What Is The Main Cause Of Erectile Dysfunction?

What can cause erectile dysfunction?

Also called impotence, erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to the inability of a man to maintain and keep an erection during sexual intercourse. It mainly affects men who are 70 years old and above. However, men aged 40 to 70 are also vulnerable to the condition due to several medical reasons.

Experiencing erection issues from time to time can still be normal. However, if it occurs occasionally, it is already considered a major medical problem. Its symptoms can include reduced sexual desire and trouble getting a full erection.

ED can be an embarrassment to a man, especially if he is married. Fortunately, treatment options are available today. Now, what is the main cause of erectile dysfunction?

There are actually a lot of reasons ED occurs. Consider the following:

Atherosclerosis

Proper blood circulation is necessary for penile erection. If it impairs, ED can happen anytime. One condition that reduces blood flow to the penis is Atherosclerosis. It is a condition where a build-up of fatty deposits occurs in the artery walls. When the arteries become thicker, blood flow or circulation impairs, leading to symptoms and the development of ED.

Hypertension

Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure triggers the dilation of arteries throughout the body. When this occurs, blood flow to the penis becomes defective and, therefore, can lead to symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Besides this process, hypertension can also affect testosterone production in the body. If males have low levels of testosterone, their sexual functions become deficient.

Diabetes

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to nerve damage and impairment of small blood vessels. When these complications occur, it can hamper a man’s ability to get a full erection. This is why proper diabetes management is essential to prevent complications like ED, especially in older men.

Psychological problems

Anxiety and stress have long been associated with erectile dysfunction. When a man becomes too stressed or depressed, their hormone levels become insufficient, and proper blood flow throughout the body becomes defective. Having anxiety and low self-esteem also affects performance in bed, which can result in maintaining an erection during the course of sexual activity.

What drugs can cause erectile dysfunction?

Among the eyed reasons for ED are drugs and medications that people use for different types of diseases. While these drugs do not directly cause the condition, their side effects are what trigger the development of impotence. These are as follows:

Antidepressant drugs

Antidepressants are known to trigger ED because of their sexual side effects. These drugs work by relieving symptoms of MDD (major depressive disorder), helping the brain with its mood management, and stimulating serotonin levels. However, because they tend to alter serotonin levels, an imbalance can happen involving the hormones for sexual function. This process can result in ED. These antidepressants include Citalopram, Sertraline, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Duloxetine, and Escitalopram.

Antihypertensive drugs

As mentioned, high blood pressure causes ED. But treating the condition with antihypertensive drugs can also lead to the same penile disorder. These medications can affect penile function by lowering blood pressure and impeding the right amount of blood that enters the penis. These drugs include Aldactone, Bethanidine, Capoten, Diuril, Esidrix, Haldol, and Lopressor.

ED Treatment

The main form of treatment for ED involves the use of oral medications. These medications have already proven effective in helping men maintain their much-needed erection during sexual activity. They function by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, a naturally occurring chemical that the body produces. This chemical helps relax the muscles in the penis and increases blood circulation enough to get an erection. Some of these medications are:

• Viagra (Sildenafil)
• Cialis (Tadalafil)
• Levitra (Vardenafil)
• Stendra (Avanafil)