10 Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
What Causes of Erectile Dysfunction? ▼
Erectile dysfunction, is actually a very common sexual dysfunction in men. It is characterized by the inability of a man to get an erection or maintain it. Men suffering from erectile dysfunction are not able to perform sexually and this can be a blast to the ego or be very frustrating, but its important to remember that its treatable! It has a negative impact on their sexual life but can have bigger impacts on relationships and self image.
While erectile dysfunction can happen to any man after they hit puberty, it is most commonly seen among men over the age of 40 years. The likelihood of erectile dysfunction increases as we men age. One of the most common questions asked about erectile dysfunction is why does it happen. Or more precisely, ‘Why is this happening with me?’ especially if youre healthy, active and fit. Or even ‘Can an std cause ed?’ or ‘Can chlamydia cause ed?‘.
There are many factors of what can cause erectile dysfunction in men. Your healthcare practitioner will be able to guide you about the exact causes of your erectile dysfunction. However, experts suggest that erectile dysfunction is mostly caused because of the following 10 reasons. Read on to find out ‘Why does impotence occur?’.
#1 Age
The chances of erectile dysfunction increase as you age. Just like many other health issues, erectile dysfunction not only becomes common but also worsens as you age. According to experts, 2-12% of men over the age of 40 experience some form of erectile dysfunction. The percentage of men affected by erectile dysfunction increases with increasing age. More than half of the men over the age of 70 face erectile dysfunction or some of its symptoms.
#2 Sedentary Lifestyle
Experts believe that overweight men are at a higher risk of erectile dysfunction than healthy men. Moreover, unhealthy food choices and no exercise can also increase the risk of ED. This is because testosterone in your body starts being converted into estrogen if you are overweight. However, this problem can be fixed if you start exercising, make healthy food choices, and lose weight. If you are overweight and facing symptoms of ED, then it is best to change your lifestyle and you will see results. Look into our TRT treatments if you are interested in losing some weight. Link
#3 Performance Anxiety
Sometimes, the only cause of erectile dysfunction is your brain preventing you from getting or maintaining an erection. Mental health issues and stress is found to be one of the top factors that cause erectile dysfunction. Your brain is unable to release the chemicals needed to achieve an erection when it is under stress. Hormones become unbalanced and it affects your sexual performance. Anxiety, depression nervousness and over consumption of pornography are all mental stressors that can affect your performance in bed. Nervousness in the bedroom or being too conscious can also cause symptoms of erectile dysfunction. These effects can be reversed with the right treatment and support.
#4 Smoking
Erectile dysfunction may also be caused by excessive smoking. Tobacco is found to decrease the flow of blood in the body. It also affects the flow of blood to your penis. With improper blood supply and flow to the penis, it becomes difficult to get and maintain an erection. However, this problem can be reversed or at least controlled if you quit smoking. Quit smoking and you will notice an improvement in your sexual life.
#5 Low Testosterone Levels
Men with low testosterone levels also commonly face erectile dysfunction or symptoms. In addition to ED, it is also linked to other issues like insomnia, hair loss, and low sex drive. Your testosterone levels can easily be found out through a blood test. They can also be managed through medications. You will notice your ED symptoms getting better once your testosterone levels reach the optimal level.
#6 Diabetes
ED is also common among men suffering from diabetes. Your risk of getting ED rises to 50% if you have high blood sugar levels. So, if you have high blood sugar levels, then you must follow your doctor’s advice and make healthy life choices so that your symptoms of ED don’t worsen. Take the right medications for diabetes and inform your doctor if you have any symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
#7 High Cholesterol and Heart Diseases
High cholesterol and high blood pressure are also common reasons for erectile dysfunction. ED is found to have an interesting relationship with the heart health of men. It is seen that men who have ED are often diagnosed with some kind of heart-related issues after some time. Thus, if you have symptoms of ED but you are healthy otherwise, ask your doctor to take a look at your heart. Taking preemptive measures can help you prevent heart diseases.
#8 STD's
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) can also lead to ED. Common STIs like gonorrhea, HIV, viral hepatitis and chlamydia can cause infections of the prostate gland. This can affect your sexual performance and lead to ED. Thus, it is important to treat both prostate issues and STIs if you wish to have optimal performance in bed.
#9 Side Effects of Medications
Erectile dysfunction may also be caused as a side effect of some medications. These include blood pressure medications, antidepressants, opioid pain relief medications, acid reflux medication, and antihistamines. Other medications may also contribute to causing erectile dysfunction. So, if you are taking a medication and you notice some symptoms of erectile dysfunction, then you should consult your doctor and change the medication. In addition to medications, erectile dysfunction may also be caused by the overuse of recreational drugs and alcohol. Therefore, be careful about what you put inside your body as it can lead to serious issues like ED.
#10 Prostate Cancer or Inflammation
An unhealthy prostate can also lead to erectile dysfunction. One of the components of semen is produced by the prostate. If the prostate doesn’t function properly, it can cause symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Benign prostatic hyperplasia may not cause ED, however, the medicines that are used to treat it may cause it. In addition to prostate cancer, prostate inflammation can also lead to ED. It commonly causes painful ejaculation and also causes problems in getting an erection. Thus, if you have any prostate issues, then you must consult your doctor about the risk of ED and preventive measures.
Erectile dysfunction may seem overwhelming. However, with the right lifestyle changes and treatment options, you can control the problem. If you are experiencing any symptoms of ED, you must muster up the courage to talk to your doctor. The earlier you start its treatment, the better it will be for your sexual health. Identify the cause of ED and work on it to improve your condition.
Now that you know some of what causes erectile dysfunction in men, its important to talk to your doctor about these issues before you make any medical decision. But if you would like to meet with one of our doctors to hear about our treatments and options call us or fill out the form below.
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