What are the Physical and Psychological causes of ED?
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is basically a disorder found in men which could be a sign of physical or psychological condition. The symptoms associated with this disorder is found in men’s reproductive organ i.e. inability to keep an erection firmer and longer enough during a sexual activity.
Erectile dysfunction is a treatable disorder which includes many possible methods such as natural remedies, alternative medicine, and prescription drugs. In this article, let us discuss about some faster ways to treat this disorder.
There are many men who experience erectile dysfunction occasionally because of stress, fatigue, alcohol, or emotional issues, but 25% of men have recurring episodes of the disorder. People dealing with erectile dysfunction will be:
- Unable to achieve erection at anytime needed.
- might achieve erection sometime but not when needed like during sexual activity.
- might able to achieve erection when needed but not long enough
Causes of Erectile dysfunction
There are many factors involved in male sexual arousal, including hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles, and the blood vessels. There are a number of factors that can contribute to erectile dysfunction. It is also possible for erectile dysfunction to be caused or worsened by stress and mental health concerns.
In some cases, erectile dysfunction is caused by a combination of physical and psychological factors. In some cases, anxiety about maintaining an erection may be caused by a minor physical condition that slows down your sexual response. A result of this anxiety may exacerbate the problem of erectile dysfunction or lead to it.
Following are multiple reasons due to which men may experience erectile dysfunction.
- Diabetes, especially uncontrolled type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the walls of the arteries)
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Fatigue
- Drug abuse
- Excessive alcohol or tobacco consumption
- Certain medications (antidepressants, blood pressure medications, sedatives, appetite suppressants, or medications to treat prostate cancer)
- Injury to the brain or spinal cord
- Psychological issues, such as anxiety, stress, or depression, or relationship problems
- Radiation therapy to the testicles or pelvic region
- Hypogonadism (reduced levels of the male hormone testosterone)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s disease
- Obesity
- Surgeries on the bladder or prostate
- Lack of physical activity
Physical causes of Erectile dysfunction
There are many health issues that can resist or affect the flow of blood in your penis. This could result in erectile dysfunction. Some of the common physical causes of erectile dysfunction include,
- Heart disease
- Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
- Sleep disorders
- Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
- Obesity
- Alcoholism and other substance abuse
- Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord
- Multiple sclerosis
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Certain prescription medications
- Tobacco use
- Peyronie’s disease i.e. development of damaged tissue inside the penis
- Low testosterone
- Metabolic syndrome
- Parkinson’s disease
Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction
Several physical events initiate an erection, beginning with feelings of excitement. The brain plays an important role in this process. Sexual feelings can be interfered with by a number of things and erectile dysfunction can worsen as a result.
- Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia
- Feeling stressed
- Problems with relationships due to stress, poor communication, or other reasons
Risk factors that contributes erectile dysfunction
It is possible that your erections might not be as firm as they used to be as you age. In order to maintain an erection in such a case, you might need to touch your penis directly. It is possible to develop erectile dysfunction for a variety of reasons, including:
- Being overweight, especially if you’re obese
- Tobacco use, that restricts blood flow to veins and arteries, can over time cause chronic health conditions that lead to erectile dysfunction
- Medical conditions, mainly diabetes or heart conditions
- Medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines and medications to treat high blood pressure, pain or prostate conditions
- Certain medical treatments, such as prostate surgery or radiation treatment for cancer
- Injuries, particularly if they damage the nerves or arteries that control erections
- Drug and alcohol use, especially if you’re a long-term drug user or heavy drinker
- Psychological conditions, such as stress, anxiety or depression
Prevention from such causes
Getting healthy and managing existing health problems are the most effective ways to prevent erectile dysfunction. Such effective ways include:
- You should work with your doctor to manage chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.
- Make sure you see your doctor regularly for checkups and medical screening tests.
- Reduce or avoid drinking alcohol, don’t use illegal drugs, and stop smoking.
- Make sure you exercise regularly.
- Reduce your stress levels by taking steps.
- If you suffer from anxiety, depression, or another mental health issue, seek help.
REFERENCES:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20355776
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20355776
- https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/e/erectile-dysfunction-(ed)
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes
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