Erectile Dysfunction Causes

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Causes

There are several causes for erectile dysfunction but are characterised as either psychogenic or physical. A common cause of psychogenic erectile dysfunction is performance anxiety, excessive alcohol consumption or depression.

Physical causes include vasogenic (related to the blood system), neurogenic (related to the nervous system) and drug or medication related. Any condition which is bad for your heart will have a similar effect on a man’s erections. Common conditions associated with erectile dysfunction include diabetes, smoking and cardiovascular or heart disease.

In essence any condition which causes hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis will increase the likelihood of developing erectile dysfunction. Similarly, damage to nerves which supply the penis can result in erectile dysfunction. Common conditions include back surgery or spinal cord injuries as well as strokes or cerebrovascular disease.

In addition any surgery which potentially disrupts or interferes with the blood or nerve supply to the penis can result in erectile dysfunction. This includes radical prostatectomy or TURP.