While age is a common factor in experiencing Erectile Dysfunction, it’s not the only cause. Keep reading to find out what else could be causing ED.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is incredibly common, with around 70% of men experiencing the condition at some point in their lives. Do the math: that’s most of the men you know, so let’s get over any sort of embarrassment or stigma right now. ED is simply a bodily response to something going on physically or mentally.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction is the inability to keep an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse. While arousal may seem simple, there’s actually a lot going on inside the body to cause an erection.
- When triggered by an arousing situation or thought, the brain sends nerve signals to the spongy tissues along the whole length of the penis.
- These signals cause the tissues to relax, which means blood can flow to the penis and fill the open spaces in the tissue.
- This increased blood pressure causes the penis to expand and become erect.
- Membranes around the tissue keep the penis erect.
If any part of this intricate process is interrupted, the penis may not be able to sustain an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse.
Is age the only factor in Erectile Dysfunction?
Put simply, no. While age is a leading influence in ED, it’s not the sole cause.
Erectile Dysfunction may occur due to depleted testosterone levels. Testosterone is the male sex hormone, and it’s responsible for a whole host of bodily functions, including the production of red blood cells and sperm, influencing body fat and bone mass and regulating libido.
As we get older, our testosterone levels generally decrease, which means the sexual functions of testosterone may be affected. This is the main reason why Erectile Dysfunction is associated with getting older.
Other causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Our erections are influenced by our general health and lifestyles. Remember that complex process that occurs between feeling aroused and getting an erection? Well, lots of things can interrupt that – it’s not just about your testosterone levels.
Other medical causes of ED include:
- obesity
- diabetes
- heart disease
- hypertension (high blood pressure)
- high cholesterol
- enlarged prostate
- sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea
- multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
Lifestyle choices and ED
Erectile Dysfunction isn’t only caused by chronic health conditions. Our lifestyle choices have a huge impact on all aspects of our health, including our sexual health. ED may also be more likely if you:
- Smoke tobacco
- Drink alcohol
- Take certain prescription medications
Psychological causes of ED
Our mental wellness plays a huge role in our sexual health. After all, the brain is the trigger for all of those physical chain reactions that lead to an erection. If you are stressed or have experienced tension, your feelings of sexual desire may be inhibited, which can cause ED. You may also be more likely to experience ED if you suffer with anxiety or depression.
There is also a link between experiencing ED just once and getting into an anxious self-perpetuating cycle. Some men may feel embarrassed or confused about their ED (though, they really needn’t be – we’re not robots). This negative association can cause anxiety about the next erection, which is really annoying because we know anxiety is not great for sexual wellness. You can read more about the association between Erectile Dysfunction and anxiety here.
How to get help with ED
There are a range of treatment options for ED. As well as altering your lifestyle to make healthier choices, you may be eligible for medication. Men2BeHealth offers a range of treatment options for Erectile Dysfunction. You can take a quick online quiz to find out if medication is appropriate for you, and if it is, we’ll deliver it to your door in discreet packaging.
Click here to start your online consultation
Whether you’ve experienced ED once or a hundred times, it’s never too late to take positive steps to improve your sexual health. Please don’t let this hugely common condition worry you. We’re all human and there’s nothing wrong with exploring our options for better wellness.