health

At one time, many physicians believed that erectile dysfunction was either
psychological or a natural part of aging. In the early 2000s, however,
physicians understand that ED is often linked to underlying, treatable
medical conditions. These can include heart disease, neurological issues,
psychological problems, or lifestyle-related causes. Sometimes, the medication
that a person takes may also contribute to erectile dysfunction.

Cardiovascular disease Heart disease, one of the most common
underlying medical conditions in men with ED, is the leading cause of death
among men in the United States. Heart disease as a term encompasses several
cardiovascular conditions, including coronary heart disease, arthrosclerosis,
heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and hypertensive heart disease. When
a patient is suffering from heart disease, his heart has difficulty pumping
blood to the different regions of the body, including the penis, which can
lead to erectile dysfunction. Men need to speak frankly about their condition
so that their physician can find and treat the underlying cause of ED.

Neurological causes Erections begin in the brain. After some sort
of physical or mental stimulation, the brain sends chemical signals along
the body’s nerve pathways to the penis. The muscle tissue in the penis
begins to relax and the penis fills with blood, becoming erect. For some
people who suffer from neurological conditions, these pathways become
blocked, resulting in erectile dysfunction. Neurological conditions that
can cause ED include Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord
and brain injuries, Alzheimer’s (ALTS-hy-merz) disease and stroke.

Psychological causes About 10 to 20 percent of all ED cases are
related to psychological disorders. Because many of these are treatable,
it is important for patients to discuss any emotional concerns they have
with their physician. Often, therapy and/or medication may be helpful in
resolving ED in these patients. Some common psychological causes of ED
include stress, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and panic disorder.
The issues may be related to sexual abuse or trauma, as well.

Pharmaceutical and Lifestyle Causes Sometimes, the use of
different prescription and over-the-counter medications may be directly
related to ED. Many of these medications contain ingredients that can
interrupt blood flow or nerve impulses. Drug classes that may lead to ED
include diuretics, antihypertensive drugs, antidepressant medications,
anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxers, and certain prostate cancer
drugs. It is important for men to discuss with their doctors other medications
that they are taking.

Lifestyle choices that may lead to ED include obesity and the abuse
of alcohol and recreational drugs.