What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
November 29, 2022
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition in which a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Actually there are many reasons why men can lose the ability to get or keep an erection with or without the loss of his normal sex drive. Simple factors like tiredness, stress level, over-consumption, and mood swings are common culprits that can contribute to ED.
ED can be an embarrassing thing to talk about but over fifty percent of men will experience erectile dysfunction sometime during their life. So take comfort in knowing that you are not alone.
In addition, there are everyday factors that can contribute to erectile dysfunction, such as deadlines at work, financial problems, or relationship issues. Generally speaking, for a man to have an erection problem from time to time is not a cause for concern. But failing to address a male sexual health issue can cause stress, impact a man’s self-confidence, and lead to future relationship problems
Common Culprits for ED
Although an estimated 50% of men above the age of 40 suffer from ED, the majority do not pursue a healthcare solution for their sexual performance problems. But, the truth is ED can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Medical causes: ED can be a result of underlying physical conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, low testosterone levels, and others.
- Psychological causes: Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress can contribute to erectile dysfunction and vice versa. ED can lead to depression and increased levels of stress and anxiety.
- Medications: Some medications, such as antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and drugs used to treat prostate cancer, can cause ED as a side effect.
- Lifestyle factors: Negative lifestyle issues, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and illegal drug use can all contribute to poor erectile function.
- Aging: ED is more common in older men, and the likelihood of experiencing ED increases with age. However, many men enjoy a healthy sex well into their seventies and beyond.
- Physical causes: Contact sports can put pressure on and compresses scrotal nerves and arteries. Reduced blood flow or trauma can lead to a loss of sensation or numbness causing problems with erectile function.
- Dietary causes: If your sex life is not what it used to be, recent studies suggest that excessive consumption of sugar can have more than just a negative effect on your body weight and self-concept.
It's important to note that ED can have multiple causes, and it is often a combination of physical and psychological factors that contribute to the condition. If you are experiencing ED, it is important to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
It May Be Time to Visit a Men’s Health Specialist
Men are notorious for putting off physical checkups. That is unfortunate as exams can often shed important insights into numerous aspects of their overall and sexual health. Fortunately, there are a handful of tests and screenings that can detect serious illnesses early as well as help to explain the sexual performance issues someone is experiencing. Exams can also pinpoint lifestyle changes and treatment protocols that can optimize your sexual health.
“Even if you feel fine,” says Earl Eye MD, a men’s health specialist, “during a routine health screening, a man can discuss any medical concerns or sexual performance issues they may be experiencing.”
Common issues men discuss with our health care providers at GAINSWave Jacksonville are sexual dysfunction problems with ejaculation, getting and keeping an erection, and reduced sexual desire. Since erections mainly involve blood flow, the most common causes of erectile dysfunction are conditions that block or inhibit blood flow to the penis. Post exam you will know where personal improvements can be made when it comes to your sexual health and the recommended treatment options to correct your specific problem.
Non-invasive treatments using low-intensity shockwave therapy have proven effective in breaking up plaque formation to treat ED. Earl Eye, M.D., FACCP, is a men’s healthcare physician with multiple medical specialties and over forty years of experience in treating male patients. If you would like to discuss any performance issue with an experienced professional, call GAINSWave Jacksonville today at (904) 500-5500.
