What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) also known as impotence is a common condition which affects the ability to achieve and maintain an erection necessary for sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction is also known as impotence.
How Common is Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a very common condition which affects the majority of men at some point in their lives. It affects around 50% of men over the age of 40 to some degree and over 70% of men over the age of 70.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
There are many causes of erectile dysfunction and the process of achieving an erection is complicated. These causes can be either physical or mental.
- Physical factors may include:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes (Up to 25% of men with diabetes aged 30—34 and 75% of diabetic men aged 60—64 are affected)
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- smoking
- alcohol consumption ( Alcohol can damage the nerves leading to the penis, reduce testosterone levels and increase levels of the female hormone oestrogen)
- cycling for long periods
- kidney disease
- medication
- Mental factors include:
- depression
- anxiety
- stress
Although there are many causes for erectile dysfunction the primary cause for over 70% of men is usually a narrowing of the arteries in the penis (which may be caused by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking as well as other risk factors).
