Most Common Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Karl Marvin Tan MD

October 26, 2022

It can be very upsetting to struggle to get an erection or to keep an erection going for an extended period of time. Every man is susceptible to experiencing it from time to time. On the other hand, erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that describes a man’s continuous inability to achieve and sustain an erection that is necessary for sexual activity.

Both mental and physical factors can play a role in the development of ED. It was believed for a very long time that the cause of erectile dysfunction was solely psychological. However, erectile dysfunction can also be caused by physical factors that disrupt the natural flow of blood through the body.

High Blood Pressure

The arterial walls become damaged when high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is present. As a result, they become rigid and constrict, which reduces the amount of blood that can reach the penis. As a direct consequence of this, achieving and keeping an erection might be challenging. It is essential to keep your blood pressure at the appropriate levels so that it does not have an effect on other aspects of your health and functioning, including your ability to maintain an erection.

Type 2 Diabetes

When it is not treated for a significant amount of time, type 2 diabetes can lead to damage in the nerves and blood vessels of the body. As a direct consequence of this, it may become challenging to achieve and keep an erection. Keeping a close eye on your blood sugar levels on a consistent basis is necessary for many reasons, including this one.

Low Testosterone

Testosterone is the male hormone that influences a man’s desire to engage in sexual activity. A lack of it might lead to a lack of desire. Hypogonadism is the name given to the disorder, and it can be quite difficult to cure due to the fact that there are a number of variables that might lead to low testosterone levels. Low T levels can be caused by a number of circumstances, including aging, issues related to one’s lifestyle, being overweight or obese, and having underlying medical disorders. Seeing a physician who specializes in men’s sexual and reproductive health is the most effective method to find out what factors are contributing to low testosterone levels in men.

Prostate Problems

Problems with the prostate, including prostate cancer and an enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), have been linked to erectile dysfunction (ED). Both the illness and the treatment could result in ED symptoms. Both medical treatment and surgical removal of the prostate gland (radical prostatectomy) have the risk of causing nerve damage and ultimately erectile dysfunction (ED). Concerning prostate cancer, the tumor has the potential to spread to the nerves and blood arteries that are required for an erection. The radiation therapy that is used to treat prostate cancer might also cause damage to the surrounding tissues.

If you’ve been having trouble gaining and keeping an erection, you should probably get it checked out as soon as possible. It could be something serious. Your erectile dysfunction can be diagnosed by a physician who specializes in the reproductive and sexual health of men so that he can devise a treatment strategy specifically for you. In most cases, the treatment for this ailment will include taking an individualized and all-encompassing approach.