What Is the Main Cause of Erectile Dysfunction?

You may have erectile dysfunction if you experience the following signs and symptoms persistently:

• Reduced desire for sex
• Inability to get an erection
• Inability to maintain an erection
• Low sexual self-esteem

The following factors may increase the likeliness of developing ED:

• Advancing age
• Mental health condition like anxiety, depression or stress
• Medical conditions like heart disease, hypertension or diabetes
• Tobacco use
• Alcohol use
• Illicit substance use
• Overweight or obese
• Certain medical treatments such as cancer radiation therapy
• Certain medications, including antihistamines or antidepressants
• A physical injury that may have damaged the nerves or arteries that affect the ability to have an erection

The causes of erectile dysfunction or a weak erection can be physical, psychological, or a combination of the two. Physical causes of erection dysfunction are more common in men of older age. They may occur because of disorders, conditions or abnormalities that affect the nerves and blood vessels responsible for causing an erection.

Physical causes include medical conditions such as:

• Heart disease
• Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Liver or kidney disease
• Alcoholism
• Penile scarring that results in a curved penis (Peyronie’s disease)
• Certain medications, including beta-blockers, diuretics, muscle relaxers
• Substance abuse
• Long-term use of tobacco
• Trauma to the spinal cordor genital region
• Congenital genitalia problems
• Treatment for prostate problems

Psychological or emotional issues can distract men of any age from becoming aroused, and include:

• Concerns about not being able to achieve or maintain an erection
• Prolonged emotional distress related to social, economic or professional issues
• Conflicts in a relationship
• Depression or anxiety

There are many things you can do to fix erectile dysfunction, from therapies to medications. The first step in fixing erectile dysfunction is receiving a medical diagnosis from a qualified professional. After receiving a diagnosis, the examining physician will determine what treatment option is best for your individual situation. In most cases, conservative treatments will be utilized first, and if unsuccessful, more interventional methods may be required to produce desirable results.

Tests for erection dysfunction may include:

• Blood tests for testosterone, prolactin, thyroid hormone and luteinizing hormone
• A urine test
• Complete blood count
• Blood sugar level
• Cholesterol and triglyceride levels

The first line of treatment for erectile dysfunction include noninvasive and nonsurgical methods, and which option will be used depends on your unique situation. These conservative treatments are tried first as they are often very successful.

If you or someone you love is experiencing erectile dysfunction, trust the male health specialists at American Male Medical to help you find a solution. Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in treating erectile dysfunction and can help enhance your sexual performance. Call us today or request an appointment. We serve patients from Lewisville TX, DFW TX, Carrollton TX, Flower Mound TX, Sherman Oaks CA, Burbank CA, Glendale CA, Los Angeles CA, Irvine CA, Tustin CA, Nashville TN, Brentwood TN, and Oak Hill TN. Looking forward to serving you!