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Erectile Dysfunction
11 Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
HEART DISEASE
Men who have experienced ED are at a greater risk for angina, heart attack or stroke. In effect, ED can act as a warning sign for a more serious heart-related condition. It is estimated that 40 percent of men with ED have hypertension, and the drugs used to treat these conditions can exacerbate the situation.
DIABETES
Abnormal arteries and nerve damage are both common complications of diabetes. Damaged blood vessels or nerves can lead to erectile dysfunction. Between 30 and 50 percent of men with diabetes report some form of sexual difficulty. As with heart conditions, ED can serve as a warning about diabetes.
OBESITY
Obesity causes a myriad of problems and can increase the risk of countless conditions. Among those are heart disease, diabetes, and, yes, erectile dysfunction.
METABOLIC SYNDROME
Metabolic syndrome -- a cluster of conditions that includes obesity and abdominal fat, unhealthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance -- is also a risk factor for erectile dysfunction in men older than 50 years.
ENLARGED PROSTATE (BPH)
BPH occurs in nearly 60 percent of men over the age of 60 and 80 percent of men over the age of 80. Many men take medication or undergo surgery to treat the enlarged prostate, which can cause erectile dysfunction. BPH is caused by hormonal imbalances in the prostate, which could influence sexual functionality.
NEUROLOGIC CONDITIONS
Conditions that affect the central nervous system, including Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis or stroke, can also cause erectile dysfunction. These diseases interfere with nerve functionality, which could affect sexual performance.
HORMONAL CONDITIONS
Low levels of testosterone can be a contributing factor to ED, but this is in about 5 percent of men. More often, it is a combination of risk factors, of which low testosterone plays a role. Abnormalities in the pituitary gland can also cause excessive production of the hormone prolactin, which is likewise associated with ED. Thyroid and adrenal gland problems can also contribute to ED.
PHYSICAL INJURY
As with diabetes and neurological conditions that can affect the nerves, physical trauma to the spinal cord or pelvis can also cause nerve damage that can lead to ED. Pelvic fractures, spinal cord tumors, spina bifida and polio have also been linked to ED.
SURGERY
Prostate cancer surgery, including radical prostatectomy, can contribute to ED. Surgery for colon and rectal cancers can also contribute to ED in some cases. Orthopedic surgery can sometimes do damage to the nerves in the pelvis, leading to ED in some cases. Both short and long-term dysfunction can arise from these surgeries.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
Some prescription medications can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction. High blood pressure medications, heart and cholesterol medications, depression and bipolar medications, medications for GERD, chemotherapy and hormone drugs can all have an influence on sexual performance. If you have concerns about the side effects of a medication, consult with your doctor.
PSYCHOLOGICAL CAUSES
Anxiety, stress and depression are conditions that need consideration when addressing the causes of ED. Due to the very nature of ED, undiagnosed psychological underpinnings can lead to a vicious cycle, where ED becomes a greater issue as a man becomes anxious or depressed about his inability to perform. --
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