Things that May be Causing Your Erectile Dysfunction

Karl Marvin Tan MD

October 29, 2022

Men of any age can have trouble getting or keeping an erection, and it’s never a good time for it. Most people think that erectile dysfunction only happens to older men, but the truth is that it can happen to young men, middle-aged men, and yes, even older men. If impotence is affecting your sexual relationship and your ability to have sex successfully, you should talk to your doctor. It could be caused by a condition that can be treated, like high blood pressure, or in part by the way you live your life.

Here are some common things that could be the cause of your inability to get an erection:

You may have an underlying condition

Some of the things that can go wrong with you and possibly cause erectile dysfunction are a neurological disorder, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Hormonal imbalances, like those that come with type 1 diabetes, can make it hard to control your insulin. However, nerve damage is more common with type 2 diabetes, which could also be a cause of ED. You might want to see a doctor, though, if you think your ED could be caused by something more serious. Talk to a doctor right away if you think you may have had a stroke or other neurological event.

Anxiety

Your inability to get an erection could be all in your head, and it might not even be a physical problem. You might be worried about being with a new sexual partner or about how good you are in the bedroom. You might also be stressed out at work. No matter what, this can affect how well you do in bed. Depression and fatigue are two other mental problems that could cause ED. Talk to your urologist about whether this could be the cause. They can help rule out any physical causes and get you started on therapy.

Your Medication

If you have had cancer in the past and were treated with chemotherapy, that could cause erectile dysfunction. If you take beta-blockers for heart problems or anti-depressants for anxiety or depression, this is a common reason why your sex drive goes down and why you can’t get and keep an erection.

Your Lifestyle

Are you getting enough sleep? A person’s ability to have sex or keep an erection going could be affected by things like not getting enough sleep, drinking too much, or using drugs. Abusing drugs like amphetamines or cocaine is a common cause of impotence, and drinking too much can have a direct effect on your ability to get and keep an erection.

If you suspect you might be suffering from erectile dysfunction, talk to an expert today about possible causes and solutions.