Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is a type of male sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to maintain an erection long enough and firm enough for sexual intercourse.

While most men will have occasional difficulty achieving a healthy erection during sexual intercourse, ED is only considered a possible medical explanation for these symptoms if erection difficulties have been affecting a man for an extended period of time. When blood flow to the two chambers of the penis, known as the corpora cavernosa, are blocked or restricted for any reason, this can result in ED.

Men worldwide suffer from erectile dysfunction due to physical, psychological or emotional reasons. Many of which are seeking a natural, ED solution with long-term results.

What causes ED? There are many causes of impotence both medical and psychological. Often, age is a predominant factor in erectile dysfunction; however, your chronological age is not solely responsible for ED’s development. Men over the age of 40 typically experience ED as the result of inadequate blood flow to the penis, most often due to the narrowing of blood vessels. This can arise due to many causes including:

Poor Circulation
The most common cause of ED is a lack of flowing blood to erectile tissue. Plaque and damaged vessels can restrict circulation enough to disrupt function. Typically, symptoms begin with difficulty maintaining an erection before advancing to a complete inability to obtain one.

Hormonal Imbalances
The production of testosterone and other hormones naturally decreases with age, and this can disrupt erections. Also, in rare instances, kidney failure and liver disease may throw off the balance of hormones necessary for proper erection and intercourse. In most cases, testosterone replacement therapy can bring levels of the hormone back to normal.

Obesity Or Lack Of Physical Activity
Engaging in an active lifestyle can help with weight management, stress, anxiety, and depression – all of which help with other conditions and decrease the risk of developing ED. The accumulation of fat in the body can cause a drop in active testosterone levels. In addition, being overweight can cause cardiovascular problems that are known to contribute to ED.

Alcohol Consumption
More than two drinks a day is considered a risk factor for ED. Alcohol can lower testosterone levels, decrease flowing blood to the penis, and cause nerve and hormonal imbalances. Low testosterone from alcohol or drug abuse can also affect your libido and performance, potentially leading to further psychological ED complications.

Smoking
The hardening of the arteries associated with smoking tobacco can reduce flowing blood to the penis. Smoking also results in oxidative stress – another risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Fortunately, quitting smoking has shown to relieve much of the ED risks associated with the habit.

Cycling and horseback Riding
The pressure applied to the pelvic floor during these activities can result in nerve and vascular damage that may inhibit erections.

Peyronie’s Disease
This condition is characterized by the bending or curvature of the penis, or narrowing of the penile shaft. Scarring related to Peyronie’s Disease can cause circulation problems in the penis.

Sleep Apnea
A German study found that 69% of men involved in a sleep apnea study also suffered from ED. Disruptions to breathing during sleep affect oxygen levels in the blood, which can cause problems generating an erection. Lack of sleep also disrupts hormone production.

Psychological Difficulties
Stress, both in and out of the bedroom, can make it difficult for a man to achieve an erection. Depression, anxiety, and the medications to treat them may also contribute to impotence.

Poor Dental Health
A recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine reported that men with severe periodontal disease were three times more likely to have consistent difficulties having an erection. While this may be a case of correlation rather than causation, poor dental health has long been associated with vascular disease, which is known to contribute to ED.

High Cholesterol
Cholesterol can cause damage to blood vessel linings in all parts of the body – including the penis. Blockages caused by elevated cholesterol levels or plaques that restrict flowing blood can prevent erectile tissue from filling with blood. A healthy diet and lifestyle, including regular exercise, can help control these levels and the risk of developing ED. In addition, doctors may prescribe pharmaceuticals to lower cholesterol in the blood.

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS)
MetS is a combination of maladies that can cause ED. The five hallmarks of MetS are: hypertension, elevated fasting glucose levels, elevated triglycerides, central obesity, and reduced high density lipoprotein levels of cholesterol. MetS causes inflammation and hormonal imbalances that can lead to ED. Treatment for MetS can include lifestyle changes, testosterone replacement, pharmaceuticals, and bariatric surgery – such as gastric bypass.

Hypertension
30-50% of hypertensive men also suffer from ED. Hypertension can disrupt erectile tissue function. In addition, some prescriptions for the condition can cause ED. However, there’s evidence that suggests that once adequate blood pressure control is regained, even for those on medication, ED becomes less likely.

Diabetes
35-90% of diabetic men also experience ED. Hyperglycemia can have a negative impact on several aspects of erectile function. Complications and changes associated with diabetes can compromise macrovascular and microvascular structures, the nervous system, and blood vessel linings.