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What
are the causes of erectile dysfunction? (more FAQs below)
In 90% of the cases involving men older than 35, the causes are physical
in nature. In men who are younger than 35, it is generally a psychological
issue. However, even in the cases of those patients for whom the psychological
issues are the primary factor, medical means may be used to help solve
the problem.
There are four main causes of erectile dysfunction:
· The first is vascular. A
man must be able to move blood into the penis and maintain it there in
order to achieve an erection. Arteries are the vehicles which bring the
blood into the penis. Any process which damages the arteries and increases
the chances of vascular disease would make a man more likely to have erectile
dysfunction. A history of arterial disease (e.g. coronary artery, heart
disease, strokes, or peripheral vascular disease) indicates that the penile
arteries are also at risk. In fact, erectile dysfunction may often appear
before any of these more severe manifestations of vessel disease. Thus,
smoking is one of the most common contributing causes to erectile dysfunction.
Other causes include high blood pressure (especially if it uncontrolled),
heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
· The second is neurological.
A man must have an intact neurological system in order for an erection
to occur. Thus patients with multiple sclerosisor or those who have had
damage to their peripheral nerves from diabetes may also suffer from erectile
dysfunction.
· The third is hormonal. Significantly,
low testosterone and thyroid hormones or a very high prolactin may cause
problems with erections.
· The final cause is psychological.
This can be a primary (or initial) problem or a secondary problem. In
some cases men may not achieve an erection primarily because of psychological
issues. Additionally however, many men have a significant psychological
response (or secondary reaction) to what is initially a primary physical
problem. Once a man loses confidence in his erections, his attitude and
interest level may change and diminish. At that point he may develop increasing
difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection.
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