Baltimore, M.D. — March 12, 2026 – Globally-recognized urologist Dr. Arthur Burnett joined the Beyond Diagnosis podcast to discuss men’s sexual health across the lifespan and why erectile dysfunction can serve as an early indicator of overall health.
Beyond Diagnosis, hosted by Rita De Michele, is a weekly health-focused show that explores functional, integrative, holistic, and alternative approaches for listeners who feel traditional medical care hasn’t fully addressed their long-term health concerns. The goal of the program is to help patients understand the “bigger picture” behind their symptoms, explore root-cause approaches, and learn from experts who offer strategies beyond conventional diagnostics. The episode is distributed across major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify and is also available on the Beyond Diagnosis website and YouTube channel. The podcast features more than 100 expert interviews focused on integrative and preventative health and reaches a global audience interested in holistic and patient-centered care.
During the interview, Dr. Burnett shared insights on how sexual health is closely connected to cardiovascular health, metabolic conditions, mental wellbeing, and lifestyle factors.
He emphasized that erectile function often reflects broader health conditions in the body.
“Erections are fundamentally about blood flow,” Dr. Burnett explained. “So anything that affects the cardiovascular system, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, poor diet, or lack of exercise, can also impact erectile function. In many cases, changes in sexual health can be an early signal that something else in the body needs attention.”
Dr. Burnett also highlighted the importance of preventive care and encouraged men to take a proactive approach to their health.
“Maintaining your best health is what manhood is truly about,” Dr. Burnett said. “Getting regular checkups, understanding your risk factors, and addressing concerns early can help men preserve both their overall health and their quality of life.”
The discussion also addresses common misconceptions about prostate cancer and sexual function, noting that while early-stage prostate cancer itself may not cause erectile dysfunction, certain treatments can impact sexual health. Dr. Burnett explained how advances in nerve-sparing surgery and modern therapies are helping preserve function while effectively treating cancer.
With more than four decades of clinical experience, Dr. Burnett has dedicated his career to advancing men’s health, prostate cancer care, and sexual medicine. His latest book, The Manhood Rx, explores the science and practical realities of male sexual health and wellbeing.
Arthur L. “Bud” Burnett II, MD, MBA, FACS, is a trailblazing and globally recognized urologist, educator, and researcher at Johns Hopkins University, where he has served for more than 40 years as the Patrick C. Walsh Professor of Urology and Director of the Male Consultation Clinic. Celebrated as the first Black professor of urology at Johns Hopkins and past president of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America, Dr. Burnett pioneered research that made Viagra possible, performed thousands of prostate and urologic surgeries, and authored more than 500 peer-reviewed publications and three books — The Manhood Rx, Johns Hopkins Patient’s Guide to Prostate Cancer, and Prostate Cancer Survivors Speak Their Minds. He is also founder of UroMissionsWorks, a nonprofit expanding urologic care worldwide, and a decorated U.S. Army veteran.