Erectile Dysfunction Causes

Erectile dysfunction refers to a disorder generally found in men where the penis loses its ability to form an erection or to maintain an erection. There can be several causes of erectile dysfunction such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Let us look at the causes of erectile dysfunction as follow:

Age. Erectile dysfunction is most common in men older than 65. About 5% of 40-year-old men and 15% to 25% of 65-year-old men experience some degree of erectile dysfunction. 

Vascular disease. Atherosclerosis causes a reduction in blood flow and accounts for 50% to 60% of cases. 

Diabetes mellitus. At least half of patients with long-standing diabetes experience ED, due to damage of small blood vessels and nerves. 

Neurologic conditions. Several neurologic conditions result in ED, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. 

Hormone imbalance. Testosterone deficiency (eg, pituitary tumor, and kidney or liver disease) can result in loss of libido and erectile difficulties. 

Surgery. Colon, prostate, bladder, and rectum surgery may damage nerves and blood vessels involved in erection. Nerve-sparing techniques decrease impotence incidence to around 50%. 

Radiation therapy. Radiation treatment for prostate or bladder cancer may cause ED. 

Medications. More than 200 commonly prescribed drugs result in ED as a prominent side effect. These include beta-blockers, thiazides, antihistamines, antidepressants, tranquilizers, and appetite suppressants. 

Substance abuse. Excessive use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, better-known as Ecstasy), and other recreational drugs can cause ED, which may be irreversible in some cases. For example, excessive tobacco use can permanently damage penile arteries. 

Obesity. Excess body fat weight contributes to ED by increasing estrogen activity and aggravating diabetes and lipid disorders.