What Causes Erectile Dysfunction? - 13 Reasons You Should Know

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Over 322 million men are expected to be affected by ED by the end of 2025.

So, with this statistic, it should be understandable that erectile dysfunction is becoming quite a common condition among men.

However, the condition can be tackled with proper treatments and suggested medications from your healthcare professionals.

Key Takeaways On The Causes Of EDCardiovascular issuesHigh sugar levels High bpUnhealthy dietNot being active or involved in exercisesHormonal imbalanceUnhealthy lifestyle

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction

ED is mainly the inability of a man to get an erection or maintain enough firmness for sex. It can occur once in a while or even more often. The causes are usually physical problems like:

Heart diseases
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Hormone problems
Psychological issues
Anxiety
Stress
Depression

ED is common in older men; however, this problem is degenerating and affects men of all ages. This may result in low self-esteem and further relationship problems. However, treatments like lifestyle changes, taking medications, and surgery might help in certain cases.

The Massachusetts Male Aging Study stated a 52% prevalence of ED [Source: NCBI]. The study showed that erectile dysfunction is quite common with age:

40% of men get affected at age 40
Around 70% of men suffer from ED at 70

Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Certain physical causes can cause serious erectile dysfunction, but according to several reports, red light therapy helps erectile dysfunction. So, before heading to the treatments, let’s know about the causes.

Cardiovascular Problems

Heart diseases and high blood pressure can both cause serious ED issues. These conditions are connected to blood flow and are required to maintain an erection. Damage to the blood vessels or blockage can hinder the blood to flow to your penis.

This improper blood flow makes it hard to get an erection. It can also damage the arteries, reducing the potential of giving proper blood supply to your penile area.

Diabetes

Diabetes can have a huge impact on your erectile issues. Excessive blood sugar levels for a long time can be responsible for nerve and blood vessel damage.

To keep a healthy erection, you need to have proper blood flow and nerve functioning. Damaged nerves disrupt the erection signal and disrupted blood vessels reduce blood flow.

Hormonal Imbalances

Sex health is mainly controlled by hormones, and in this case, testosterone. ED may result in low testosterone amounts as it reduces libido and affects your erection.

Other hormonal problems like thyroid or pituitary gland disorders also cause ED. These glands produce hormones that control different body functions, including intercourse. ED could also result in an imbalance in the production of such hormones.

Neurological Disorders

Neurological diseases, like Parkinson’s disease, are among the major causes of erection issues. Such conditions can directly attack the nervous system and cause transmission flaws from the brain to your penis.

Medications

Certain medications can result in erectile dysfunction as a side effect. The common medications that may cause ED include:

Antidepressants
Drugs against high blood pressure
Remedies against prostatic diseases

Such medications can interfere with the working process of your nervous system and damage your blood circulation.

If you do show certain ED symptoms after bringing certain medications into your routine, make sure to discuss them with your doctor. They might change the medications or alter your dosage.

Check Out This Video For Better Understanding

4. What causes erectile dysfunction

Psychological Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Certain psychological issues can also cause an erectile dysfunction. Here’s how it can impact.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety affect sexual performance negatively. These are mental problems that make a man relax or concentrate, which makes it easy to get an erection and maintain it.

Depression

ED is closely connected with depression. It diminishes libido and the ability to get an erection; it lowers sexual interest.

Moreover, this disorder favors the ongoing depressing of mood and decreases energy, thus further complicating sexual functioning.

Relationship Problems

Problems in the relationship may be the reason and lead to sexual health problems. Conflicts, lack of communication, or loss of emotions can all cause ED.

Lifestyle Factors Contributing to Erectile Dysfunction

Here are some of the lifestyle factors that can contribute to erectile dysfunction.

Poor Diet

Poor diet causes ED by leading to obesity, high cholesterol, and poor blood flow. A diet that is full of junk food and low in fruits and vegetables can harm blood flow, an integral part of erection.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Physical activity contributes to sexual health. The increased blood flow, reduced stress, and improved overall energy due to regular exercise will have effects on sexual performance. Lack of exercise will result in poor circulation and a decrease in stamina, which would contribute to ED.

Smoking and Alcohol

Alcohol, smoking, and drugs can contribute to bad erectile function. This is because certain substances are known to cause significant damage to the vessels and nerves, thus leading to decreased perfusion to the penis. Long-term exposure may cause chronic ED.

Sleep Disorders

Poor sleep quality can affect erectile function. Sleep disruption, either from insomnia or apnea, can impact changes in hormone levels and a reduction in energy—factors that lower the ability to get and maintain an erection. Sex requires the assurance of good sleep for overall good health.

Check Out These Reddit Comments And Find Out What Lifestyle Factors Affected These People

Erectile Dysfunction and Aging

Age and ED are strongly connected! Here’s how it’s linked.

Natural Aging Process

With age, changes in sexual function are anticipated. As you age, there is decreased blood flow and less testosterone. This can contribute to more difficulty in achieving and maintaining an erection. Even the response of the body itself to a sexual stimulus might turn slow.

Surviving ED at an Older Age

Older men can keep ED at bay with a healthy lifestyle. Compared with those who don’t, exercise, a balanced diet, ceasing cigarette smoking, and limited consumption of alcohol can help restore a normal erection.

Consultation with your doctor regarding proper treatment—pharmacological agents or behavioral therapy.

You should also maintain open communication with your partner about your sexual complications. This way you can maintain a better understanding and your partner can support you.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Here are some of the treatment and diagnosis options you can go for.

Medical Evaluation

The ED diagnosis comes with a medical evaluation. Doctors may ask about:

Symptoms
Past medical history
Lifestyle
Certain physical examinations and blood tests will also be taken.

Medications and Treatments

Probably the most well-known prescription drugs against ED are:

Viagra
Cialis
Levitra

These kinds of drugs increase blood flow to the penis, which will greatly help in getting an erection and also in maintaining it. However, always consult with your doctor about using any of these medications.

Lifestyle Changes

Improving diet and exercise could improve ED. Here’s what you can do:

Maintaining a good diet with an active lifestyle
Moderate alcohol consumption
Cutting down smoking for good

These initial changes can bring in a lot of positive impacts in your life and if you implement red light therapy sessions, it helps to elevate “good health’ more.

Psychological Intervention

ED resulting from psychological factors can be treated with therapeutic counseling. Stress, anxiety, and depression all these conditions can cause serious problems in your sexual life.

So, the most effective solution would be to consult with an expert psychologist and seek counseling.

Prevention Tips for Erectile Dysfunction

Certain preventions can help you maintain your erection. Here are some of the ED prevention tips to follow.

Healthy Choices

It can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle in general. You should consume a balanced diet rich in:

Fresh fruits
Vegetables
Whole grains

Another recommended way is to go for regular exercise and improve your fitness regime to prevent ED.

Regular Health Checkups

Regular checkups are going to prevent ED. At the time when you have regular checkups, blood pressure levels, sugar levels, and cholesterol are easily detected. All these things can be managed before getting out of hand, and the occurrence of ED can be prevented.

Mental Health Care

Taking proper mental health care helps ED be prevented by keeping stress limited and maintaining mental health. Reduce stress—Acquire the habit of relaxation through meditation and deep breathing exercises.

If you get anxiety or depression, you should always seek help. Good mental health supports a healthy sexual life and provides background well-being in general.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Common Is Erectile Dysfunction?

ED is quite common! Around 30 million men in the USA face erectile issues. Moreover, ED is quite a natural thing when you start getting older.

Can Young Men Experience Erectile Dysfunction?

The more you age, the higher the chances of developing ED. Most men over 45 years of age experience some kind of ED. Usually, about 8% men of 20-29 years and 11% of men between the ages of 30-39 are afflicted.

What are the most common causes of erectile dysfunction?

Here are the most common reasons for ED:

Diabetes
High blood pressure
Smoking
Obesity
Anxiety
Depression
Alcoholism
Prostate cancer
Heart Disease

Is erectile dysfunction a permanent condition?

ED has good outlooks, and it is also treatable. While some of the causes cannot be cured, most treatments can help you maintain an erection for a better sex life.

What lifestyle changes can help improve erectile dysfunction?

Here are some of the lifestyle changes that can drastically improve your erectile dysfunction:

Exercise
Healthy diet
Stress management
Smoking cessation
Weight loss
Alcohol
Manage your weight
Avoid smoking
Coffee

When should I see a doctor about erectile dysfunction?

If ED happens occasionally, there is no need to be worried. However, if the problem is persistent, then visit a doctor to know the cause.

Are there natural remedies for erectile dysfunction?

Yes, there are! The most common natural remedies are:

Ginkgo biloba
Ginseng
Acupuncture
Yoga

Wrapping Up

The various causes of ED include cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, hormonal imbalance, neurological disorders, medications, stress, and poor lifestyle.

Treatments are quite effective, but one should always seek advice about managing the condition efficiently and diagnosing health-related problems. Consult a healthcare professional for the best course of action.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff Chief editor

Bernard Van Isacker is the Chief Editor of Side-Line Magazine. With a career spanning more than two decades, Van Isacker has established himself as a respected figure in the darkwave scene.

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