Impotence, also referred to as erectile dysfunction. occurs when a man is unable to achieve an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports this condition to be more common in older men, however, it can occur for men of all ages depending on the origin of cause. An erection is the result of blood being pumped to tissues in the penis. When the blood being supplied to this area becomes blocked an erection is not achieved. This may be due to an external factor, medical or psychological cause. In cases of chronic impotence, consultation with a physician may offer insight and solutions for alleviating the problem
Alcohol or Tobacco
According to the Mayo Clinic, alcohol or other substance use may be a factor in causing temporary impotence. Alcohol widens the blood vessels in the body, preventing blood from accumulating in the penis, which is what creates an erection. Although some people do not experience impotence while using alcohol, it is a possible external factor that may prevent erection. Chronic alcohol use is likely to influence chronic impotence. The Mayo Clinic also acknowledges that tobacco use may cause impotence. Tobacco use is associated with reducing the flow of blood to the arteries, making the arteries flowing to the penis narrow and causing blockage. Health Communities reports that narrowing and hardening of the arteries, arteriosclerosis, accounts for over 50 percent of impotence in older men.
Medical Conditions
The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that medical causes make up 85 percent of cases for impotence. Medical causes include heart disease and high blood pressure. Dysfunctions with erection may be an early warning sign of heart problems, according to the American Vein and Aesthetic Institute. This occurrence is likely due to a blockage in the flow of blood through the arteries causing plaque buildup. On the same token, high blood pressure causes damage to the blood vessels leading to a build up of pressure in the blood vessels leading to the penis. The less blood supply able to get to the penis, the less likely an erection will occur. Additional medical considerations the Mayo Clinic recognizes as having an impact on erection include: diabetes, certain medications and low testosterone. The Mayo Clinic recommends seeking medical attention if impotence persists, to further explore potential medical complications leading to the erectile dysfunction.
Psychological Stress
Psychological stress is a cause of impotence, and this may include stress from relationships, work pressures or underlying depression. Stress causes of impotence are typically short term or isolated episodes, however, when impotence occurs due to stress it may impact a man's confidence. According to Health Communities, this leads to further anxiety and stress associated with sexual performance, and this has an impact on recurring impotence. Impotence Guide indicates that stress inhibits the process of sending the chemical messages that allow blood vessels to constrict in the penis. This constriction blocks the flow of blood that typically accumulates for an erection. Counseling is one way to learn coping skills to deal with stress and further help with regaining a healthy psychological balance conducive to sexual performance.
