Overview
Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
Having erection problems from time to time is not necessarily a cause for concern. However, if erectile dysfunction is a recurring problem, it can lead to stress, affect self-confidence, and contribute to relationship problems. Problems getting or maintaining an erection can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs treatment and a risk factor for heart disease.
If you’re concerned about erectile dysfunction, talk to your doctor, even if you’re embarrassed. Sometimes, treating an underlying condition is enough to reverse erectile dysfunction. In other cases, medications or other direct treatments may be needed.
Symptoms
Symptoms of erectile dysfunction may include:
- Trouble getting an erection
- Problems maintaining an erection
- Decreased sex drive
When to see a doctor
Your GP is the first person you should see when you have erectile problems. Consult your doctor if:
- You’re worried about your erections or have other sexual problems, such as ejaculatory dysfunction, premature or delayed ejaculation.
- You have diabetes, heart disease or another known medical condition that may be associated with erectile dysfunction.
- You have other symptoms besides erectile dysfunction.
Causes
Male sexual arousal is a complex process involving the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can be the result of a problem with any of these. Similarly, stress and mental health-related concerns can lead to erectile dysfunction or make it worse.
Sometimes, erectile dysfunction is due to a combination of physical and psychological issues. For example, a mild physical illness that slows down your sexual response can make you anxious about maintaining an erection. This anxiety can lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction.
Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
In many cases, erectile dysfunction is due to physical factors. Here are the most common causes:
- Heart Disease
- Blocked blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome: a condition that consists of increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist, and high cholesterol levels
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Certain prescription drugs
- Tobacco use
- Peyronie’s disease: development of scar tissue inside the penis
- Alcohol and other substance abuse
- Sleep disorders
- Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
- Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord
- Testosterone Steel
Psychological Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
The brain plays a key role in activating the series of physical events that cause an erection, the first of which is the sensation of sexual arousal. Several factors can interfere with sexual feelings and cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. These include the following:
- Depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
- Stress
- Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication, or other concerns
Risk Factors
As you age, erections may take longer to develop and may not be as firm. You may need more direct contact on your penis to get an erection and maintain it.
Several risk factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction, including:
- Diseases, particularly diabetes or heart conditions
- Tobacco use, which limits blood flow to veins and arteries; Over time, it can lead to chronic medical conditions that lead to erectile dysfunction
- Being overweight, especially if you’re obese
- Certain medical treatments, such as prostate surgery or radiation therapy for cancer
- Injuries, especially if they damage the nerves or arteries that control erections
- Medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and medications to treat high blood pressure, pain, or prostate conditions
- Psychological disorders, such as stress, anxiety, or depression
- Alcohol and illicit drug use, especially if you’ve been using drugs or drinking heavily for a long time
Complications
Here are some of the complications caused by erectile dysfunction:
- An unsatisfying sex life
- Stress or anxiety
- Vergüenza o baja autoestima
- Relationship Problems
- The inability to get your partner pregnant
Prevention
The best way to avoid erectile dysfunction is to make healthy lifestyle choices and manage existing medical conditions. For example:
- Work with your doctor to manage diabetes, heart disease, or other chronic medical conditions.
- Visit your doctor for regular checkups and screenings.
- Quit smoking, limit or avoid alcohol, and don’t use illicit drugs.
- Exercise regularly.
- Take steps to reduce stress.
- Seek help for anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.
