*The information provided in this blog is general in nature and should not be considered medical advice. Individual conditions vary, and proper evaluation is important. To receive accurate diagnosis and treatment, we encourage you to book an appointment with our experienced medical team.
7 Main Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
A British Columbia Medical Journal found that 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 88 in Canada have some degree of erectile dysfunction (ED). The numbers only show that ED is not an occasional issue. Indeed, it is more prevalent and less discussed. Men still consider it a taboo and refrain from approaching any clinic to address their problem. Erectile dysfunction causes are not invisible. They are right in front of you.
Key Takeaways:
- Erectile Dysfunction has 7 main causes, such as hormonal issues, problems with circulation, injury, and side effects of medications, hindrances in nerve and brain functions, poor lifestyle, and psychological issues.
- When these are addressed appropriately, there could be some improvement in ED.
- Speak to expert consultants at Urogen ED Barrie for a solution.
Factors involved in erectile dysfunction
Male sexual arousal involves several elements, including hormones, the brain, muscles, blood vessels, and emotions. And obviously, when there’s an issue with one of these, it can lead to erectile dysfunction. The cause of the disease is attributed to both mental and physical disturbances. For instance, high levels of anxiety can also cause ED, or a minor physical condition could slow your sexual response.
There are millions of men with erectile dysfunction who think they are alone, while it is indeed a common problem. Most men worry that these challenges are due to personal failings, which is not true.
What causes erectile dysfunction?
ED has several causes. Here are the 7 main erectile dysfunction causes listed.
Hormonal
Libido and energy are usually controlled by testosterone, and when it drops low, men have difficulty getting erections. That being said, vascular EDs are more common than testosterone-related ones. Thyroid disorders, pituitary issues, and low testosterone can contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Problems with circulation
With arteries delivering extra blood to the penis, the small muscles wrap around it temporarily and then, once the stimulation ends, it drains back. When this flow is restricted, erections either become weak or stop altogether. Atherosclerosis is cited as one of the main causes of this poor blood flow. Cholesterol-filled plaque enters the arteries of the penis, which are much smaller than those in the heart. This only means erectile issues appear before any heart symptoms. That is why ED is an early warning system for cardiovascular disease. Some conditions that can lead to erectile dysfunction are:
- Heart disease
- Peripheral artery disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Peripheral artery disease
Injury
ED can also develop as a result of injury/trauma to the nerves and blood vessels. Additionally, pelvic surgery, radiation, and procedures involving the bladder, colon, and prostate can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Side effects of medications
Prescription drugs and medications can be impediments to erections. One way to control erectile dysfunction due to medications would be to request that your healthcare provider prescribe an alternative. However, here is a list of medicines that could make it difficult for you to achieve an erection:
- Blood pressure medications
- Hormonal therapies
- Antidepressants
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Prostate treatment medications
- Antihistamines
- Pain medications
Nerve and brain functions
The brain and penis must communicate with each other to initiate an erection. Healthy nerves are essential for this process; without them, signals can be interrupted. Conditions that cause such hindrances are:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Spinal cord injury
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis
Lifestyle
A major reason that can affect overall physical well-being is lifestyle, which comes with considerable risks of erectile dysfunction. Some of them include:
- Smoking – blood vessel damage
- Alcoholism – nerve and hormonal signalling
- A sedentary lifestyle with no exercise slows circulation.
- An unhealthy diet increases the risk of vascular disease.
- Testosterone levels drop with poor sleep.
Psychological
Any emotional trigger, including stress, strains in relationships, or depression, can deplete sexual performance. Worrying about the situation can worsen it, but therapy, counselling, or talking with your partner about your difficulty can help.
Tips to prevent erectile dysfunction – How to make erectile dysfunction go away
- An unhealthy diet can harm your heart. Keep a check on your eating pattern.
- Monitor your body weight. Obesity can cause nerve damage and result in erectile dysfunction.
- Check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels intermittently to keep them under control.
- Exercise regularly to increase blood flow.
- Avoid excessive alcohol, or it is better to avoid it altogether.
- Keep a check on your testosterone levels, which tend to fall after you are 50.
- Kegel exercises can help with erectile dysfunction.
- Smoking can harm the blood vessels and hamper blood flow to the penis.
- Avoid any anxiety or stress.
- Don’t consume anabolic steroids that can shrink your testicles.
Visit Urogen ED Barrie
At Urogen ED Barrie, we use a modern, well-researched, no-needle, no-pills, no-surgery therapy that is highly effective. This highly advanced erectile dysfunction treatment promotes tissue repair and increases blood flow, helping you achieve reliable, firm erections. Speak to one of our specialists for a consultation today.
FAQs
Yes. When testosterone levels drop low, men have difficulty getting erections. Low testosterone levels can cause erectile dysfunction, especially when this hormone controls libido and energy.
The brain, muscles, hormones, emotions, and blood vessels: A breakdown in any of these could lead to erectile dysfunction.
Stress and psychological strain can reduce sexual performance. To address the emotional situation, you must get counselling or therapy.
To get an erection, the brain and nerve functions must send signals to each other. With nerve damage, these signals are interrupted, leading to poor erections and sexual performance.
You can always speak to expert consultants at Urogen ED Barrie for a solution. We have a no-pills, no-needles, no-surgery therapy for erectile dysfunction.
About the Author
Medical Disclaimer: This blog is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. The content represents general information about benign prostatic hyperplasia and related conditions based on medical knowledge and clinical experience, but every patient’s situation is unique. Prostate conditions can be serious and require proper medical evaluation and treatment. Do not use this information to self-diagnose or self-treat.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, preferably a urologist, for proper evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations specific to your individual health situation. Treatment options, risks, benefits, and outcomes vary significantly between patients based on age, overall health, prostate size, symptom severity, and other medical conditions.
Medications mentioned carry specific risks and side effects that must be discussed with your doctor. Delaying proper medical care for prostate conditions can lead to serious complications, including kidney damage, bladder damage, urinary retention, and other health problems. If you experience inability to urinate, blood in urine, severe pain, or other urgent symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. This content does not create a doctor-patient relationship.
