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 Are you at risk from erectile dysfunction?Most experts now agree that up to 80 percent of all ED cases may be due to physical conditions1, with psychological causes accounting for the remaining 20 percent. In many cases, however, there are both physical and psychological reasons. Below are some of the risk factors or causes of ED.
Risk factors and causes of ED Physical causes of ED Vascular Disease: Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries caused by high cholesterol or high blood pressure), heart disease, stroke, and hypertension (high blood pressure) all affect blood flow in and out of the penis.2 Vascular disease is the most common physical cause of ED. Diabetes: This chronic condition can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) and damage to the blood vessels that supply the penis. Two out of three men with diabetes can develop ED.3 Nerve diseases: Neurological conditions include spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and nerve damage due to diabetes or alcoholism.2 Hormonal problems: Low levels of the male hormone testosterone can result in ED.2 Surgery: Surgery for colon, rectal or prostate disease and even radiation therapy in the pelvic area can damage nerves and blood vessels, which may result in ED.4 Trauma:
Chronic medical conditions: If you have a chronic medical condition ask your doctor whether it might be affecting your sexual health. Side effects of medications: There is a long list of prescription medications and over-the-counter medications that have the potential side effect of ED. If you observe problems with your erection after starting a new medication, ask your doctor or healthcare provider about possible side effects of the medication and possible alternatives and solutions. Do not stop or change the dosage of any medication without advice from your doctor.2 Lifestyle factors Alcohol: Heavy drinking may immediately reduce your ability to have a strong erection. Long-term, excessive drinking can cause nerve and liver damage and hormonal imbalance.2 Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of exercise can lead to ED.2 Smoking: Men who smoke have a greater chance of developing ED than men who don't smoke, according to a targeted clinical study. This might be due to increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.2 Psychological causes These can occur alone or in combination with one or more of the physical causes of ED.2 Performance anxiety: When a man is anxious about his sexual performance, his erectile function can be affected.2 Stress: Stress can affect sexual performance.2 Depression: Men with ED can have some degree of depression and men with depression can also have ED.2 Relationship problems: Tensions with your sexual partner, whether related to sexual issues or others, such as financial or family problems, can negatively affect sexual function.2 1. Miller TA. Diagnostic evaluation of Erectile Dysfunction. American Family Physician, viewed 1 Jan 2000, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000101/95.html 2. Lue TF. Erectile Dysfunction. N Engl J Med 2000;342:1802-1813. 3. de Tejada IS, et al. Effects of Tadalafil on Erectile Dysfunction in men with diabetes. Diabetes Care, vol 25, no. 12, December 2002. 4. Montorsi F, et al. Tadalafil in the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction following bilateral nerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. J Urol;163:1036-1041, 2004. |
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