Erections: A Window into Cardiovascular Health? with Dr. Eliott Justin
Welcome back to Ditch the Labcoat. This week, host Dr. Mark Bonta sits down with Dr. Elliot Justin, emergency physician, innovator, and founder of FirmTech, for a conversation that’s equal parts fascinating, funny, and paradigm-shifting. Together, they explore a topic that most people find awkward to talk about—but everyone is curious about: male sexual health.
Dr. Justin shares how a personal injury and a deep curiosity about human physiology led him to develop an unexpected form of wearable technology—an erection ring that can not only enhance sexual performance but also collect valuable health data. Beneath the humor and candor lies something revolutionary: nocturnal erections, it turns out, may be one of the most powerful predictors of cardiovascular health we’ve been overlooking.
In this episode, Dr. Bonta and Dr. Justin unpack what it means when men stop getting morning erections, how this can serve as an early warning sign for heart disease, and why the term “erectile dysfunction” might need to be retired altogether. They explore the complex interplay between vascular, neurological, and psychological factors that drive sexual performance; and how rebranding “dysfunction” into erectile fitness reframes the conversation around men’s health, confidence, and relationships.
From bedside humor to hard science, Dr. Justin reveals how FirmTech’s technology has already identified hidden cardiac disease in users, improved relationships, and empowered men to take charge of their health in a completely new way. The discussion ranges from cardiovascular physiology to the social stigma surrounding male sexual health—and how technology might just be the bridge that makes it easier to talk about.
If you’ve ever wondered what your body might be trying to tell you, why sex can be one of medicine’s most underused diagnostic tools, or how innovation can transform intimacy and health alike, this episode is for you.
Let’s ditch the lab coat and get real about the science—and future—of erections.
Dr. Elliot Justin, MD, FACeP, CEO of FirmTech
https://myfirmtech.com
Episode Timestamps
01:00 Introduction to Health Metrics
02:56 The Journey to Sexual Health Technology
05:48 Understanding Nocturnal Erections
09:13 The Role of Vascular Health
11:57 Redefining Erectile Dysfunction
14:54 The Impact of Technology on Sexual Health
17:53 The Importance of Venous Return
21:06 Patient Experiences and Relationship Dynamics
24:02 The Power of Data in Sexual Health
26:56 Safety and Usage of the Technology
29:57 Future of Sexual Health Screening
32:54 Concluding Thoughts on Sexual Health
02:56 The Journey to Sexual Health Technology
05:48 Understanding Nocturnal Erections
09:13 The Role of Vascular Health
11:57 Redefining Erectile Dysfunction
14:54 The Impact of Technology on Sexual Health
17:53 The Importance of Venous Return
21:06 Patient Experiences and Relationship Dynamics
24:02 The Power of Data in Sexual Health
26:56 Safety and Usage of the Technology
29:57 Future of Sexual Health Screening
32:54 Concluding Thoughts on Sexual Health
Episode Takeaways
- Nocturnal erections can serve as a leading indicator of cardiovascular health, offering a non-invasive way to monitor heart health.
- The technology developed by Elliot provides a dual-purpose solution: tracking nocturnal erections and serving as an erection ring to maintain sexual performance.
- Elliot's personal journey from emergency medicine to developing this technology highlights the importance of addressing sexual health as a vital component of overall well-being.
- The conversation challenges the stigma around erectile dysfunction, advocating for a shift towards discussing "erectile fitness" to promote a positive and proactive approach to sexual health.
- The data collected from the wearable technology can help differentiate between psychogenic and physiological causes of erectile issues, providing valuable insights for personalized treatment.
- Elliot emphasizes the need for a personalized approach to health, where individuals can use data to understand their unique health needs and make informed decisions.
- The episode underscores the potential of wearable technology to disrupt traditional medical practices by providing actionable insights and empowering individuals to take control of their health.
- Dr. Mark Bonta and Elliot discuss the broader implications of their work, suggesting that it could lead to new standards of care for men over 45 or those with specific health conditions.
- The conversation highlights the importance of open dialogue about sexual health, encouraging listeners to consider the benefits of integrating sexual health monitoring into their wellness routines.
- Elliot's innovative approach to sexual health technology is positioned as a tool for enhancing relationships and improving quality of life, beyond just addressing medical concerns.
DISCLAMER >>>>>> The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions.
>>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests.
Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University.
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