Does creatine cause erectile dysfunction? Myth vs evidence

Friday, May 15, 2026

If you’ve noticed a change in your erections and you’re wondering whether creatine could be the cause, you’re not alone.

Key Facts:

No clinical evidence links creatine supplementation to erectile dysfunction.
The myth largely stems from confusion between creatine and anabolic steroids.
A 2021 review of 12 studies found creatine does not significantly affect testosterone levels.
ED in young people is common — 29.3% of UK people aged 18–39 report it.
If you’re experiencing ED, speak to a pharmacist or GP to help identify the cause.

Table of Contents:

Does creatine cause erectile dysfunction – what does the evidence say?
Why do people think creatine causes ED?
If creatine isn’t causing my ED, what else could be?
Could creatine actually help with erectile function?
What should I do if I’m experiencing erectile dysfunction?
Frequently asked questions about creatine and erectile dysfunction

Does creatine cause erectile dysfunction – what does the evidence say?

There is no clinical evidence that taking creatine causes erectile dysfunction. Over 680 clinical trials confirm that creatine has a tolerable safety profile, with minimal side effects (6).

In fact, creatine is one of the most studied sports supplements out there. The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) published a position paper in 2017 after reviewing the full body of research and confirmed that creatine supplementation, at doses up to 30g/day for 5 years, is well-tolerated in healthy adults (1). Just as importantly, no study to date has identified a mechanism through which creatine could have a negative effect on erectile function.

It’s understandable that people ask the question given the rumours out there online. A quick search online on “creatine and ED” and you’ll find Reddit threads, fitness forums and supplement blogs making confident claims on either side. When you look at the actual research, the picture is much clearer: creatine has not been shown to cause ED.

Does creatine increase DHT, and does that affect erections?

Many people online often quote a misleading study that has been doing the rounds since 2009: Dr van der Merwe and colleagues gave creatine to 20 college-aged rugby players and measured their hormone levels over 21 days (2). After an initial 7-day loading phase, DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels rose by 56% – and it’s this headline number that gets widely repeated across forums and supplement blogs today.

However, the context around this number is almost always ignored. Even though DHT levels increased, they were still within the range that doctors would say is normal. What’s more, the study was only conducted on a small number of people (just 20 participants), lasted for just three weeks, and no other researchers have been able to replicate the results in over 15 years since the original experiment.

It’s also important to separate DHT from erectile dysfunction and to remember that DHT plays a normal role in male hormone function. Higher DHT levels can sometimes be discussed in relation to male pattern hair loss (read more about creatine and hair loss) and prostate changes, but not erectile dysfunction itself. A 2021 review by Dr Antonio and colleagues looked at 12 studies on creatine and testosterone (3), and ten of those found no changes in testosterone levels.

This shows that even the misleading study most often talked about in online discussions does not show that creatine causes erectile dysfunction.

Why do people think creatine causes ED?

People worry that creatine causes erectile dysfunction, often because they get it mixed up with anabolic steroids (as well as the impact of the misleading study from 2009, mentioned above).

The confusion with anabolic steroids is one of the biggest sources of the misunderstanding. Creatine is not a steroid. It is a naturally occurring compound found in foods like red meat and fish. Your body also produces it in the liver, kidneys and pancreas and its job is to help recycle adenosine triphosphate (a source of energy your muscles use during short bursts of activity). It doesn’t work as a hormone and doesn’t affect the body in the same way that anabolic steroids do.

In contrast, anabolic steroids are synthetic hormones that are designed to mimic testosterone. They are known to suppress the body’s natural hormone production, which may contribute to erectile dysfunction. When people hear “gym supplement” and “ED” in the same breath, they often assume creatine carries the same risks, even though it doesn’t.

The other reason this myth persists is the DHT study mentioned earlier. A 56% increase in DHT sounds alarming when heard out of context, which is why it gets shared so widely on fitness forums and social media. But the important context is usually left out: the participants’ increased hormone levels were still within the normal range, the study was very small (20 people), and no later research has ever replicated the findings.

There’s also a more practical explanation. Many people taking creatine are also young people who likely train a lot, don’t get an optimum amount of sleep and deal with stresses from work and their personal relationships. Any of these factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction.

Is creatine the same as steroids?

No. Creatine is not a steroid – it is a naturally occurring substance, rather than a synthetic hormone. The table below sets out the main differences:

	Creatine monohydrate	Anabolic steroids
What it is	A naturally occurring amino acid compound found in food and produced by the body	Synthetic hormones that mimic the effects of testosterone
Legal status	Legal and available over the counter	Prescription only in the UK; illegal to supply without a licence
Effect on hormones	No clinically meaningful effect on testosterone or DHT (3)	Suppresses natural testosterone production
Link to ED	No evidence of any link	Proven link through testosterone suppression
Safety profile	Confirmed safe at up to 30g/day for 5 years in healthy people (1)	Linked to liver damage, cardiovascular risk, hormonal disruption

If creatine isn’t causing my ED, what else could be?

Lots of people don’t realise how common erectile dysfunction can be among people in their 20s or 30s. A UK study of 12,490 people found that nearly 30% of people from 18 to 39 years old have experienced ED at some point in their lives (4). Another study looking at over 27,000 people found that 8% of people aged 20 to 29 and 11% of those 30 to 39 have experienced it (5). If you’re in that age group, you can read more about erectile dysfunction in your 20s on the Oxford Online Pharmacy blog.

When younger people who work out and take supplements are having trouble, the problem is rarely with what’s in their shaker bottle. So, what are the common causes of ED?

Performance anxiety is one high up on the list. A single bad experience, a new relationship or a stressful time can all build pressure to perform in bed, and that pressure can quickly get stuck in a loop
Lack of sleep may reduce testosterone levels. If you’re getting less than 5 to 6 hours a night, your hormone levels, energy and mood are likely to be off balance , and this can make it harder to get and keep an erection
Alcohol and recreational drugs can also have an impact, even if you don't have a large amount
Changes in arousal linked to watching pornography: some experts believe that watching it too much may blunt the brain’s dopamine response for when you’re in a real-world situation, although the research is still developing in this field
Finally, erectile dysfunction can sometimes be an early warning sign of an underlying physical health issue, for example cardiovascular problems that restrict blood flow, which is why it is a good idea to talk to a doctor if symptoms appear

There are lifestyle changes you can make that can help:

Aim to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night
Reduce alcohol intake, especially just before sex
Manage stress more consistently: regular breaks, time outside, a structured wind-down before bed
Limit pornography if you’ve noticed changes in arousal
Get 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days. This improves blood flow and general mood
If ED symptoms last more than a few weeks, it is a good idea to speak to a pharmacist or GP for advice.

For more details, read about natural ways to improve erectile function on the Oxford Online Pharmacy blog.

Could creatine actually help with erectile function?

Creatine may have an indirect positive effect on erectile function by improving exercise performance and overall cardiovascular health, both of which are linked to better blood flow and sexual health.

Creatine can help improve performance when you work out, which may support better cardiovascular fitness over time. In turn, better cardiovascular health may lead to better blood flow, and good blood flow is essential for normal erectile function.

There are broader positive mental health benefits too. Emerging research suggests that creatine could have benefits for mood and cognitive function. This may help because depression and anxiety are both well-known contributing factors to erectile dysfunction. So while creatine is not a treatment for ED, anything that supports training energy, and mental wellbeing could have a knock-on benefit.

The rumour online is that creatine might be harmful to erectile function, but the more plausible view is the opposite: by supporting exercise and overall health, it may be more likely to help than to cause problems.

What should I do if I’m experiencing erectile dysfunction?

If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction and think creatine could be playing a part, one of the simplest approaches would be to stop taking it for a short period of time and see if there are any improvements with your erections. Creatine is unlikely to be the cause, but taking a break for 2 to 4 weeks can help rule it out and give you a clearer picture in your mind.

If your erections return to normal after stopping creatine, that may be useful to know, although it does not necessarily prove that the supplement itself was responsible. On the other hand, if the problem continues, it makes it much more likely that there is another underlying issue, which could be stress, poor sleep, alcohol use or something else.

A pharmacist can be a good place to start for some initial advice as they can talk you through possible causes, suggest practical lifestyle changes and explain what over-the-counter treatment options may be available to you. If symptoms persist, or you have any other concerning symptoms, it may be worth speaking to your GP. They can look into possible causes, including underlying cardiovascular, hormonal or neurological conditions, and refer you to a specialist if needed.

Consider an online consultation. Oxford Online Pharmacy offers a free online consultation where you complete a short medical questionnaire and a clinician reviews your answers and advises on suitable options.

Frequently asked questions

Does creatine affect you sexually?

There’s no reliable clinical evidence that creatine affects sexual function or performance. Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that helps your muscles produce energy during exercise, and it does not work like a hormone. If you notice changes to your sex drive while taking creatine, other factors such as stress, poor sleep or anxiety are much more likely to be the causes.

Can creatine cause erectile dysfunction?

There is no evidence that creatine causes erectile dysfunction. In an analysis of over 680 clinical studies involving more than 26,000 participants (6), no link between creatine and erectile dysfunction was found. The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) published a position paper in 2017 stating that creatine is well-tolerated at the recommended dose (1). In younger men, erectile dysfunction is much more likely to be related to performance anxiety, lifestyle habits, stress or an underlying health condition and is unlikely to be related to taking a supplement like creatine.

Does creatine increase testosterone?

Creatine is not known to increase testosterone in a major way. A 2021 analysis of 12 different studies looking at the link between creatine and testosterone generally found no significant changes in testosterone levels. Creatine is not a hormone, so it should not be thought of as a directly boosting testosterone levels.

What supplements cause erectile dysfunction?

Anabolic steroids are the “supplement” most likely to be associated with erectile dysfunction because they typically work by suppressing the body’s own testosterone production. Some other pre-workout supplements containing stimulants may also contribute indirectly by increasing anxiety or raising blood pressure. Standard creatine as a supplement is not associated with ED.

Does creatine affect sperm?

Current evidence does not suggest that creatine has a harmful effect on sperm quality or fertility. There is no strong research linking creatine supplementation to fertility (1). If you are worried about fertility, it may be worth speaking to your GP for advice tailored to your situation.

Does creatine affect DHT levels?

This question usually comes back to one small study on 20 rugby players from 2009, which found a 56% rise in DHT after a period taking short creatine. One point to note is that despite the increase in DHT the hormone levels stayed within the normal range, and this finding has never been replicated by other researchers. DHT is involved in healthy sexual function and it is more typically implicated in hair loss rather than erectile dysfunction.

Is creatine bad for your kidneys?

For healthy adults, creatine (up to around 30g/day) is generally considered to be harmless. It can temporarily raise creatinine levels on a blood test, which sometimes causes confusion, but that is not the same thing as having kidney damage. If you already have a kidney condition or have any concerns about your kidneys, you should check with your GP before taking it.

Can gym supplements cause erectile dysfunction?

Most standard gym supplements, such as protein powder, creatine and BCAAs, do not cause erectile dysfunction. The main exception is anabolic steroids, which have a well-known link to ED because of the impact they have on hormone levels. Some high-stimulant pre-workout supplements may also have an indirect effect on anxiety or blood pressure in some people.

Does creatine cause hair loss?

The concern that creatine causes hair loss also comes from the same small DHT study on 20 rugby players from 2009. As DHT is associated with male pattern hair loss (2), people have assumed creatine might bring on or speed up hair loss too. However, despite the increase in DHT the hormone levels stayed within the normal range, and this finding has never been replicated by other researchers. At the moment, there is not enough evidence to say that creatine causes hair loss.

What are the side effects of creatine?

The side effects most commonly reported by people taking creatine are water retention and mild stomach upset, especially during a loading phase. These effects are usually temporary and settle down once the body adjusts. In healthy adults, creatine is widely regarded as well-tolerated when used at the recommended dose (1). Creatine is not known to cause erectile dysfunction, kidney damage or hormonal disruption in otherwise healthy individuals.

Is ED in your 20s normal?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common than you might think. A UK study conducted in 2022 of over 12,000 people found that 29.3% of those aged 18 to 39 had experienced erectile dysfunction (4). In younger men, ED is often linked to psychological factors such as performance anxiety, stress or relationship issues rather than physical conditions. The important thing to know is that it is treatable, and if it keeps happening, it is worth speaking to a pharmacist or GP.