Erectile Dysfunction: It doesn't magically happen to you.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction: It doesn’t magically happen to you.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It’s also sometimes referred to as impotence. Occasional ED isn’t uncommon. Many men experience it during times of stress. However, if you have ED, you may not be able to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse more than 25% of the time. There are a number of potential causes of ED, and they can be divided into two categories: physical and psychological. Physical causes Physical causes of ED can be related to: • Vascular disease: This includes conditions that affect blood flow, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). • Diabetes: This condition can damage nerves and blood vessels. • Neurological conditions: These include conditions that affect the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. • Surgery: Procedures that damage the nerves or blood vessels near the penis can cause ED. • Injury: An injury to the pelvis, spine, or penis can cause ED. • Hormone problems: Low levels of the hormone testosterone can cause ED. Psychological causes Psychological causes of ED can be related to: • Depression: This condition can lead to loss of interest in sex and difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. • Anxiety: This can include performance anxiety (fearing that you will not be able to perform sexually), as well as other forms of anxiety. • Stress: This can be caused by work, relationship, or financial stress. • Relationship problems: This can include issues with communication, trust, or intimacy. If you have ED, it’s important to see your doctor to rule out any underlying physical causes. If there are no physical causes, you may be referred to a mental health professional to help address any psychological causes. Treatment The treatment for ED will depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, treating the underlying cause may resolve the problem. For example, if ED is caused by a hormonal imbalance, treatment may involve taking medication to correct the imbalance. If ED is caused by a vascular problem, treatment may involve lifestyle changes (such as quitting smoking and exercising more), as well as taking medication to improve blood flow. If ED is caused by a neurological condition, treatment may involve taking medication to improve nerve function. If ED is caused by psychological issues, treatment may involve counseling or therapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat an underlying physical cause of ED. If you have ED, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and the potential causes. Together, you can determine the best treatment plan for you.