Impotence also goes by the name "erectile dysfunction (ED)." According to the Mayo Clinic, this occurs when a man is unable to maintain a firm erection long enough to have sex. Having this problem for a long period of time can become stressful and create a negative impact on self esteem and relationships. There are also several reasons for impotence.
Obesity
Being overweight and obese are already known risk factors for chronic diseases like diabetes and certain types of cancer. But it is also a physical factor that can cause impotence. Diabetes by itself can also cause impotence.
Hypertension
The penis relies on a sufficient supply of blood to become erect. When this supply of blood is not up to par, impotence can occur. Several things that can cause this are clogged blood vessels, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Tobacco
Smoking is already known for the damage it can do to the lungs. It can also cause damage to the blood vessels and cause poor circulation. Poor circulation can take place throughout the whole body including the penis, which can lead to impotence.
Alcohol
Alcohol has been known to damage the liver and cause the brain to become impaired. When consumed in moderation, it does not cause too much of an effect on the body. But when it is consumed in high amounts, it can lead to impotence.
Conditions
There are several conditions that affect the body in another way that can lead to impotence. Examples include kidney failure, liver failure, spinal-cord trauma, stroke and hypogonadism, which causes testosterone levels to be low.
Psychological Reasons
There are several psychological reasons that can also lead to impotence. Examples of these include stress, fatigue, poor communication with your partner, depression, anxiety and feeling self-conscious.
