or-lose-it" organ. The key to maintaining penile health is to exercise the penis through erections, and tools like a vacuum erection device can be used for penile
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