What is Erectile dysfunction (ED) ?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Estimates suggest that one of every 10 men will suffer from ED at some point during his lifetime. It is important to understand that in most cases, ED is a symptom of another, underlying problem. ED is not considered normal at any age, and may be associated with other problems that interfere with sexual intercourse, such as lack of desire and problems with orgasm and ejaculation.

How common is erectile dysfunction?

Approximately one in 10 adult males will suffer from ED on a long-term basis.

Many men do experience occasional failure to achieve erection, which can occur for a variety of reasons, such as drinking too much alcohol, stress, relationship problems, or from being extremely tired.

The failure to get an erection less than 20% of the time is not unusual and typically does not require treatment. However, the failure to achieve an erection more than 50% of the time generally means that there is a problem and treatment is needed.

ED does not have to be a part of getting older. While it is true that some older men may need more stimulation, they should still be able to achieve an erection and enjoy intercourse.

Erectile dysfunction or ED May be Caused by following Health Conditions [1]

An erection occurs when blood flows into the corpora cavernosa (erection bodies) and gets trapped there. If the blood has problems getting to or staying in those erection bodies, you may have erectile dysfunction.

Physical causes of erectile dysfunction

In many cases, erectile dysfunction is caused by something physical. Common causes include:

• Heart disease
• Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Metabolic syndrome — a condition involving increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Certain prescription medications
• Tobacco use
• Peyronie’s disease — development of scar tissue inside the penis
• Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
• Sleep disorders
• Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
• Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord
• Low testosterone

Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction

The brain plays a key role in triggering the series of physical events that cause an erection, starting with feelings of sexual excitement. A number of things can interfere with sexual feelings and cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. These include:

• Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
• Stress
• Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other concerns

There are many potential causes for erectile dysfunction, such as these conditions/circumstances:

• Vascular conditions:
  • High blood pressure
  • Elevated cholesterol
  • Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Trauma:
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Pelvis injury
• Neurologic disease:
  • Stroke
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease
• Radiation to the pelvis for cancer
• Endocrine:
  • Hypogonadism (low testosterone)
  • Hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin levels)
• Pelvis surgery:
  • Radical prostatectomy (a surgical procedure for the partial or complete removal of the prostate)
  • Surgeries for rectal cancer or bladder cancer
• Medication side effects:
  • Antidepressants
  • Antihypertensives (high blood pressure medicine)
  • Antiandrogens (testosterone blockers)
  • Antiarrhythmics (heart rhythm medicine)
• Alcohol
• Cigarette smoking
• Cocaine and marijuana

What medications could cause erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common side effect of a number of prescription drugs. While these medications may treat a disease or condition, in doing so they can affect a man’s hormones, nerves or blood circulation, resulting in ED or increasing the risk of ED.

If you experience ED and think that it may be a result of the medication you are using, do not stop taking the medication. If the problem persists, contact your doctor and he or she may be able to prescribe a different medication. Common medications that may list ED as a potential side effect include:

• Diuretics (pills that cause increase urine flow).
• Antihypertensives (high blood pressure drugs).
• Antihistamines.
• Antidepressants.
• Parkinson’s disease drugs.
• Antiarrhythmics (drug for irregular heart action).
• Tranquilizers.
• Muscle relaxants.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Histamine H2-receptor antagonists.
• Hormones.
• Chemotherapy medications.
• Prostate cancer drugs.
• Anti-seizure medications.

Other substances or drugs that can cause or lead to ED include these recreational and frequently abused drugs:

• Alcohol.
• Amphetamines.
• Barbiturates.
• Cocaine.
• Marijuana.
• Methadone.
• Nicotine.
• Opiates.

These drugs not only affect and often suppress the central nervous system, but can also cause serious damage to the blood vessels, leading to permanent ED.

Diabetes & ED

Half of men with diabetes will experience ED within 10 years of their diagnosis. High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves that control sexual stimulation. They can also damage the blood vessels needed to provide adequate blood flow to the penis in order to have and maintain an erection.

While oral medications are a common first step for therapy, they only tend to work in about 50 percent of men with diabetes. Diabetic men are more likely to move on to other treatment options, such as the pump, penile injection therapy, and penile implants. However, the penile implant has the highest satisfaction rate of all treatment options.

ED & Heart Disease

Erectile dysfunction can be a warning sign of current or future heart disease sometimes. In fact, ED can precede coronary artery disease in almost 70 percent of cases.

When you have heart disease, or coronary artery disease (blocked blood vessels), it will affect the tiny arteries in your penis sooner. Many times, we will refer you to a cardiologist to determine if you have cardiovascular disease that is causing your ED.

Improving your heart health can help lower your risk for ED. You can start by:

• increasing physical activity,
• quitting tobacco products,
• losing weight, and
• consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet.

Prostate Cancer & ED

Erectile dysfunction is a potential complication following prostate cancer treatments. The nerves that control an erection lie very close to the prostate and may be injured during treatment. However, some men may regain their previous level of erectile function with nerve-sparing procedures. But it may take up to a year while some men may never recover their ability to have a natural erection.

Radiation for prostate cancer can cause ED symptoms to appear gradually, usually within two to three years after treatment. If you are experiencing ED after undergoing prostate cancer treatment, you can get a healthy sex life back. We can help you choose the best treatment options for you.

What prescription drugs may cause erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common side effect of a number of prescription drugs. While these medications may treat a disease or condition, in doing so they can affect a man’s hormones, nerves or blood circulation. The result may be ED or an increase in the risk of ED.

If you have ED and think that it may be a result of the medication you are using, do not stop taking the medication. If the problem persists, contact your doctor and he or she may be able to prescribe a different medication. Common medications that may list ED as a potential side effect include:

• Diuretics (pills that cause an increase in urine flow).
• Antihypertensives (medication for high blood pressure).
• Antihistamines.
• Antidepressants.
• Parkinson’s disease drugs.
• Antiarrhythmics (medication for irregular heart action).
• Tranquilizers.
• Muscle relaxants.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Histamine H2-receptor antagonists.
• Hormones.
• Chemotherapy medications.
• Prostate cancer drugs.
• Anti-seizure medications.

What other substances or drugs may cause erectile dysfunction?

Other substances or drugs that can cause or lead to ED include these recreational and frequently abused drugs:

• Alcohol.
• Amphetamines.
• Barbiturates.
• Cocaine.
• Marijuana.
• Methadone.
• Nicotine.
• Opiates.

Aside from the well-known complications that the use and abuse of these drugs can cause, ED is not often mentioned. However, use of these drugs is a risk factor for ED. These drugs not only affect and often times slow down the central nervous system, but can also cause serious damage to the blood vessels, leading to permanent ED.