Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction

The causes for erectile dysfunction range from physical to psychological. It is a condition that many men would rather not discuss, but there are many treatment options available. To help create an understanding of this condition, here are five causes of erectile dysfunction that may help you to have a more focused discussion with your physician.

1. High blood pressure. There are many physical causes for erectile dysfunction, and some of them are very common in men of all ages. One of the common causes of erectile dysfunction is high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. High blood pressure can be caused by several physical factors, including being overweight or having a history of high blood pressure in your family.
2. Diabetes. Nearly half of the men suffering from diabetes also find it to be one of the causes of erectile dysfunction. The problems come from the damage to the circulatory and nervous systems that diabetes causes. As men with diabetes age, their chances of experiencing erectile dysfunction increase.
3. Performance anxiety. The causes of erectile dysfunction can also be psychological. It is common for men of all ages to experience what is referred to as "performance anxiety." This is the inability to get an erection while being sexually aroused. Some men respond to performance anxiety by feeling stress each time a sexual situation occurs. Because of the stress the man places on himself, he experiences erectile dysfunction.
4. Prostate surgery. Prostate problems can occur in men of any age, and the surgery sometimes required to deal with prostate issues removes nerves vital to achieving an erection. Many men that are forced to undergo surgery to the prostate for removal of cancerous cells, or other surgical procedures to the prostate, are often left with erectile dysfunction.
5. Smoking. Over a period of years, the chemicals in cigarette smoke begin to weaken the circulatory system. The result of this for men can be a lack of blood flow to the penis, which can cause erectile dysfunction.