Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a health issue that many men face but don’t often talk about. It’s more common than you might think, and a variety of health conditions can cause it. Understanding these underlying causes can help you seek appropriate treatment and improve your overall health.
In this blog, we’ll explore the different health conditions that cause ED, how they affect your body, and what you can do to manage them.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to when someone can’t get or keep an erection strong enough for sex. It’s not about having occasional trouble; it refers to a consistent or frequent problem that can affect your confidence and relationships.
ED can develop because of physical or mental issues, or both. Here are some common physical causes of ED:
Diabetes
Diabetes refers to when the body can’t control blood sugar levels well. High blood sugar can harm blood vessels and nerves, leading to nerve damage and making it difficult to get an erection. Eating healthy, exercising, and taking medicine can help manage diabetes and lower the risk of ED.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure damages blood vessels, including those supplying blood to the penis, making it difficult to get an erection. Lifestyle changes and medicine can help control blood pressure and reduce the risk of ED.
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol can cause plaque buildup in arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow to the penis, leading to ED.
Eating a healthy diet, exercising, and taking medicine can lower cholesterol. Addressing high cholesterol early can prevent problems and improve sexual health.
Vascular Disease
Vascular diseases affect blood vessels and can limit blood flow in the body, including the penis. Conditions like peripheral artery disease and atherosclerosis are vascular diseases that can cause ED.
Regular check-ups and early treatment can help manage these diseases and reduce ED risk.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can cause problems with hormones and nerve damage, which can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). The kidneys help filter waste and control hormones, so if they aren’t working well, it can affect the body in many ways.
Taking medicine, eating healthy, and regular check-ups can help manage CKD and lower the risk of ED. Talk to a urologist if you have CKD to find out how to treat it.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis develops when plaque builds up in the arteries, making it hard for blood to flow. This can affect the penis and lead to ED. It’s often related to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and smoking.
Eating well, exercising, and not smoking can help manage this condition. It’s important to start early to avoid more problems and stay healthy.
Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s disease is one of the most common causes of ED. It occurs when scar tissue develops in the penis, causing it to bend. This can make erections painful and hard to keep, leading to ED.
There are treatments like medicine and surgery that can help treat this condition. Seeing a men’s health specialist (urologist) can help you find the best solution.
Low Testosterone
Low testosterone means you don’t have enough of this important hormone in your body, which can affect your sexual desire and function. A simple blood test can check your testosterone levels.
Treatments include hormone therapy and lifestyle changes to naturally increase testosterone.
Stroke
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked, which can damage brain cells. Depending on the area affected, it can impact many bodily functions, including sexual health.
Getting better after a stroke involves therapy and lifestyle changes. Solving the main issue and working with a doctor can improve overall health and reduce ED risk.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes seizures. Some epilepsy medicines can affect sexual function, leading to ED. If this happens, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.
Injuries and Trauma
Injuries to the penis, pelvis, or nearby areas can cause problems with getting an erection. These injuries might happen because of accidents, surgeries, or treatments like radiation. Here are some common injuries that can lead to these problems:
Penile Fracture
A penile fracture is a serious penile injury that happens when an erect penis is bent too hard or suddenly, causing tissue to tear. It needs immediate medical care to fix the damage and prevent future problems.
Pelvic Injuries, Surgery, and Radiation Therapy
Injuries to the pelvis, bladder, prostate, and spinal cord can affect the nerves and blood vessels that control erections. These injuries may result from a variety of accidents.
Surgeries on the prostate, colon, or bladder can harm the nerves and blood vessels needed for an erection. Radiation therapy for cancer can also affect the ability to have an erection.
When to See a Urologist
If you’re experiencing ED, it’s a good idea to see a urologist. A urologist specializes in male reproductive health. They can help identify the causes of ED and recommend the best erectile dysfunction treatment.
ED Diagnosis and Treatment in Phoenix, AZ
At Ironwood Urology, we understand the sensitive nature of erectile dysfunction and are committed to providing you with compassionate care and expert solutions.
Our board-certified ED specialist will determine the cause of your ED and help you explore a range of effective ED treatment options tailored to your individual needs.
To schedule a consultation with our experienced ED specialist, call us at (480) 961-2323 or request an appointment using our form. We look forward to serving you!
