What causes erectile dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain sufficient and rigid penile erection for a much satisfactory sexual intercourse or activity. Erectile dysfunction is the outcome of your medical, psychological, and physical aspects.

Erectile dysfunction is the prime reason for loss of erection. Due to erectile dysfunction, most men feel very embarrassed as they face difficulty in erection and in maintaining the required erection during sexual intercourse.

Some of the physical causes include the following:

• High cholesterol or blood pressure
• Obesity or being overweight
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular events or clogged arteries
• Any long-term health ailments
• Thyroid or nervous system disorders

If you experience repeated loss of erection, you need to approach your urologist for treatment.

Common causes of erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction can also be age-related. When you grow older, your blood vessels tend to weaken and your system will strain to maintain adequate blood flow to your penis. This leads to erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction can happen at any age, particularly at 50 years of age or above. Physical causes include underlying health conditions like cardiovascular disease/clogged arteries, diabetes, obesity/overweight, high blood pressure, cholesterol, nerve damage, long-term health issues, or hormonal imbalance.

Alcohol consumption can directly interfere with your penile erection. Excessive smoking and use of nicotine products can directly damage your blood vessels. It reduces blood flow to your penis. This blocks your normal erection activity. In addition, certain specific medications i.e. some antidepressants can cause side effects that influence your sexual activity.

What causes sudden erectile dysfunction?

Losing erection suddenly in the middle of your sexual activity could be a sign of hormonal imbalance in your body. It could be the result of any nervous disorder or any underlying medical condition. All these disrupt blood flow to your penis resulting in a sudden erection disorder.

To prevent this, you can try few home remedies:

Yoga or a deep breathing exercise – yoga calms your mind.

A warm water bath/shower – gives physical and mental relaxation.

Gentle stretches – it releases tightness of your muscles and muscle tension.

What causes erectile dysfunction in young men?

Several factors contribute to erectile dysfunction in young men. The eating habits, lifestyle changes, and health issues contribute to this condition. Moreover, according to certain reports, smoking and consumption of alcohol are high in young men, making them face several health challenges.

Some factors include:

Hormonal imbalances

Injuries – caused in the pelvic area or spinal cord

Neurological conditions – any nerve damage or neurological disorders

ED can be a warning sign

Yes, erectile dysfunction can be a major warning indication of any health issue you face. It could particularly be any underlying cardiovascular ailments. Erectile dysfunction can signal heart disease or other respiratory or circulatory issues at an early stage. You may not even know the symptoms during this early stage.

Can erectile dysfunction be treated?

In general, you can treat erectile dysfunction through various treatment options. However, the treatment options vary depending on the cause and severity of your medical need and condition. You can opt for certain lifestyle changes or medications for mild symptoms.

If your condition is severe, you can try to use vacuum devices to treat ED, or undergo a surgical procedure to correct the problem. Apart from these, you can opt for a counseling session to get rid of your psychological distress. Erectile dysfunction is also treated orally i.e. through medication

FAQ (2 Line Ans)

Can stress cause ED?

Stress-free mind boosts your nervous system and blood vessels essential to achieve and maintain penile erection. Furthermore, stress and anxiety together can lead to a condition called performance anxiety, which can further worsen erectile dysfunction.

Does age cause ED?

Age indirectly influences your penile health. However, your age does not directly influence erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is more often a result of underlying health issues, lifestyle factors, and even psychological issues.

Can diabetes lead to ED?

Diabetes can directly influence erectile dysfunction. It can increase the risk because high blood sugar levels can damage your nerves and blood vessels preventing you from achieving and maintaining the desired erection.

Is ED always a physical problem?

Erectile dysfunction is not always a physical problem. While physical causes like cardiovascular disease or nerve damage are common at any phase of your age, certain psychological factors like stress, anxiety, or relationship issues possibly cause erectile dysfunction. In certain cases, a combination of both your physical and psychological factors contribute to this condition.