Impotence is a common problem among men and is characterized by the consistent inability to sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse or the failure to achieve ejaculation or both. It can involve a total inability to achieve an erection or ejaculation, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only very brief erections.
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Having erection trouble from time to time isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. If erectile dysfunction is an ongoing issue, however, it can cause stress, affect your self-confidence, and contribute to relationship problems. Problems getting or keeping an erection can also be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment and a risk factor for heart disease.
The risk of impotence increases with age. It is much more frequent in men in their 60s compared with those in their 40s. Men with less education are also more likely to experience impotence, perhaps because they tend to have less healthy lifestyles, eat a less healthy diet, drink more, and exercise less.
Male sexual arousal is a complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can result from a problem with any of these. Likewise, stress and mental health concerns can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.
Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological issues causes erectile dysfunction. For instance, a minor physical condition that slows your sexual response might cause anxiety about maintaining an erection. The resulting stress can lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction.
The causes of impotence are many. They include heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, metabolic syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, Peyronie’s disease, substance abuse, sleep disorders, BPH treatments, relationship problems, blood vessel diseases (such as peripheral vascular disease and others), systemic disease, hormonal imbalance, and medications (such as blood pressure and heart medications).
The brain plays a crucial role in triggering the series of physical events that cause an erection, starting with feelings of sexual excitement. Several things can interfere with sexual feelings and cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. These include depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions, stress, relationship problems due to weight, poor communication or other concerns. As you get old, erections might take longer to develop and might not be as firm. You might need more direct touch to your penis to get and keep an erection.
Various risk factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction, including medical conditions, particularly diabetes or heart conditions. Tobacco use, which restricts blood flow to veins and arteries, can — over time — cause chronic health conditions that lead to erectile dysfunction. Being overweight also leads to impotence, especially if you’re obese. Specific medical treatments, such as prostate surgery or radiation treatment for cancer, can also be the reason. Injuries, particularly if they damage the nerves or arteries that control erections. Medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines, and medications to treat high blood pressure, pain, or prostate conditions, are also a contributing factor. Psychological conditions, such as stress, anxiety, or depression, are also a significant reason. Drug and alcohol use, especially if you’re a long-term drug user or heavy drinker.
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Until Next Time,
Team Doctor ASKY!