What Causes Erectile Dysfunction in Men?

About Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is defined as a condition that makes it difficult for a man to have or maintain an erection long enough for sexual intercourse. Seemingly all men experience some problems maintaining or achieving erections. In men without ED, these instances are few and usually have an immediate and recognizable cause, such as too much to drink at dinner. However, with ED, men may experience erectile difficulties more than 25 percent of the time. While ED does tend to affect older men, ED is not a normal function of aging and may be a symptom of an underlying physical problem. There may also be psychological causes for ED.

Physical Causes

The penis relies on blood flow to become erect. Conditions like hypertension and diabetes, which have a direct effect on blood flow, can adversely affect a man's ability to achieve an erection. Men with a heart condition may also experience ED either because the heart is not pumping blood efficiently or because of the fatigue the condition produces. Chronic drug and alcohol abuse also causes problems with blood flow, and with sensation, both of which will adversely affect the ability to have an erection. Testosterone is a major player in male sexual function. A man with hypogonadism--reduced testosterone levels--can experience ED. Obesity is another factor, and obese men are more likely to experience ED than thinner men. Age is generally not a factor except that older men may be more likely to have illnesses like heart disease and diabetes.

Psychological Causes

Until recently, ED was considered solely a psychological phenomenon. Now, doctors and scientists realize that there are physical causes. However, it is still possible to have psychological issues that prevent an erection, and these issues may occur alone or in conjunction with physical issues. For example, a man with undiagnosed heart problems may experience intermittent problems maintaining an erection. As a result, he experiences performance anxiety and then has even more difficulty maintaining an erection. Men with prostatitis often experience painful ejaculation and may subconsciously stop having erections to avoid having sex. Depression, anxiety and stress can also affect libido and cause ED.