Top 10 Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

When any of the processes or factors involved is disrupted, it can cause erectile dysfunction – sexual impotence. The causes of this problem can be psychological, physical (organic) or mixed. So, check out Top 10 Causes that Lead to Erectile Dysfunction.Causes of Psychological Origin:  Among the causes of psychological origin we can mention:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Depression
• Low self esteem
• tiredness, fatigue
• Guilt
• Anxiety about performance, such as fear of failing or not satisfying the partner
• Worries about money, bills to pay, unemployment, job instability, among others
• Discords, fights, arguments with the partner
• Previous incident of sexual failure caused by excessive alcohol intake (drinking), tiredness, worry, nervousness, guilt, among others.

Physical (organic) Causes:  Physical causes of erectile dysfunction usually affect a particular phase in the erection process. Among the causes of physical origin we can mention:

Diabetes:  Diabetes is one of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction . Nerves or blood vessels that control blood flow to the penis can become permanently damaged as a result of diabetes , which can lead to erectile dysfunction .

Peyronie’s Disease: Peyronie  ‘s disease usually manifests itself through fibrosis inside the penis, which can cause penile deformities, such as curvature, thinning, loss of size. It can cause penile curvatures that manifest during erection and that can reach 90 degrees or more either up, down or sideways, and may or may not be associated with pain during erections. In this way, it can make sexual intercourse difficult or even impossible. Associated with Peyronie’s disease, erectile dysfunction may be present in varying degrees of intensity in up to 50% or more of the cases.

Cardiovascular Diseases:  Vascular problems, such as hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), can slow the flow of blood inside the penis, making it difficult to get or maintain an erection.

Note: Since this affects the small vessels before it affects the larger vessels, finding an erectile dysfunction problem could signal the presence of cardiovascular disease.

Sometimes the veins that keep blood in the penis during an erection are damaged and the erection is not maintained long enough for intercourse to take place.

Hormonal Problems:  Some diseases, such as kidney failure and liver disease, can upset the balance of hormones, which control erections. Low testosterone levels can also be a factor.

Alcoholism:  Alcoholism disrupts hormone levels and can lead to permanent nerve damage, causing sexual impotence .

Smoking (smoking):  Smoking can lead to vascular disease or other health problems, which can cause impotence .

Consumption of Illicit Drugs:  The consumption of illicit drugs (marijuana, cocaine, hashish, crack, etc.) affects the sexual part, causing an important reduction in the circulatory part in the penile region, which can lead to erection problems.

Body Trauma: Body  trauma can result in erectile dysfunction . Some of these traumas include:

• pelvic fractures
• spinal cord injuries
• Perineal Injuries
• brain damage

Neurological Trauma: Neurological  trauma can cause erectile dysfunction . These types of trauma include:

• back surgery
• spinal cord injuries
• Some congenital malformations, such as spina bifida
• Brain tumors and/or increased intracranial pressure
• Muscle disease, such as multiple sclerosis

Priapism:  Priapism is an erection that lasts longer than normal and is caused by reasons other than sexual desire. If an erection lasts longer than four hours, it can cause tissue damage resulting in erectile dysfunction .

Causes of Priapism Include:  Blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia and leukemia , medications (both oral and injectable) for erectile dysfunction that are improperly prescribed or misused.

Important: In these cases, urgently seek the nearest emergency service in order to stop the erection and avoid the occurrence of serious consequences for the erectile function of the penis.

Surgeries:  Surgeries that interrupt blood flow or compromise the nerves that carry the stimuli responsible for an erection can result in erectile dysfunction . Some of these surgeries include:

• Radical Prostatectomy (removal of the prostate in case of tumor)
• Bowel surgeries involving the rectum and perineum
• Bladder or urethral surgery
• Surgery in or near the neurovascular bundle
• Spine Surgeries

Effects of Aging:  It is estimated that 65% of men over the age of 65 have some form of erectile dysfunction . Statistically, the number of men who have this problem increases with age. However, age alone does not cause erectile dysfunction . But it is natural that older men are more susceptible to having diseases and undergoing treatments (such as prostate surgery, in case of a tumor) that can cause erectile dysfunction .

Signs of Erectile Dysfunction: Erectile  dysfunction ( impotence) is not a problem that goes away on its own. If you suspect it is important to see a doctor as soon as it becomes apparent. This can help prevent psychological trauma, which can make the situation worse. It can also help you get a diagnosis for a serious underlying physical condition such as diabetes or heart disease, which may first become apparent with symptoms of erectile dysfunction.