The causes of Erectile Dysfunction
can be psychological or physiologic. The physiological reasons
can include diabetes, vascular disease, drugs, or pelvic trauma.
Erectile Dysfunction is not a result of aging but may be due
to other factors that are treatable:
- Several forms of vascular disease, such as Arteriosclerosis
- a hardening of the arteries - can cause a reduction in blood
flow throughout the body and in turn affect the ability to form
and maintain an erection. Risk factors such as smoking, high
blood pressure and high cholesterol can cause Arteriosclerosis.
- Diabetes is another cause of Erectile Dysfunction. The high
levels of blood sugar associated with diabetes can damage small
nerve and blood vessels throughout the body. This, in turn, affects
the nerve transmission and blood flow necessary to creating an
erection. It is believed that 60% of men with diabetes suffer
some form of Erectile Dysfunction.
- Hormonal imbalances are responsible for only less than 5%
of all cases of impotence. Testosterone deficiency can cause
a decrease in both sex drive and sexual arousal. Hormonal deficiencies
can be caused by a malfunctioning pituitary gland or liver or
kidney disease.
- There are over 200 prescription drugs that have been associated
with some form of Erectile Dysfunction. These include medications
for high blood pressure, heart medications, antidepressants,
tranquilizers and sedatives. Long term alcohol or illicit drug
abuse may also affect the nervous and vascular systems and are
often associated with Erectile Dysfunction.
- Spinal cord and brain injuries may interfere with nerve transmission
and so cause an inability to form and maintain erections. MS,
Parkinsonian Disease and Alzheimer's Disease may also affect
a man's ability to perform.
- Trauma to the pelvic region or surgery in the pelvic area
may result in damage to the nerves or vessels that are used to
create erections. New nerve-sparing techniques are being used
to limit damage to this area during surgery. It may take several
months after an operation for regular nerve and vessel functioning
to be restored.
- Peyronie's Disease is a rare inflammatory condition that
affects erectile tissue and may cause scarring resulting in impotence
or painful erections.
- If the veins in the pelvic area have leaks, then they may
not have the ability to maintain the blood supply and pressure
necessary to maintain an erection.
- Finally, psychological problems may cause impotence in some
men. These include but are not limited
to depression, guilt, stress, anxiety or some other form of pre-occupying
worry.
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