Question: What are the causes of erectile dysfunction?

Answer: This is one of those subjects that everybody has a joke about, and truth be told, some of them are pretty funny. The elephant in the room, however, is that erectile dysfunction is no laughing matter in reality. The answer to today’s question then is not just a list of the causes of the condition, but also a quick tutorial on how it can be avoided.

Knowing What the Problem Is

Difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection for adequate sexual performance involves both physical and psychological processes. As such, pinpointing exactly where the problem begins and whether it is physical or mental or even both can be troublesome. If the problem is ongoing and persistent, or if there are any underlying health problems, it is usually best to arrange a consultation with your doctor. 

Some of the increasingly common medical conditions linked with erectile dysfunction are heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure. In some cases, erectile dysfunction can also be caused by prostate problems, including prostate cancer, which is another reason not to put off having a check-up, particularly if you are over 30. Post-surgery erectile dysfunction can also occur, and in the majority of these cases, it will cease as the healing process continues. Sometimes, the problem of erectile dysfunction will be brought on by the medication prescribed to treat these conditions. It’s possible in this case that bringing the subject up may bring some embarrassment to the patient, but it’s only by informing your doctor that any possible help can be forthcoming.

Lifestyle Factors

In some cases diet and lifestyle may contribute to the problem. Smoking, for example, can harden the arteries and restrict blood flow around the body, making for a serious, yet completely needless impediment. By the same token, alcohol and illegal drug use can have hinder the process in the short term, particularly on or after a heavy night. This will become more pronounced over time if the abuse of drugs continues, gradually making the ability to have full penetrative sex more and more difficult, even leading to full blown impotence if unchecked. 

A sedentary lifestyle will have a similar effect, though the symptoms may seem less severe and gradual in the short term here. The “couch potato” lifestyle of moving from bed to car to a job that is primarily seated and back again, without taking adequate exercise during free time can be just as harmful to a person’s sex life as drug and alcohol abuse.

Couple either or both of these habits with a less than balanced diet, especially if it is high in fat and cholesterol and the chances of developing some form of erectile dysfunction increase further. These will clog and narrow arteries also, restricting the amount of blood that can reach the penis. If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, chances are that you will need some form of medication to control it, obtainable from your local pharmacist, who will also be able to advise on other treatments that may be available.

Beyond Physical Causes

If there are still existing problems with erectile dysfunction even after changes have been made to diet, lifestyle, and exercise regimens, and there are no underlying medical problems of which the condition could be a side effect, then it is likely that there is some other, perhaps psychological, cause. These can usually be put down to stress or anxiety (which will be discussed in a later post). In this case, a professional consultation is the safest and quickest route to take.

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John Keane is a full time pharmacist and owner of Keanes Pharmacy. Why not discuss this topic confidentially with John anytime in person at Keanes Pharmacy, Austin Friars or 0449342884 ©Keanes Pharmacy