What Causes Erectile Dysfunction? A Doctor Explains
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection. It’s also sometimes referred to as impotence.
There are a number of things that can cause ED, including:
- psychological issues (e.g., stress, anxiety, depression)
- relationship problems
- certain medical conditions
- injuries
- certain medications
- lifestyle choices (e.g., smoking, drinking too much alcohol, using illegal drugs)
In some cases, ED is a side effect of another medical condition or medication. For example, men with low levels of testosterone (the main sex hormone) often experience ED.
ED can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as:
- certain blood pressure medications
- antidepressants
- sedatives
- some cancer treatments
Injuries to the pelvic area or spinal cord can also cause ED.
Certain lifestyle choices can also contribute to ED, including:
- smoking
- drinking too much alcohol
- using illegal drugs
Obesity can also cause ED. This is because obesity can lead to conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which can in turn cause ED.
In some cases, psychological issues such as stress, anxiety, or depression can cause ED. This is because these conditions can lead to changes in the way the brain processes sexual stimuli.
Relationship problems can also cause or contribute to ED. This is because ED can be a sign of other underlying issues, such as a lack of communication or intimacy.
If you’re experiencing ED, it’s important to see a doctor. This is because ED can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Treating the underlying condition can often resolve the problem of ED.
If you’re struggling with ED, there are a number of treatments available. These include:
- Oral medications: These can be used to treat ED caused by psychological issues, such as anxiety or depression. Examples of oral medications include:
- sildenafil (Viagra)
- tadalafil (Cialis)
- vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
- Injections: These can be used to treat ED caused by physical issues, such as a injury to the pelvic area or spinal cord. Examples of injectable medications include:
- alprostadil (Caverject Impulse, Edex)
- avanafil (Stendra)
- Suppositories: These can be used to treat ED caused by physical issues, such as a injury to the pelvic area or spinal cord. Examples of suppositories include: