Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction, is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. It has a variety of causes, some of which may be a sign of an underlying medical condition requiring your doctor's attention.
Diabetes
Diabetes is among one of the many medical conditions contributing to impotence. The Urology Channel states that approximately 60 percent of men with diabetes suffer from impotence; this is due to the high levels of blood sugar damaging the small blood vessels and nerves in the body. This damage hinders the blood flow to the penis, thus resulting in erectile dysfunction.
Vascular Disease
Responsible for 50 to 60 percent of impotence cases in men over the age of 60 according to the Urology Channel, vascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis causes a hardening and narrowing of the arteries. This reduces the flow of blood throughout the body, including blood flow to the penis.
Psychological Conditions
A number of psychological conditions such as stress, guilt, fear and anxiety are all contributing factors of impotence. This is made worse when a man is unable to achieve an erection--he then fears it will occur again, which in turn causes performance anxiety. This alone can lead to chronic (ongoing) erectile dysfunction. The Urology Channel explains that psychological factors are usually second to physical factors as a cause for impotence, however they may increase the significance of the physical causes.
Medical Treatments
Both the Mayo Clinic and Urology Channel state that medical treatments and procedures, such as prostate or bladder surgery, may result in impotence. These procedures involve cutting or removing the nerves responsible for a man's ability to achieve an erection.
Medications
Impotence is a side effect of certain medications such as heart medications, tranquilizers, antidepressants and medication for high blood pressure. In addition, long term use of alcohol or illicit drugs can affect the nervous and vascular systems.
