Consult with Us About Telemedicine

Filter Blogs By

How Do You Get Erectile Dysfunction?

Many people want a fulfilling sex life. This can be hard, though, if a man suffers from erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction refers to the inability to get and keep an erection. While having problems with erections once in a while is not really a cause for concern, when it happens frequently, it is likely due to some sort of physical or mental issue. You may have an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Sometimes treating the medical issue is enough to reverse erectile dysfunction. A man may need more physical touch to the penis to become more sexually aroused. In some cases, you may need additional treatment, such as medications. 

You may have erectile dysfunction if you:

  1. Are only able to get an erection sometimes
  2. Cannot maintain an erection long enough to have sex
  3. Cannot get an erection at any time
  4. Have decreased sexual desire

If you have any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctors about possible reasons and treatment.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

There are certain medical issues that can make a man more likely to experience erectile dysfunction. Some physical issues include:

  • Heart disease
  • High cholesterol
  • Buildup of plaque in the arteries
  • High blood pressure
  • Stroke
  • Cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Peyronie’s disease (scar tissue inside the penis)
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Low testosterone
  • Sleep disorders

Erectile dysfunction can be psychological in nature. That’s because your brain plays a key role in triggering the physical events that lead to an erection. Some psychological issues that can lead to erectile dysfunction include:

  • Anxiety 
  • Depression 
  • Performance issues
  • Guilt over sexual activities
  • Low self-esteem
  • Embarrassment
  • Stress over sexual performance, relationships, or life in general

Erectile dysfunction can also be caused by lifestyle choices such as:

  • Smoking
  • Alcoholism
  • Drug use
  • Obesity
  • Sedentary lifestyle

The use of certain medications can also increase the risk of erectile dysfunction. It is a side effect of these drugs:

  • Blood pressure medicines 
  • Antiandrogens
  • Antidepressants
  • Tranquilizers or sedatives
  • Appetite suppressants
  • Ulcer medicines

Age and Erectile Dysfunction

While erectile dysfunction can happen at any age, there is a correlation between erectile dysfunction and advancing age. In fact, age is the variable most strongly associated with erectile dysfunction. Approximately 40% of men are affected by age 40, with nearly 70% of men affected at age 70. 

However, erectile dysfunction is not a natural part of aging. Some men in their 90s can get erections without any trouble, while men in their 20s may struggle with sexual performance. 

Contact Us Today

Erectile dysfunction can happen for many reasons. Physical and mental health issues can cause erection problems at any age. Millions of men suffer from some degree of sexual dysfunction. If you are having issues, a New York doctor from Lazare Urology can help you. We have long-term solutions that can help you regain confidence in the bedroom. Call (718) 568-7516 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation. We serve the Brooklyn area.

Back to Blogs