What We Do
Causes Of ED
What Are The Causes Of ED?
Causes of ED can be attributed to many factors. These may be physical, mental or emotional issues. The first point of call, as much as it is an embarrassing problem for you, is visit your doctor. This is the first thing you must do. Only a doctor can rule out a lot of serious medical conditions that can be causing the erection problems you are suffering with. So pick up that phone and make the appointment!!! There is no shame, this is what they get paid for! They are there to help fix your health problems...period!!! At this point it is better to know what you are facing so you can try and get well again as soon as possible.
Many, many things can contribute to ED. It isn’t always easy to diagnose, which is why it’s vital you are upfront with your healthcare professional. To make an accurate diagnosis, they need to have the full picture. This can often be a combination of both physiological and psychological factors. Your lifestyle, diet, relationships, and medical history can all play a part.
PHYSICAL FACTORS THAT MAY BE A CAUSE OF ED INCLUDE
- Diabetes: This condition can result in damage to blood vessels, which can prevent the blood flow required for a sustained erection
- Cranial Damage: Any blunt force trauma to the head can damage signals from the brain, which can prevent an erection from forming
- Obesity: Decreased testosterone and damage to blood vessels are both factors associated with excess weight, and therefore may hinder your ability to sustain an erection.
- Medication: A side effect of certain prescription drugs can be a cause of ED. This is especially true for antidepressants, high blood pressure medications, or cancer treatments.
PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS THAT MAY BE CAUSES OF ED INCLUDE
- Anxiety, Depression, or Other Mental Illness: Performance anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression all contribute strongly to an inability to produce an erection. It can be a vicious cycle if you begin to feel embarrassed over the condition.
- Stress: Daily life brings its challenges. Whether it’s financial or familial, stress can have a damaging effect on your ability to produce an erection.
Relationship Disputes: If you’re struggling in the bedroom, it may be a direct result of discord between you and your partner. A sense of separation or divide can be profound causes of ED.
Read what the Mayo Clinic defines as the causes of ED.
Read more on ED treatments
CAUSES OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
ALCOHOL
If you drink alcohol in moderation then you have a much lower risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction. Heavy drinkers risk impairing the impulses between the pituitary gland and the genitals.
CHOLESTEROL
High cholesterol may lead to atherosclerosis which is where your blood vessels narrow. If you have high cholesterol then you are restricting the amount of blood and nitric oxide which is needed for an erection.
DIABETES
Many studies show a huge correlation between ED and diabetes. This is because diabetes can damage the blood supply needed to travel to the penis and also the nerves that are needed to establish an erection.
DIET
A poor unhealthy diet leads to all sorts of issues let alone ED. The right diet ad the right foods can actually naturally provide an erection. Learn what foods you should and shouldn't eat.
HEART DISEASE
The link between heart disease and erectile dysfunction isn't necessarily to do with atherosclerosis. Recent studies show that damage to the endothelium is what causes a lack of blood flow to the penis.
LOW BLOOD PRESSURE
High blood pressure is associated with erectile dysfunction but what about low blood pressure? Learn about how blood pressure can affect the ability to sustain an erection. The reduction of blood flow causes many issues.
LOW HAEMOGLOBIN
Haemoglobin is a substance in red blood cells which allows oxygen in blood to be transported throughout the body. Learn what effects this can have on sexual health for men. Can it cause impotence?
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
High blood pressure can have a significant impact on the state of erections and sexual health. Blood flow and nitric oxide levels are the 2 most important elements of maintaining an erection.
PROSTATECTOMY
Erectile dysfunction is a common symptom after a radical prostatectomy. Naturally, men become increasingly frustrated while trying to recover from major surgery. Find out more about this condition.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
There is a range of psychological issues that can have a detrimental effect on sexual health. Low self esteem, depression, anxiety, guilt and indifference are just but a few that can be a problem.
SMOKING
Excessive smoking helps to block arteries and damage the blood vessels. This can cause Erectile dysfunction due to the lack of nitric oxide & blood getting to the penis. Learn more on the effects of smoking.
TESTOSTERONE
If the body is producing low levels of testosterone it can have a dramatic and negative impact on male sexual health. A low libido and sex drive may result in problems sustaining an erection.
VASECTOMY
A vasectomy involves cutting the tubes containing sperm which travels from the testicles to the urethra. Can this simple operation cause erectile dysfunction though? And, if so, can it be treated?
STRESS
Stress causes so many problems on the human body. In terms of sexual health, the impact can be extremely frustrating and disastrous. It may also lead to other psychological issues too that can also influence ED.
VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY
There is a strong link between vitamin D levels and erection dysfunction (ED). Vitamin D is needed to maintain a healthy immune system and there is a strong indication that a deficiency can cause ED.
OBESITY
Studies show that obesity is one of the prime causes of impotence in men. Obesity causes high insulin levels which, in turn, leads to damaged blood vessels which prevents the required blood flow or an erection.
PARKINSONS DISEASE
Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder affecting movement in men and women throughout the world. This condition causes a range of symptoms, one being erectile dysfunction (ED) in men.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Erections rely on a complex interaction within a network of nerves and multiple sclerosis can affect these neural pathways which have a significant impact on obtaining erections.
How Do You Treat Impotence? What Works Best?
What ways can you treat erectile dysfunction and regain your love life. Learn about the best and worst ways to treat ED.
Join Our Community. Register For Our Newsletter
Stay up-to-date with everything regarding MedicineUnwired. Sign up for our monthly newsletter and join our community.
Important Resources You May Find Interesting
Check out this educational video from Rehealthify. If you are suffering with impotence, make sure you speak to get advice from your doctor.