Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a painful condition that affects up to 30 million men in the U.S., especially those over 65. ED means that a man can’t get or keep an erection that is strong enough for sex.
Men can have trouble getting or keeping an erection from time to time, but if it happens more often, it could be a sign of erectile dysfunction. ED can be caused by a number of medical problems, and most of the time, treating the problem that’s causing it is all it takes to get rid of ED. In other cases, it may need direct treatment to be managed well.
Men’s sexual arousal is a complicated process that involves the brain, hormones, blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and feelings.
What Causes ED?
Some of the most common underlying medical problems that can cause erectile dysfunction or make it worse are:
Cardiac Conditions
ED can be caused by heart and blood flow problems, like heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis, which is also called “hardening of the arteries.” If there isn’t enough blood going to the penis, the man might not be able to get an erection.
In the same way, high blood pressure keeps the arteries from widening as they should. This means that there isn’t enough blood going to the penis to make it stand up.
High cholesterol can cause a buildup of fat in the arteries, called atheroma, which can make the arteries narrow. This makes it hard for blood to flow through, which can cause problems with getting and keeping an erection.
Being overweight or obese can also hurt the blood vessels and lead to high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. All of these can cause ED.
Endocrine Disorders
The endocrine system is a group of glands and organs that make and release hormones to regulate and control many body functions, such as metabolism and reproduction. When the body has an endocrine disorder, it may make too much or too little of a hormone. This can lead to an imbalance of hormones, and some of these hormonal problems can cause erectile dysfunction.
Diabetes, which affects the body’s ability to make or use insulin correctly, and hypogonadism, which reduces the production of testosterone, are both endocrine diseases that can cause ED by affecting how the blood vessels work and/or how much blood gets to the area. This damages nerves and can stop the body from making nitric oxide, which is a key signaling molecule found naturally in the body and is important for erectile health.
Neurological and Nerve Disorders
Damage to the nerves from diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, a brain tumor, multiple sclerosis, or a stroke can make it hard for the brain to talk to different parts of the body. If this communication is blocked in a man’s reproductive system, it can stop him from getting an erection.
If you have ED, speak to an experienced urologist for an evaluation and diagnosis. Your urologist will get to the root of the problem and help you choose the treatment option that is best for you.
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