What causes erectile dysfunction? | HealthInfi

Many believe that with age, erectile dysfunction is inevitable. Although the number of men with erectile dysfunction and increases with age, there is the possibility that erectile dysfunction develops as a consequence of any disease or drugs, which were taken in these diseases. Erectile dysfunction is rarely a purely psychological problem. Studies have shown that 80% of male erectile dysfunction is a consequence of any physical condition. These include: chronic disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis is often accompanied by erectile dysfunction. Kidney, liver, thyroid, hormonal disorders also lead to erectile dysfunction. Men, who suffering from depression, also often report that they have erectile dysfunction.

Surgery and neurological disorders

If somehow was damaged the nerves connecting the penis with the central nervous system, may occur erectile dysfunction. They include surgery on the prostate gland, spinal cord injury or pelvic organs, stroke, multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer’s disease.

Receiving drugs

Many of the drugs designated in the above-mentioned diseases by themselves can cause erectile dysfunction as an additional side effect. An example would be drugs designated for high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, arthritis, peptic ulcer disease or epilepsy.

Lifestyles

Smoking, alcohol abuse or drug use can cause erectile dysfunction. If you want to learn more about the causes of erectile dysfunction, or you consider that one of the above reasons may be relevant to you, you can make an appointment to our sexologist. He can discuss in detail these questions with you.

Erections

When a man becomes sexually excited (aroused), his brain sends signals to the nerves in his penis. The nerves increase the blood flow to the penis, causing the tissue to expand and harden.

Anything that interferes with the nervous system or the blood circulation could lead to erectile dysfunction.

Anything that affects the level of sexual desire (libido) can also cause erectile dysfunction because a reduced libido makes it more difficult for the brain to trigger an erection. Psychological conditions, such as depression, can reduce libido, as can changes in hormone levels (chemicals produced by the body).

Physical causes

There are four main types of health conditions that can cause physical problems resulting in erectile dysfunction. These are:

• conditions affecting the flow of blood to your penis – vasculogenic
• conditions affecting your nervous system, which is made up of your brain, nerves and spinal cord – neurogenic
• conditions affecting your hormone levels – hormonal
• conditions affecting the physical structure of your penis – anatomical

Injuries and surgery

Penis injuries or surgical treatment of the penis, pelvis or surrounding areas can sometimes lead to erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction is also thought to occur in up to 15-25% of people who experience a severe head injury.

Vasculogenic conditions

Examples of vasculogenic conditions that cause erectile dysfunction include:

• cardiovascular disease – a disease of the heart or blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• diabetes – a condition caused by high blood sugar levels. This can affect both the blood supply and the nerve endings in your penis, so it is also a neurogenic condition

Erectile dysfunction is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease. For this reason, it may be one of the first causes your GP considers when making a diagnosis and planning your treatment.Read More