Physical Reasons of ED

There are diseases that reduce blood flow to the penis and damage nerves that carry the commands from the brain cells. Underlying physiological conditions associated with erectile dysfunction include the following:

Diabetes : When high levels of sugar is persistent in the blood, it damages small blood vessels and nerves throughout the body. Due to the damaged nerve impulses and blood flow, necessary erection is impaired.

Vascular Disease : The vascular disease called Arteriosclerosis means that arteries are hardened and narrowed. This disease is responsible for lessening blood flow all over the body and this inevitably leads to erectile dysfunction. The risk factors associated with the disease are high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes mellitus. Smoking cigarette, as we all know, can be a major factor behind Arteriosclerosis, causing all types of harms such as high blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. This particular disease involves men over the age of 60 and accounts for 50% to 60% of erectile dysfunction in that age group.

Hormone Disorders : In some cases of hormone disorders it is seen that Testosterone deficiency leads to loss of libido or sexual desire in men followed by loss of penile erection. In certain other cases, Testosterone level may get reduced by excess secretion of hormone Prolactin. This condition is a result of a tumor in pituitary gland. These types of hormone imbalances are sometimes responsible for kidney or liver diseases. Studies show that almost 5% cases of erectile dysfunction are due to hormone disorders.

Pelvic Trauma : Veins and nerves, required for erection, are damaged if there is trauma to the pelvic region or spinal cord.

Surgery : Erection related nerves and blood vessels are also damaged by the surgery of the colon, prostate, bladder, or rectum. Most of the time removing tissue and nerves surrounding a tumor are necessary in cases of prostate and bladder cancer surgery adding to the possibility of erectile dysfunction. There are techniques developed for lowering the possibilities of ED associated with this surgery, which is known as nerve-sparing techniques. The technique has decreased the percentage of impotence, but temporary impotence has to be experienced after the surgery and it takes 6 to 18 months to get a full erection required for a complete vaginal intercourse.

Radiation Therapy : Radiation therapy used for prostate or bladder cancer has the possibility of causing permanent damage to the nerves and veins required for penile erection.

Neurologic Conditions : Most of the spinal cord as well as brain injuries like paraplegia and stroke have the potential of impotence, as these injuries may disrupt the transmission of nerve impulses from the brain to the penis. Other nerve disorders that may result in erectile dysfunction are Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.

Venous Leak : Venous leak is a disease in which the veins in the penis fail to thwart blood from leaving the penis during erection. In this disease, the erection may be attained but cannot be maintained. This condition is caused by disease, injury or damage to the penile venous system.

Peyronie's Disease : It is a rare inflammatory condition of the penis causing scarring of erectile tissue. In Peyronie's disease, scarring produces curvature of the penis and painful erection that obviously interfere with sexual function of a man.

Drugs : There are more than 200 commonly prescribed drugs including drugs for high blood pressure, heart medications, antidepressants, tranquilizers, and sedatives, identified partly or fully responsible for erectile dysfunction. Moreover, a number of 'over-the-counter' tablets and capsules along with continuing substance abuse damage the vascular and nervous systems allied with erectile dysfunction.

Psychological Reasons of ED

Psychological aspects in erectile dysfunction, most of the times, are consequences of physical causes amplifying the impact of the diseases. The psychological conditions which induce erectile dysfunction are;

• Depression
• Guilt
• Worry
• Stress
• Anxiety

These psychological conditions result in loss of libido and thereafter erectile dysfunction. A single occurrence of erectile dysfunction can make a man worried, he may doubt his own ability next time he involves himself in sex. This leads to performance anxiety that becomes constant during his sexual activities. Sometimes the vicious cycle is unpreventable and every time this fear result in impotence.

More on Erectile Dysfunction Factors :

• ED in a nutshell
• Emotional Edge of Impotence
• Role Of Partner
• Strengthen your Relationship
• Prevent ED
• Rejuvenate Sex Life with Cialis
• FAQ on All About Erectile Dysfunction
• Psychological/Emotional Factors
• Lifestyle Factors
• FAQ on Factors leading to Erectile Dysfunction