Cause of Erectile Dysfunction

The fast-paced world and the stress caused due to the surrounding environment, the dietary habits and the lifestyle disorder all together affects the blood circulation, disturbs the hormonal balance and is said to affect the nerve supply.

Erectile dysfunction is defined as inability to maintain erection for sexual intercourse. It affects men of any age group after attaining puberty. If you feel you have this problem then consulting the healthcare professional will ease the issue.

In some men the problem is persistent and in some it lasts only for some time depending upon the cause of the issue.

Men usually do not seek the solution for erectile dysfunction thinking they are the only ones suffering from this sexual disorder. You will never know unless you speak about it. Talking to someone or the better choice would be a healthcare professional, will make you realize how commonly the problem persists among men.

Studies have shown that the majority of men in sometime of their life, before the age of 40, have a problem of erectile dysfunction and by the time they reach 70 years the problem becomes more prominent and much more common.

Some of the common cause of erectile dysfunction are

Age

The problem of erectile dysfunction increases as age advances. 

Lifestyle pattern and obesity

Obesity is an invitation to various diseases and sexual disorders are not far behind. The fat deposits in the body converts the male sexual hormones into estrogen. This explains the reason why sedentary lifestyle and high BMI causes erectile dysfunction. 

With proper measure the problem can be resolved easily. Weight loss plan helps you achieve ideal BMI and this is beneficial in treating erectile dysfunction. Losing weight benefits the overall health and brings visible changes in sexual disorders such as erectile dysfunction.

Smoking/Tobacco use

We all are aware that smoking kills but smoking also causes erectile dysfunction is not known. Tobacco consumption in any form reduces the blood supply in the genital area as well as the whole body. Reduced blood supply makes erection difficult, so it is better to quit alcohol for healthy sexual intercourse.

High blood sugar level

Erectile dysfunction is one of the main problems associated with high blood sugar level. Controlling the level of blood sugar manages the problem of erectile dysfunction. The problem of erectile dysfunction due to diabetes is not easy to completely cure the disorder but following proper advice helps in managing the issue to great extent.

Side effects of medicines

The side effect of certain medicines used for depression or anxiety or hypertension causes erectile dysfunction. If you are under certain medication and you see changes in sexual disorder, consulting your doctor helps in changing the medicines and the problem is relieved. 

Low level of testosterone hormone 

Also known as male sex hormones are responsible for sexual health and other male factors. Low level of this hormone leads to low interest in sex and erectile dysfunction along with other health issues.

Prostate cancer or other problems in prostate

Any problems related to the prostate have high chances of causing erectile dysfunction. Prostatitis alone does not affect erectile dysfunction but the medicines used in it does. Prostate inflammation that has lasted long causes pain during ejaculation and difficulty in the erection function.

Sexual transmitted infections 

Diseases such as HIV, hepatitis etc causes erectile dysfunction. Leaving it uncured leads to permanent sexual dysfunction.

Mental health problems

Brain is one of the major sexual organs that initiates the secretion of hormones responsible for sexual function including erectile functions. Problems such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems etc affect the mental health. These causes are treatable with proper counseling and management.

Hypertension and heart disease

A healthy heart is linked with healthy erectile function. As a high level of cholesterol and high blood pressure causes erectile dysfunction. Taking help from a healthcare professional helps you cure both the ailment. 

Erectile dysfunction might be a product of mental and physical health problems or might be caused by either of it.

We shall discuss here the underlying physical causes and psychological reasons for erectile dysfunction respectively.

Physical causes of erectile dysfunction

If you feel you are suffering from erectile dysfunction, consult the doctor soon as there might be some serious health issue that affects the erectile function. 

Diagnosing the cause helps resolve erectile dysfunction. Some of the most common cause of erectile dysfunction includes-

• Cardiac diseases
• Narrowing of blood vessels
• Hypertension
• High level of cholesterol
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• High BMI
• Metabolic syndrome
• Hormonal disorder
• Thyroid dysfunction affecting the testosterone level
• Complications due to certain surgery
• Trauma in the pelvic region or spinal cord
• Radiation therapy 
• Anatomical disorder of the penis
• Smoking
• Alcoholism
• Disease related to prostate
• Urethritis
• High blood sugar level
• Kidney diseases
• Urinary tract infections

Deposition of fats on the arteries causes hindrance in smooth blood flow. The blood vessels of the penis when gets clogged prevents blood flow to the penis and this results in erectile dysfunction. Medications of certain diseases result in erectile dysfunction as a side effect of it. 

After knowing about all the possible causes of erectile dysfunction we all know the consequences it can have on the marriage life, mental health and how some serious underlying disease can impact the overall health of a person and his personal relationship.

The problem in erectile function might frustrate you and your partner thus having discussion on the issue can reduce the stress level and help you overcome the sexual disorder to at least some extent.

Conclusion

Erectile dysfunction is not something that men talk about. Keeping the problem to yourself will not resolve the matter but make it more complicated. Talking about it and seeking help shall reveal the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction and helps in treatment of causative factors and also the side effects. Maintaining a healthy weight and following an ideal lifestyle reduces the risk of erectile dysfunction.