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The Physical and Nonphysical Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction

There are both physical and nonphysical causes for erectile dysfunction (ED).

The physical causes can be due to nerve damage, cardiovascular disorders, associated with medications, surgical complications, injury related, multiple sclerosis, hormonal disorders and also drug and alcohol abuse.

The nonphysical causes are associated with stress, performance anxiety, fatigue. ED can be a side effect of psychological problems such as depression.

Another nonphysical cause of ED is the negative feelings that are expressed between the sexual partners such as hostility, resentment or a lack of interest in sex.

Just as ED can be a side effect of depression, ED can be a symptom of an underlying medical problem.

There are five categories of risk factors for men and ED. The risk factors are a combination of physical and emotional factors and men can have one or a combination of risk factors.

The first category of risk factors concern physical diseases and disorders. There are certain chronic diseases that can lead to or compromise erectile dysfunction. Mostly diseases of the endocrine system disorders in particular diabetes. Another physical condition that can hinder erection is atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque in arteries). This buildup can decrease the blood flow into the penis. The last physical factor for ED is low levels of the hormone testosterone.

There are also Surgical or factors of trauma that can cause ED. If surgery is performed on the penis or the area surrounding the penis such as surgery for rectal or prostate cancer or bladder surgery the result can be ED. Trauma can also cause erectile dysfunction temporarily or permanently. Prolonged bicycle riding can cause temporary erectile dysfunction.

Medications are the third risk factor. There are several medications that have shown to affect erection ability including antihistamines, antidepressants, high blood pressure drugs, drugs used for pain relief in cancer patients, sleeping aids and tranquilizers.

Those who abuse alcohol or street drugs may encounter the fourth risk factor; chronic use of alcohol, marijuana or other street drugs can decrease your sexual drive, and cause erectile dysfunction. Excessive tobacco use can also cause damage to the penile arteries, which will lead to ED.

The psychological conditions associated with anxiety, depression or stress is the last risk factor for ED.

You may experience an occasional physical or emotional risk factor that may lead to a one-time experience with ED, which can be considered normal. However if you experience ED for two months or longer as a recurring problem than you need to see a doctor to discover the reason for the ED as you may have an underlying medical condition.