You know your symptoms, but what’s causing them? Understand which factors might be contributing to your erectile dysfunction (ED) challenges and how they can impact your health.
Understanding your symptoms
Although ED directly impacts sexual function, it can be a sign of other health concerns. Be sure to have regular check-ins with your doctor to manage health challenges that may be causing ED.
What contributes to ED?
- AGE
-
ED is most prevalent among older men, impacting half of men over the age of 40.1 However, ED goes undetected and untreated in a growing number of younger men whose symptoms vary in severity.
- CIRCULATORY HEALTH
-
Conditions restricting blood flow such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol can lead to ED.
- LIFESTYLE CHOICES
-
Tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug consumption can interfere with the brain’s ability to interpret signals to send blood to the penis. An unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle can also make it difficult to get an erection.
- MENTAL HEALTH
-
When you’re not feeling well mentally, it can impact your ability to perform sexually. Stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues can increase the risk of ED.
- CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS
-
Conditions such as kidney disease and multiple sclerosis can affect nerve signals and blood flow, leading to ED. Hormonal imbalances and sleep disorders like sleep apnea may also contribute to ED.
- TISSUE DAMAGE AND INJURIES
-
Surgery and radiation therapy for prostate cancer can cause damage leading to ED. Injuries that damage nerves or arteries also increase the risk of ED.