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Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence describes the inability to get and keep a firm erection. The occasional case of ED is generally no cause for concern, but ongoing problems may signal an underlying issue. There’s no shame in experiencing ED, but the embarrassment may cause many men to avoid discussing it and its possible reasons. However, a trip to the doctor may reveal some of these common causes below.

Mental Health Conditions

When you’re weighing up the cost of Cialis vs Viagra to solve your ED problem, you may not think twice about any contributing factors. However, being aware of the cause as well as the fix may be crucial for moving past this chapter of your life.

Some mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can contribute to erectile dysfunction in men, but it’s not always easy to know if your ED is physical or psychological. If you still experience morning erections and are able to maintain an erection during masturbation, psychological issues may be the cause, and seeking professional help to combat them may prove valuable.

Alcohol and Tobacco Use

The occasional glass of wine with dinner may not have devastating consequences for your sexual health, but heavy smoking and drinking might.  Some studies have shown that three or more standard drinks per week may not only reduce sexual satisfaction but even impair erectile function in smokers. If you’re unsure whether your alcohol and tobacco consumption is to blame, cut down your usage and see if you notice any difference.

Low Testosterone

When you have low testosterone, your male sex hormones drop beyond the normal level and may impact your sex drive. Many men with low testosterone also develop erectile dysfunction. If you suspect that your testosterone levels are low, talk to your doctor. They may recommend a series of blood tests to confirm or rule out this diagnosis.

Obesity

Obesity is a topic that frequently arises in our communities, and it’s a conversation worth having with your doctor if you believe it’s related to your erectile dysfunction. Obesity can result in ED by damaging the blood vessels, decreasing testosterone, and causing inflammation in the body. Talk to your doctor about healthy lifestyle changes you can make to potentially make ED a problem of the past.

Medication

Many medications have side effects, and an unfortunate one with many of them is erectile dysfunction. A number of drugs for high blood pressure, prostate issues, pain, and depression, can have low sex drive and ED as possible side effects for some men.

Medical Treatments

If you’re being treated for medical conditions, such as cancer, you may experience erectile dysfunction. For example, radiation treatment for cancer may damage nerves in the pelvic area, resulting in blocked blood flow and decreased testosterone levels. However, the effects of radiation may slowly reduce within six months and potentially within one year.

If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction, you’re not alone. Many thousands of men encounter this same situation, and for a variety of different reasons. Trying sexual dysfunction drugs may be one worthwhile option, and you may also like to talk to a medical professional if symptoms persist.

 

Photo courtesy of Tumisu