Creatine is a popular supplement among athletes and bodybuilders, praised for its ability to enhance strength, increase lean muscle mass, and improve exercise performance. Despite its benefits, there's a circulating myth that creatine supplementation could lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). Scientific evidence does not support this claim. Let's look into the myths surrounding creatine and ED and separate fact from fiction.
Myth 1: Creatine Causes Dehydration, Leading to ED
One of the prevalent myths is that creatine causes dehydration and, by extension, could lead to ED. The theory suggests that creatine pulls water into the muscles, potentially reducing blood volume and affecting blood flow, including to the penis. Research shows that creatine does not cause dehydration or negatively impact blood flow. Adequate hydration can easily mitigate any potential risks, and there's no direct link between creatine use and ED. Yes, you need to drink more water on creatine.
Myth 2: Creatine Affects Testosterone Levels
Another myth is that creatine supplementation adversely affects testosterone levels, potentially leading to ED. Some believe that because creatine is involved in energy production for muscle contractions, it might somehow disrupt the body's natural hormone balance. The truth is, studies have shown that creatine can actually increase testosterone levels slightly in some cases, which would be more likely for creatine to enhance sexual function rather than impair it.
Myth 3: Creatine Alters Kidney Function and Hormonal Balance
There's also a misconception that creatine supplementation could lead to kidney damage or alter hormonal balance, indirectly causing ED. While it's important for individuals with pre-existing kidney issues to consult a healthcare provider before starting creatine, there's no evidence to suggest that creatine negatively impacts kidney function or hormonal balance in healthy individuals. In fact, creatine is one of the most researched supplements and is generally considered safe when used as directed.
Creatine and Hair Loss
Another common myth around creatine is that it causes hair loss.
There is no scientific research proving that creatine supplementation before or after a workout causes hair loss. There is also no study proving that creatine causes an increase in DHT significant enough to cause hair loss.
One 2009 study of a rugby team did find that creatine supplementation is associated with an increase in a hormone called DHT, which can contribute to hair loss. The takeaway is that the creatine did not increase the DHT levels to anything that would actually cause hair loss. Individuals already experiencing hair loss have increased DHT levels, so creatine supplementation could potentially increase their DHT levels a small amount, but it’s unlikely that it would be anything measurable. It's safe to say that creatine does not cause hair loss.
Conclusion
The myth that creatine supplementation causes erectile dysfunction lacks scientific backing. Creatine is a well-researched supplement with a strong safety profile, known for its benefits in improving strength, muscle mass, and exercise performance. While it's essential to use creatine responsibly and drink lots of water while on creatine, fears about it leading to ED are unfounded.
