Common Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
August 31, 2022
Erectile dysfunction is a male health condition that can cause stress, low self-confidence, and relationship strain due to a man’s inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Although it can be an embarrassing topic for any man to talk about, it shouldn’t be. Generally speaking about half of men between ages of 40 to 70 will experience ED, so you are not alone and shouldn’t foolishly suffer in silence.
Previously, cases of erectile dysfunction in men under the age of 40 were typically thought to be a psychosomatic disorder. Whereas psychosocial factors can play a critical role in the pathogenesis of ED, recent studies have identified a significant number of cases where organic etiologies (including medications prescribed for unrelated conditions) and traumatic injury in close proximity to the spinal cord have been diagnosed in younger men.
It is not uncommon for a man to experience an occasional episode of ED. However, men of all ages who suffer from recurring episodes of erectile dysfunction should be evaluated by a men’s sexual health specialist to determine if there are treatable underlying physical or psychological causes.
Common Sub-Types of Erectile Dysfunction
An erection is predominantly a vasculogenic process where the corpus cavernosa (pair of spongy columns) in the penis are filled with blood. However, causes of ED are multifold and a variety of conditions are now linked to erectile dysfunction. Since each effects a man’s body differently, ED is generally categorized by the underlying pathophysiology, such as:
Psychogenic ED – Erectile dysfunction can be related to a non-organic mechanism that makes it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection. Originally, doctors believed this type of ED, which involves performance anxiety or an adrenaline mediated response, was the primary cause of erectile issues. When a man is overly nervous or anxious during sex, a surge of noradrenaline activates a fight or flight response and arousal is easily lost.
Iatrogenic ED – The most common iatrogenic cause of erectile dysfunction is due to physical damage following radical pelvic surgery with injury to the cavernous nerve or pudendal artery. Iatrogenic ED refers to tissue or organ damage that is inadvertently caused by a doctor or medical treatment that had nothing to do with the primary condition of erectile dysfunction. Iatrogenic ED is often due to vasculogenic or neurogenic compromise.
Vasculogenic ED – In order for a man to achieve an erection, blood vessels and penile corpora cavernosa must dilate to accommodate an increase in blood flow. Vasculogenic erectile dysfunction is a direct result of arterial insufficiency or arterial stenosis with organic causes. Biochemical and physiological abnormalities related to cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or diabetes can damage blood vessels and lead to decreased penile rigidity.
Neurogenic ED – Neurogenic erectile dysfunction is caused by a condition that effects nerve signaling to the corpora cavernosa. The problem with having and maintaining an erection can be secondary to spinal trauma caused by radical pelvic surgery, diabetes, lumbar disc disease, or brain injury. A reduction in the release of nitric oxide leads to a loss of smooth muscle and an increase in fibrosis causing venous leak and sexual dysfunction.
Endocrinologic ED – Androgens like testosterone play a major role in penile physiology and sexual well-being. Studies suggest men with low testosterone (hypogonadism) can have erectile dysfunction. Androgen receptors play an integral role in the erectile pathway and may be key to sexual desire and arousal to erotic stimuli. However, the mechanism is not fully understood as some men with low-T enjoy a normal sex life.
By now, it should be obvious there are many factors that can account for a man’s inability to have and maintain an erection suitable for sex. Although any man can expect to experience erectile dysfunction on some occasion, recurring problems should be evaluated and treated by a physician who specializes in men’s sexual health. Poor sexual experiences can take the fun out of life.
Low Intensity Shockwave Therapy for Treating ED
Shockwave therapy using a low-power pulse rate has been used for decades by urologists to break up kidney stones and by cardiologists to improve myocardial ischemia. Since a steady blood flow is required for healthy erectile function, low intensity shockwave therapy is now routinely used as a non-invasive treatment option to revitalize flow when penile blood vessels become filled with micro-plaque. A men’s sexual health physician can perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether low intensity shockwave therapy is a suitable treatment regimen. Typically, a patient will have a weekly treatment for six weeks that takes around twenty minutes per session.
Although there is a huge online market that pushes over-the-counter herbal remedies and supplements to treat ED, these self-prescribe treatment options may be dangerous to your health. Erectile dysfunction is a systemic medical condition and its cause should be accurately diagnosed and treated. Whether you are unable to achieve an erection, or your sexual function is just not what it once was, shockwave therapy is a revolutionary non-surgical and drug-free option for men seeking firmer erections for better sexual performance. So stop suffering behind closed doors.
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At GAINSWave Jacksonville, Dr. Earl Eye specializes in men’s health and can recommend the best ED treatment options based on your specific sexual health issues. To set up an appointment today, call 904-500-5500.
