The Mayo Clinic defines erectile dysfunction as the inability to create or sustain an erection. Men are often hesitant to speak with their physicians about the condition due to embarrassment. According to the Minnesota Men's Health Center, 1 in 10 men suffers from erectile dysfunction. There are numerous causes for erectile dysfunction, and knowledge can help both the patient and the physician determine what the underlying causes may be.
Diabetes
Chronically high blood sugar levels can cause damage to nerves and small blood vessels. Over time, this damage can weaken nerve impulses and obstruct the blood flow necessary to maintain an erection. The Center for Holistic Urology reports that as many as 60 percent of diabetics experience erectile dysfunction.
Drugs
The National Institutes of Health reports that there are more than 200 types of prescription medications that can cause impotence. Medications such as diuretics and anti-hypertensives work by controlling blood flow. Blood flow is needed to maintain an erection. Other medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotic medications may also cause erectile dysfunction. Some over-the-counter medications such as diphenhydramine (Benedryl) may also cause impotence.
Vascular Disease
Many types of vascular disease can cause a reduction of blood flow throughout the body and impair the ability to create and maintain an erection. Vascular diseases include atherosclerosis, high blood pressure and peripheral artery disease (PAD). It is important to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise to help reduce the incidence of vascular disease.
Neurological Disease
The Mayo Clinic reports that neurological dysfunctions, such as brain and spinal cord injuries, can also affect the ability to create an erection. Injuries to the spinal cord and brain can disrupt the impulses from the brain to the penis. Neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis have been found to cause impaired sexual function.
Considerations
Men who are experiencing erectile dysfunction should speak with their physicians or health care providers. Depending on the underlying cause, physicians will either choose to treat the side effect or the cause. For example, if the cause is medications, they may find a drug that doesn't carry the sexual side effects. Treating the symptom, erectile dysfunction, may involve medications such as Cialis or Viagra to help maintain an erection. Both options carry risks and should be discussed fully with your physician.
References
- Columbia University Medical Center: Penile Problems--Erectile Dysfunction
- Mayo Clinic: Erectile Dysfunction--Causes
- National Institutes of Health: National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse--Erectile Dysfunction
- NIH: Medline Plus--Erection Problems
- Minnesota Men's Health Center: Facts About Erectile Dysfunction
