Look for your symptoms3
Symptoms for ED may include:
- Getting an erection, but it doesn’t last long enough for sex.
- Getting a partial erection that is not firm enough to have sex.
- Not being able to get an erection at all.
When ED becomes bothersome, your primary care physician or a urologist can help.
Who gets Erectile Dysfunction? One condition
many causes?2-4
There’s no single cause of ED. There are real physical and psychological reasons for ED. Some common causes are:
- Cardiovascular disease (high blood pressure, heart disease)
- Diabetes
- Surgery (prostate, bladder, colon, rectal)
- Prostate cancer treatment
- Medications (blood pressure, antidepressants)
- Lifestyle choices (smoking, excessive alcohol, obesity, lack of exercise)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Hormone problems
- Trauma
Physical causes of Erectile Dysfunction3
- Factors that affect vessels or nerves and restrict blood flow to the penis.
Many health issues can reduce blood flow to the penis. For example: peripheral artery disease or atherosclerosis, heart disease, high blood sugar (diabetes) and smoking.
- The penis cannot trap blood during an erection.
If blood does not stay in the penis, a man cannot keep an erection. This issue can happen at any age.
- Nerve signals from the brain or spinal cord do not reach the penis.
Emotional causes of Erectile Dysfunction3
Emotional or relationship problems can cause or worsen ED. Some emotional issues that can lead to ED are:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship conflicts
- Stress at home or work
- Stress from social, cultural or religious conflicts
- Concern about sexual performance
Look for solution with a conversation
- Many men experience erection difficulties at some point in their lives. In many cases it is related to life circumstances, stressful situations, alcohol consumption, or being extremely tired. Usually, these temporary erection problems disappear once the trigger is resolved or changed. But if you experience erectile dysfunction for more than 6 months, it is a good idea to seek professional help.
- Your healthcare provider will ask you questions about your general health and your erection, do physical exam, order lab tests. It is important to find the cause of your ED to help direct your treatment. Providing honest answers will help identify the cause and determine the best treatment for your ED.
