Common Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

When the subject of erectile dysfunction or impotence comes up, there may be a bit of reluctance in continuing the discussion. For many men, the condition is a frightening one. The thought of being unable to perform sexually may feel emasculating and make men more apt to avoid intimate contact. However, there is a great deal of misunderstanding when it comes to the causes of the condition. Delve into the reasons for impotence and feel empowered to speak more freely about it.

Erectile dysfunction explained

It is quite normal for a man to go through bouts of erectile difficulties. There are times when the mental pressure to perform affects the body's response to stimuli. The inability to function sexually can take a psychological toll and result in relationship problems. However, when a man experiences erection difficulties on a more frequent basis, it may be a symptom of a medical issue.

Common causes of ED

The most common cause of impotence is often unrelated to sex. Some of the medical reasons that may be behind a man's inability to perform sexually include the following health conditions.

Heart disease

The leading cause of death in men and women can have a profound effect on sexual dysfunction. Heart disease is something that can affect many of the body's systems. According to the Mayo Clinic, clogged arteries around the heart make it more difficult for blood to flow in and out of the cardiac chambers. When this happens, the body prioritizes which systems get blood first, usually the lungs and brain. When this occurs, blood flow to the penis is restricted, even in times of arousal. Since an erection is caused by a rush of blood to the penis, heart disease all but guarantees a man's sexual performance will suffer at one point or another.

Diabetes

The endocrine system is responsible for regulating hormones throughout the body. One of the most critical functions of this system is controlling sugar levels. When a person has diabetes, the endocrine system goes into overdrive to decrease or increase sugar in the body. When blood sugar gets too high and stays that way, the central nervous system may suffer. Symptoms of this may start as discomfort in the legs. When the damage becomes critical, it may result in a permanent loss of nerve function in the lower extremities, including the penis.

Medication

Prescription medication is used to control and treat several medical issues, including heart disease and diabetes. However, a side effect of the common prescriptions is a loss of sexual drive or impotence. While a doctor may be able to switch the medications to something with less effect on the sex drive and organs, these drugs may not be as effective in treating the underlying conditions. Depending on the man's health, medication to help with an erection may be prescribed.

Conclusion

When looking for help with erectile dysfunction, it is crucial to speak to a doctor about the issue. If the reason for the impotence is another medical condition, getting treatment for that may help ease the bouts of sexual dysfunction. 

Request an appointment here: https://omgwellnessmd.com or call Optimal Medical Group at (559) 425-1118 for an appointment in our Fresno office.

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