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.
Erectile Dysfunction 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 does:
- 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 is unhealthy for your heart is also unhealthful 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 many cases of ED have a physical cause; this can lead to depression and worry making the ED even worst. However, depression and worry (or anxiety) can still cause ED.
- A person should not assume that ED is part of the normal process of aging. There is quite likely an underlying cause.