Erectile dysfunction (Impotence) occurs when a man can no longer get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Having erection trouble from time to time isn't necessarily a cause for concern. But if erectile dysfunction is an ongoing problem, it may cause stress, cause relationship problems or affect your self-confidence.
Erectile dysfunction
Even though it may seem awkward to talk with your doctor about erectile dysfunction, go in for an evaluation. Problems getting or keeping an erection can be a sign of a health condition that needs treatment, such as heart disease or poorly controlled diabetes. Treating an underlying problem may be enough to reverse your erectile dysfunction.
If treating an underlying condition doesn't help your erectile dysfunction, medications or other direct treatments may work.
SYMPTOMS
Erectile dysfunction symptoms may include persistent:
Trouble getting an erection Trouble keeping an erection Reduced sexual desire
CAUSES
Male sexual arousal is a complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can result from a problem with any of these. Likewise, stress and mental health problems can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological issues causes erectile dysfunction. For instance, a minor physical problem that slows your sexual response may cause anxiety about maintaining an erection. The resulting anxiety can lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction.
Physical causes of erectile dysfunction
In most cases, erectile dysfunction is caused by something physical. Common causes include:
Heart disease Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)High cholesterol High blood pressure Diabetes Obesity Metabolic syndrome, a condition involving increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol Parkinson's disease Multiple sclerosis Low testosterone Peyronie's disease, development of scar tissue inside the penis Certain prescription medications Tobacco use Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord
Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction
The brain plays a key role in triggering the series of physical events that cause an erection, starting with feelings of sexual excitement. A number of things can interfere with sexual feelings and cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. These include:
Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions Stress Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other concerns
