12 Common Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction

1. Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem is a common cause of occasional erectile dysfunction. However, it may worsen and negatively affect your sexual and romantic relationship if not addressed early. Negative experiences and frustration regarding sex may cause lowered self-esteem. This may include worrying about your sexual performance and your partner’s satisfaction.

If this is your concern, you may visit IronMountainMensHealth.com and other men’s health treatment clinics in your area.

2. Relationship Problems

Another known psychological factor causing erectile dysfunction is relationship problems. An unhealthy romantic relationship causes severe emotional stress and unsatisfactory sex life.

Several relationship problems are causing severe distress. One of them is a lack of open communication. Communication is the core of every healthy relationship. Failure to communicate what satisfies you romantically and sexually may lead to confusion, frustration, and lack of sexual desire.

If your relationship problems are the leading cause of ED, going through talk therapy may help solve it.

3. Stress And Lack Of Rest

Stress is the leading cause of various health conditions, including ED. A restless mind and body often lead to a decline in sexual excitement. This may cause delayed erection or none at all.

Failure to get an erection or getting one but not firm enough to sustain sex is common when stressed or physically tired. However, if you find yourself in this same situation more frequently, it’s time to consult a professional.

4. Depression And Anxiety

Depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems may cause erectile dysfunction. Some medications for mental health conditions cause a lack of sexual arousal as a side effect. If this is your case, you may ask your psychiatrist about other prescription medicines or therapy which may help.

When suffering from a mental health problem, it’s best to address it first. Consult a professional to see the possible treatments and medications. Then, see if there are improvements during and after the treatment.

5. Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a condition of plaque buildup in the arteries. This health problem is often linked with other illnesses such as diabetes and high cholesterol levels. As a result, it obstructs the normal blood flow, leading to erectile dysfunction.

Erection is triggered by rapid blood flow from the arteries in the abdomen to the penis. When these blood vessels are blocked, the blood flows slower than usual, not enough to sustain firmness.

While there are drugs that act as phosphodiesterase inhibitors treating ED temporarily, they don’t cure the underlying health problems. Atherosclerosis may be present in other body parts, and some can be life-threatening. If this is the cause of ED, eating healthy and regular exercise may help with proper treatment.

6. Diabetes

As mentioned, erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of other crucial health problems. One of these is diabetes.

Diabetes and atherosclerosis are linked. The lack of control over one’s blood sugar levels can cause damage to the blood vessels. When the blood vessels, particularly the arteries, are affected, it impedes the normal blood flow needed for an erection.

The physical effects of diabetes can be irreversible. In that case, maintenance treatment is necessary. However, some medications can help improve your sexual concerns.

7. Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol consumption causes occasional erectile dysfunction. When drunk, the brain signals that trigger an erection are disrupted. If one is suffering from alcohol abuse, the effects can be more persistent.

Aside from the impact on brain and body connection, drinking alcohol in large amounts causes severe dehydration. It affects blood circulation, leading to erectile dysfunction. Since erections heavily depend on normal blood flow, those having trouble with alcohol abuse are at a higher risk. 

8. Severe Injuries

Some accidents resulting in severe injuries may cause erectile dysfunction. Trauma in the lower body may impair healthy blood flow, particularly in the perineum, pelvis, and vertebrae. Moreover, weakness in the pelvic floor muscles can also lead to ED. In some cases, the condition is solved upon recovery.

9. Low Testosterone Levels

Low testosterone levels or hormonal imbalance affects sex drive, which may lead to erectile dysfunction. However, this condition alone doesn’t often cause ED. Instead, it may be linked to other health problems.

Upon treating hormonal issues and erectile dysfunction persists, it’s best to look at other health concerns causing it. Going through a series of tests is recommended for further treatment.

10. Heart Condition

In some cases, those who experience erectile dysfunction are at risk of heart disease. When patients are screened for a diagnosis regarding ED, tests for heart conditions are recommended.

Some heart problems are related to atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels. When the blood supply is impaired, it leads to further complications. In this case, the main cause for concern isn’t erectile dysfunction alone but your overall health.

11. Obesity

Obesity is one of the most typical underlying causes of severe health concerns such as vascular illnesses, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Men having trouble with obesity are also at a higher risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction.

This factor affects men physically and psychologically. In terms of physical health, there’s a heightened risk of developing several illnesses. Mentally and emotionally, obesity can also lower self-esteem, leading to unsatisfactory sexual experiences.

Obesity is a condition you can prevent. Eating healthy and exercising can help maintain your body’s normal function.

12. Age

Erectile dysfunction due to old age is a common problem among men. While this may not be as serious, it’s an issue that deserves medical attention. Lower sex drive is one of the main causes of erectile dysfunction among men over 60. Despite being a normal occurrence, it’s best to check for underlying health problems.