What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Wondering what causes erectile dysfunction? While occasional impotence is normal in most men, prolonged erectile dysfunction may be the result of aging, illness, injury, psychological factors or substance abuse. Though the inability to maintain an erection long enough to have sexual relations is often a cause of embarrassment, if you experience prolonged erectile dysfunction, it is important to consult your doctor. Here is a look at the various causes of erectile dysfunction.

Circulatory causes of erectile dysfunction Erectile dysfunction is often a symptom accompanying a more serious health concern. Heart disease, high blood pressure and clogged arteries are all health issues that affect blood circulation in the body, often resulting in impotence.

Body fat causes of erectile dysfunction Diabetes and obesity, which often lead to increased body fat, may cause erectile dysfunction. Metabolic Syndrome, in which increased blood pressure, body fat around the waist, high cholesterol and high insulin levels, is also directly related to cases of impotence.

Prostate causes of erectile dysfunction The prostate will typically become enlarged in males over 40-years-old with benign effects, though an enlarged prostate may cause some level of erectile dysfunction. Prostate cancer, as well as treatments of the disease, may also result in partial or complete impotence. Peyronie’s disease, in which scar tissue develops within the penis, has also been found to cause Erectile dysfunction.

Nervous system causes of erectile dysfunction The autoimmune disease Multiple sclerosis, which affects the nervous system and brain, has been linked with erectile dysfunction during periods when the disease erupts, though erections may become possible again when the disease is in remission. Parkinson’s disease, which leads to degeneration of the central nervous system, will lead to impaired motor skills in patients and, often, to impotence as well.

Pelvic injury causes of erectile dysfunction Injuries around the pelvic area that affect the spinal cord may cause erectile dysfunction, as can surgical treatments in the area of the lower spine.

Lifestyle causes of erectile dysfunction Lifestyle choices, such as high alcohol consumption, drug addiction and tobacco use, have all been found to cause erectile dysfunction. The problem worsens the more the addiction persists and may result in incomplete impotence while the substance abuse continues.

Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction Sexual excitement will trigger the brain to generate an erection. Consequently, psychological factors that affect the brain may cause erectile dysfunction. Anxiety and depression, stress and fatigue have all been linked to partial or complete impotence. A failing relationship compounded by poor communication and stress will also cause erectile dysfunction, thereby leading to further stress and worsening of the problem.

When the cause of erectile dysfunction is found to be benign, medication is available to treat the impotence itself. Lifestyle impotence can be remedied with medication, although detoxification of the body is crucial. For serious ailments, erectile dysfunction is yet another symptom of a greater health issue to be addressed.