Damage
Erectile dysfunction, also referred to as ED or impotence, is a condition that causes men to be unable to maintain an erection or to not have a sex drive. According to the Minnesota Men's Health Center, one in ten men worldwide and 30 million men in the United States suffer from erectile dysfunction. One of the causes is related to the nerves in the body. Any type of injury or trauma to the spinal cord, arteries or nerves can cause erectile dysfunction.
Lifestyle
Drinking, smoking, being overweight and not getting enough exercise can all contribute to erectile dysfunction by causing poor circulation.
Diseases
There are a handful of medical conditions that compromise the flow of blood in the arteries that can cause erectile dysfunction. This is due to the fact that the penis relies on sufficient blood flow to achieve an erection. Some of these conditions include high blood pressure, diabetes, atherosclerosis, kidney disease and alcoholism.
Medications
Medications can be taken to treat the symptoms of a known condition. Under normal circumstances, they work efficiently, but they always come with side effects. Some of these include nausea, cramping, diarrhea and impotence. Some examples of medications that can cause this include antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, ulcer medications and tranquilizers.
Physcological Factors
There are many psychological factors that can also effect a man's ability to achieve an erection. Being highly stressed from work or home life is a common factor. Depression, anxiety, guilt, a low self esteem and fear of failing during sex can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.
