Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
The ability to get and maintain an erection often requires a few key steps. If one step is out of sync, the chances of achieving an erection decrease.
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by several factors, from psychological issues to the medication you are taking. Understanding the underlying cause of ED is key to finding the right treatment.
In many cases, erectile dysfunction is treated with lifestyle changes, medication, or therapy.
When there are physical factors that contribute to erectile dysfunction, they are usually caused by issues that reduce the amount of blood flow to the penis, such as high blood pressure and poor circulation.
Erectile dysfunction can be directly linked to your health and overall wellness.
Some of the most common physical causes of erectile dysfunction include:
High Blood Pressure:
High blood pressure causes the heart to beat with more force than necessary, which impacts the health of the arteries. This may lead to circulation issues which directly affects the amount of blood flow to the penis.
Injury to the Penis:
Injury to the nerves, vessels, or penis can lead to erectile dysfunction. In addition, injury or trauma to the lower abdomen or perineal area may also increase the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Atherosclerosis:
This is a common health concern that can cause inadequate blood flow to the major organs. Atherosclerosis causes narrowing or clogging of the main arteries, including the arteries in the penis. This means that the penis may not receive enough blood flow to achieve an erection.
Diabetes:
Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels, including the vessels that are responsible for taking blood to the penis. Diabetes also affects the nerves, which transmits pressure signals throughout the body.
Sleep Disorders:
Studies have suggested there is a direct link between sleep apnea, low testosterone levels, and ED.
Hormonal Imbalance:
If the hormones in the body are imbalanced, it can lead to a range of issues, including erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, low testosterone levels can also result in decreased libido.
Neurological and nerve disorders:
When the signals to the nerves are compromised, it may hinder the erection cycle. Common nerve and neurological disorders may include the following:
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- Stroke
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- Epilepsy
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- Multiple sclerosis
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- Tumors in the brain or spine
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- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
Be sure to speak with your doctor about your treatment options if you have been diagnosed with the conditions listed above.
Heart Disease:
Conditions that affect the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively can lead to erectile dysfunction. If the penis cannot receive adequate blood, it cannot perform effectively.
Obesity:
Obesity can affect your blood pressure and cholesterol, which can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Smoking and Tobacco Use:
Tobacco use can lead to blood vessel damage or affect the blood flow to the penis, which increases the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Medications:
Certain medications can affect your ability to maintain or achieve an erection. If a medication is the cause of your erectile dysfunction, your doctor may offer an alternative to your current medication.
Visit Men’s Progressive Health
If you would like to explore your treatment options for erectile dysfunction in Langhorne, PA, visit Men’s Progressive Health. To schedule a consultation, call (215) 764-3131.