Medical Conditions that Cause Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, occurs when the penis doesn't get erect at all or doesn't stay firm long enough to complete intercourse. It is estimated that between 15 and 30 million men have erectile dysfunction according to the National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse.

Erectile dysfunction differs from impotence in that it isn't caused by a lack of desire, and doesn't result in ejaculation problems.

Men can help themselves by staying healthy because certain medical conditions cause erectile dysfunction. Avoiding the medical problem, or correcting it, can lead to improvement.

Medical Conditions that Cause ED

* High blood pressure and poor circulation cause blood vessels to constrict and narrow. Lack of blood flow to the penis can lead to erectile dysfunction. Unfortunately, some medications used to treat high blood pressure will also cause erectile dysfunction. If this happens, talk with the doctor about trying a different medication.

* Diabetes causes nerve damage that leads to erectile dysfunction. It can also affect the blood vessels. Maintaining good blood glucose control is key to preventing erectile dysfunction in diabetics.

* Obesity is linked to erectile dysfunction through insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is present in large numbers of diabetics. Insulin resistance leads to erectile dysfunction by causing problems with blood vessels.

* Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune condition. The person's own immune system will attack the central nervous system. Nerve problems and lesions on the spinal cord lead to erectile dysfunction in MS patients.

* Atherosclerosis can lead to erectile dysfunction by causing the walls of the arteries leading to the penis to harden, thus restricting needed blood flow. Smoking is a major factor in hardening of the arteries.

* Neurologic disease occurs when a condition affects the central nervous system. Any condition that affects the nerves can cause erectile dysfunction. Some conditions in this category are MS, Parkinson's disease, and strokes.

* Depression and other emotional conditions lead to erectile dysfunction because the person doesn't feel good and is not interested in sex.

Some of these conditions are out of the control of the patient. Others, such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis are things people can avoid if they take proper care of themselves. Follow a healthy diet and exercise routine to keep weight under control and maintain good cardiovascular health. Stopping smoking and not drinking excessively will help also.

If diagnosed with one of these conditions, take medication as directed and do whatever it takes to regain good health. The rewards are certainly worth the effort.

http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/impotence/

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/10/051012231352.htm

http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/guide/blood-pressure-medication-and-ed