Erection
requires a precise
sequence of events, ED can occur when any of these events is disrupted
may be due to physical, mental or any disease.
ED causes
The
erection sequence includes nerve impulses in the brain, spinal column,
and area around the penis, and response in muscles, fibrous tissues,
veins, and arteries in and near the corpora cavernosa (a spongy tissue
in penis which produces erection).
Many different conditions can
lead to ED. Most of the causes of ED are health problems requiring
treatment to help prevent more serious complications than ED:
- High blood
pressure and high cholesterol can
injure the arteries that supply blood to the penis.
- Diabetes
injures blood vessels and the nerves
that control erections.
- Alcohol and
drug abuse can cause ED by damaging
blood vessels and deadening the nerves that control erections.
- Some
prescription drugs such as some antidepressants or some high blood
pressure medicines can cause ED. Your doctor may be able to change your
drug treatment. Never stop taking a prescribed drug without talking to
your doctor.
- Unhealthy
habits like smoking, overeating, and
avoiding exercise can also contribute to ED.
- Anything
that's bad for your heart is also bad
for your sexual health.
- An injury
to the spinal cord can cause ED by
interfering with nerve signals.
- Treatments
for prostate cancer, including
radiation and prostate removal, can damage the nerves that control
erections.
- Diseases
that affect the nerves, like multiple
sclerosis, can also
lead to erection problems.
- A small
number of ED cases result from
a reduced level of the male hormone testosterone.
- Doctors
used to
believe that most cases of ED resulted from mental or emotional
problems. We now know that most ED has a physical cause. But depression
and worry or anxiety can still cause ED. And ED from physical causes
can lead to depression and worry, making physical ED worse.
- A
person should not assume that ED is part of the normal process of
aging. There is quite likely an underlying cause.
