Erectile dysfunction can be deeply frustrating and have a negative impact on both relationships and self confidence. The good news is that there are many ways to treat erectile dysfunction, from simple lifestyle changes to medication to home remedies.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
A range of causes of ED can be broadly classified into two categories—physical and mental (psychological). According to the BBC Health, about 70 percent of impotence cases have medical causes and about 30 percent have psychological causes.
Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological issues causes erectile dysfunction. For instance, a minor physical problem that slows your sexual response may cause anxiety about maintaining an erection. The resulting anxiety can lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction.
Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
In most cases, erectile dysfunction is caused by something physical. Common causes include:
- Heart disease.
- Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis).
- High cholesterol.
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Obesity.
- Metabolic syndrome, a condition involving increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol.
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Low testosterone.
- Peyronie’s disease, development of scar tissue inside the penis.
- Certain prescription medications.
- Tobacco use.
- Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse.
- Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate.
- Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord.
Psychological Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
The brain plays a key role in triggering the series of physical events that cause an erection, starting with feelings of sexual excitement. A number of things can interfere with sexual feelings and cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. These include:
- Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions.
- Stress.
- Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other concerns.
