What Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

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What Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition in which a guy has problems getting or keeping an erection firm for sexual intercourse. More than thirty million men in the US are affected by ED. The ED occurrence increases gradually with age and affects about 50% of men over the age of 60. 

Fortunately, virtually all men can get an erection with appropriate treatment. If you are experiencing ED and want to have sexual relations, you should seek treatment from a urologist. Dr. Lazare, a urologist Brooklyn New York, will offer you effective ED treatment to regain your healthy sex life.

Symptoms of ED

The symptoms of erectile dysfunction might include persistent:

•       Difficulty getting an erection.
•       Decreased sexual desire
•       Trouble maintaining an erection.

What Causes ED?

Erectile dysfunction is often caused by more than one cause. The causes might be physical, physiological, or a combination of both. Distinguishing between a physical and psychological cause will assist a urologist in determining the appropriate treatment option.

Psychological Causes

An instant and consistent loss in the ability to get an erection might be due to physiological concerns that require to be evaluated.  Anxiety, stress, depression, low self-esteem, negative thoughts, relationship issues, past sexual traumas, and concerns over sexual performance can prevent you from getting an erection.  If this is your situation, talking to a mental health provider about these problems might help.

Medication Side Effects

ED can also be caused by side effects of taking particular medications such as antihistamine medications, ulcer medications, and antidepressants.

Lifestyle Choices

Some of the lifestyle choices can affect blood flow to the penis and result in an ED. Smoking, drinking alcohol, obesity, and certain recreational drugs might damage the blood supply required for a normal erection.

Diabetes

Diabetes is another main cause of ED. The high blood sugar levels cause damage to nerves and small blood vessels throughout the body. This impairs nerve impulses and blood flow required for an erection.

Peyronie’s Disease

This condition refers to an abnormal curvature of the penis that can inhibit the ability to achieve an erection or have sex. The curvature results from scar tissue forming in the wall of tissue surrounding the corpus cavernosum.

Neurological Causes

Brain and spinal cord injuries can affect the transmission of nerve impulses from the brain to the penis to cause an erection. Some of the neurological conditions that might result in erectile dysfunction or impotence include:

• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Spinal cord injuries

Hormonal Imbalance

Low levels of testosterone can cause low libido and ultimately cause erection problems. Similarly, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or prolactin can result in erectile dysfunction.

Pelvic Surgery

Surgeries or surgeries in the pelvic area can damage the nerves in the penis, causing ED. Radical prostatectomy involving removal of the prostate is highly likely to damage nerves, tissues, and arteries of the corpora cavernosa in your penis. Other high-risk surgeries include:

• Rectum
• Bladder
• Colon
• Spinal cord surgery
• Injury to the penis

To sum up, do not struggle with ED any longer. To learn more about erectile dysfunction or receive treatment for ED, contact Dr. Lazare, a board-certified urologist and highly skilled surgeon dedicated to helping you regain your confidence and enjoy a healthy and happy relationship.