Impotence is the taboo that still blights the lives of thousands of couples in the world.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can have many causes, such as certain medical conditions, medications and stress. It’s important to identify the cause of erectile dysfunction and treat any underlying conditions.
So what are the main causes?
Cardiovascular
Diabetes affects the blood supply by narrowing the arteries and damaging the nervous system, giving a doubly harmful effect – some estimates suggest half of men with diabetes have erectile dysfunction. Heart disease and high blood pressure can have a similar effect.
Low testosterone
This kills the libido, making sex impossible. Low testosterone can also be caused by treatments for prostate cancer, including surgery to remove the prostate, radiotherapy and some drugs.
Medication
Drugs that can cause impotence include anti-depressants and medication for high blood pressure such as beta-blockers and diuretics.
Alcoholism and Smoking
Alcoholism disrupts hormone levels and can lead to permanent nerve damage, causing impotence. Smoking may lead to vascular disease or other health problems, which may cause ED. Tobacco is a major cause of erectile dysfunction;
Neurologic Conditions
Spinal cord and brain injuries (e.g., paraplegia, stroke) can cause impotence when they interrupt the transfer of nerve impulses from the brain to the penis. Other nerve disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease, may also result in impotence.
Psychological Conditions
Depression, guilt, worry, stress, and anxiety all contribute to loss of libido and erectile dysfunction. If a man experiences loss of erection, he may worry that it will happen again. This can produce anxiety associated with performance and may lead to chronic problems during sex. If the cycle is inescapable, it can result in impotence. Psychological factors in impotence are often secondary to physical causes, and they magnify their significance.
Effects of Aging
It is estimated that 65 percent of men over age 65 have some type of ED. Statistically, the number of men experiencing ED rises as their age increases. However, age alone does not cause ED. It is simply that older men are more likely to have the illnesses.