What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

The first thing you have to know is the process of male sexual arousal. It is a very complex process that involves the brain, hormones and your emotions. It also involves your nerves, muscles and blood vessels. If there is something wrong with any of these systems, erectile dysfunction can occur.

The penis comprises of two cylindrical structures made of a sort of spongy tissue. When a man is aroused sexually, the brain sends a nerve impulse to cause blood to flow into these spongy muscles which expands them, many times its size. This influx of blood into the penis is what causes the penis to stiffen during an erection.

If the sexual stimulation is sustained, the blood is retained in the penis, which keeps it firm. After ejaculation, or if the sexual excitement passes, the extra blood drains out of the penis and it returns to its non-erect size and shape.

So what causes erectile dysfunction? The element that causes it is often debated on and at some point doctors thought that it was caused only by psychological factors. But this is not always the case. While stress and self-esteem are two of the most common reasons for it, the main factor that causes erectile dysfunction is a lack of attention to individual health. People who are in poor health or are often on medication have higher chances at experiencing erectile dysfunction. One very common physical problem that causes erectile dysfunction is excessive weight or obesity.

There are also other diseases that cause erectile dysfunction. For example, heart disease or clogged blood vessels or atherosclerosis causes erectile dysfunction because it prevents healthy blood circulation which is essential for erection. Diabetes, high blood pressure and thyroid problems also contribute to the disorder.

Another problem that causes erectile dysfunction is pelvic surgery. This may hinder the flow of blood, or even sever nerve cells and inhibit erection. Men also get it if they sustain spinal cord injuries that affect the body from the waist down. In cases like these, the erectile dysfunction cannot be treated anymore, and will cause permanent erection problems, or non-erection, depending on how grave the spinal injury is.

Tobacco usage, which affects hormone and sperm production, can also cause erectile dysfunction. Some prescription medicines affect the ability of a man to sustain erections, especially medications that are used for treatment of high blood pressure. Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments may also cause erectile dysfunction. Most of the time, doctors view erectile dysfunction only as a symptom of a greater underlying medical condition, they focus on the treatment or management of the medical condition and usually, the erection problems will correct itself.

The brain also has a key role in the process that allows erection, which begins with sexual arousal or excitement. Emotional problems like depression, anxiety, stress, fatigue or sexual miscommunication can cause or worsen erection problems. In many cases, the physical predisposition and the psychological pressure is the reason why erectile dysfunction occurs. For instance, a man that already has some small physical problem, like high cholesterol, can build up anxiety about sustaining his erection long enough. The resulting problem can be a prolonged erection problem.

Want to learn what causes erectile dysfunction for free??We teach you how to become bigger and have better sex TODAY!? Learn what millions of males have already learned at http://www.MakingYouBigger.com

Erectile Dysfunction Causes And Treatment Options

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also called "impotence", is one of the most common health problems affecting men. Erectile dysfunction can be a total inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. Chronic ED affects about 5% of men in their 40s and 15-25% of men by the age of 65. Transient ED and inadequate erection affect as many as 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 70.

Causes

Erectile dysfunction has many underlying physical and psychological causes. Most men with physical causes usually have an associated psychological component. Underlying conditions of erectile dysfunction include the following:



Physical health conditions

Problems with the nervous system can affect the transmission of signals from the brain to the blood vessels in the penis. This occurs in conditions including multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and Parkinson's disease. The nerves involved in sexual arousal can also be damaged in surgery to the pelvic area, such as removal of the prostate.


Vascular diseases account for nearly half of all cases of erectile dysfunction in men older than 50 years. These include atherosclerosis, veno-occlusive disease, peripheral vascular disease, arterial hypertension, history of heart attacks, blood vessel trauma, high cholesterol levels.

Systemic diseases associated with erectile dysfunction: Diabetes mellitus is a major cause of erection problems (about 60% of men with diabetes experience erectile dysfunction), scleroderma, kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, hemachromatosis, dyslipidemia, hypertension.

Neurologic diseases. Problems with the nervous system can affect the transmission of signals from the brain to the blood vessels in the penis. Diseases that affect the nervous system and are commonly associated with erectile dysfunction include: multiple sclerosis, spinal cord and brain injuries, parkinson's disease, alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Respiratory disease associated with erectile dysfunction include: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea

Conditions of the penis: Peyronie's disease (a rare inflammatory condition that causes scarring of erectile tissue), epispadias, priapism, Infections.

Traumatic Causes. Trauma or injury to the penis, spinal cord, prostate, bladder, and pelvis can lead to erectile dysfunction by harming nerves, smooth muscles, arteries, and fibrous tissues of the corpora cavernosa. Bicycle riding for long periods has also been implicated as a cause of erectile dysfunction.
Some types of prostate or bladder surgery. Surgery of the colon, prostate, bladder, or rectum may damage the nerves and blood vessels involved in erection.
Medications. A great variety of prescription medication are known to cause or contribute to erectile dysfunction:

blood pressure medication (especially beta-blockers)
heart medication
antihistamines
antidepressants
tranquilizers
antipsychotics
anticonvulsants
appetite suppressants
anti-ulcer medications
sleeping pills

Psychological conditions. Experts believe that psychological factors cause 10 to 20 % of erectile dysfunction cases. Anxiety and guilt are the most common psychological causes of erectile dysfunction. Depression, worry, stress, low self-esteem, and fear of sexual failure all contribute to loss of libido and erectile dysfunction.
Substance abuse.

Alcoholism. Drinking too much alcohol interferes with the production of the male hormone testosterone, which can reduce libido.
Smoking is considered an important risk factor for erectile dysfunction because it is associated with poor blood circulation and its impact on cavernosal function.

Hormone Disorders account for fewer than 5% of cases of erectile dysfunction. An imbalance in hormones, such as testosterone, prolactin, or thyroid, can cause erectile dysfunction.
Age. Erection problems tend to become more common with age, but it can affect men at any age and at any time in their lives. Physical causes are more common in older men, while psychological causes are more common in younger men.


Treatment options

Erectile dysfunction is treatable at any age. In around 95% of the cases, a suitable treatment can be found.

There are three oral medications approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), and tadalafil (Cialis). All three medications belong to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. They block the enzyme phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) and this helps maintain the levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP), a chemical produced in the penis during sexual arousal. Balanced levels of GMP causes the smooth muscles of the penis to relax and increases blood flow. This allows a natural sequence to occur - an erection in response to sexual stimulation. These medications don't automatically produce an erection. Instead they allow an erection to occur after physical and psychological stimulation.

Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis vary in dosage, duration of effectiveness and possible side effects. All three drugs are generally well tolerated. They are a good choice for men at any age and in any ethnic group who are in good health and who do not have conditions that preclude taking it (such as the use of nitrates or alpha-blockers). The success rates of all three drugs vary between 70% and 90%.

Yury Bayarski is the author of OriginalDrugs.com. If you would like to read about sexual dysfunction prescription drugs, please visit the author's website.

What Are the Causes of Erectile Dysfunction and How Do You Cure It?

Have you tried planning a very intimate evening with your wife but felt very disappointed, frustrated, and ashamed because you remained limp? Or simply put, you did not get an erection?

This happens among 52 percent of men in their 40's to 70's. And as the age increases, the percentage also increases.

Before you panic and spend all your hard-earned cash in medications or alternative treatments that are said to increase sexual desire or urge, why don't you determine first the causes of erectile dysfunction in your case?

There are many factors that can cause erectile dysfunction, scientists say. And fortunately, most of them have corresponding cure or preventive measures.

The causes of erectile dysfunctions are categorized into two-psychological and physical factors.

Ten percent of male erectile dysfunction is caused by psychological factors. If you are to nervous while making love or too worried that your partner will not be sexually satisfied, then the causes of erectile dysfunction in your case is mostly psychological. Being too anxious and nervous can result in lesser blood flow to the penis, which, in turn, prevents penis to become hard and stiff.

To make matters worse, these psychologically problems are usually interconnected and tend to increase the problem of erectile dysfunction. They can also have negative effects on your body. More often than not, we cannot distinguish if the real causes of erectile dysfunction in a person are psychological or physical factors because they are usually linked with each other. This makes it very hard to cure erectile dysfunction. That is why if you think you have this problem, talk it out with your partner and ask for an expert's help before you decide to do anything.

However, there are some instances when it is easy to distinguish the cause of erectile dysfunction. Just answer these questions. Can you have or sustain an erection with one partner but you cannot do so with your other partner? Or is it easier for you to get an erection while masturbating than while having intercourse with your partner? If your answers to these two questions are both 'yes', it is more likely that the cause of your erectile problem is mental.

How you can cure this? Talk it out with your partner. Usually, if a couple is having relationship issues, it can also affect lovemaking. Is your relationship on the rocks or do you feel pressured when making love to her? So resolve any problems first in your relationship and then see what the effects will be on your sex life.

Other forms of psychological causes of erectile dysfunction are stress, tension, depression, anxiety, sexual boredom and low sex drive. In these factors, what you can do is consult an expert whom you can talk to regarding this and also sit down and talk with your partner so that she can give you the support that you need.

The other causes of erectile dysfunction are the physical factors. These account for 90 percent of erectile dysfunctions. Examples of these are factors are diabetes, hypertension, high blood cholesterol, cardiac diseases, smoking and poor circulation. Usually, medications taken in by men who have the aforementioned diseases can have severe effects on erectile dysfunction. However, you should keep your priorities straight. Would you rather have a great sex life or die from heart attack? If you plan to take any medications for erectile problems, consult your physician first.

You should also think of changing your lifestyle. Instead of buying all the erectile drugs you can get, why not spend your time and effort in doing some exercises, planning a healthy meal, or seriously quitting smoking. Everything is up to you.

Tired of the same causes of erectile dysfunction ruining your sex life? Learn how you can become bigger today for free. This risk free has been used by millions of men all over the world to have a better sex life. Visit http://www.MakingYouBigger.com to fix your problem today for FREE!

Erectile Dysfunction - A Synopsis of it Causes

If you are having difficulty in having an erection, or sustaining one once it is achieved, and this is taking a toll on you and your relationship, then this article is to help you understand what you are going through and how to effectively solve this dreaded problem most men past through in their lives. Be of good cheer because it is estimated that almost all men who have this problem can overcome it.

Normal male sexual function generally starts with sexual desire or libido involving the stimulation of the brain, nerves, blood vessels and hormones, and the erection of the penis by becoming firm, the release of semen (ejaculation) and ends finally with having an orgasm. An erection is achieved when the muscles of a set of spongy tissues in the penis, namely the corpora cavernosa, relaxes to allow the inflow of blood into the spongy tissues resulting in the expansion and firmness of the penis. To sustain this erection, another set of muscles blocks the outflow of blood once an erection is achieved.

When there is a disruption or impairment of any or more of these processes involved in achieving an erection as a result of several psychological, neurological, hormonal or vascular causes, this will lead to the inability of the man to achieve or maintain an erection that is sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. This situation is what is generally referred to as male Impotency or ED.

ED is relatively a common problem affecting up to 30 million men of all ages in the United States alone and over 150 million men worldwide. However, according to The Mayo Clinic, "an occasional episode of Erectile Dysfunction is normal" but then states that "When erectile dysfunction proves to be a pattern or a persistent problem, however, it can interfere with a man's self-image as well as his sexual life. It may also be a sign of a physical or emotional problem that requires treatment."

Therefore, failure to achieve an erection less than 20 percent of the time is not unusual, and may not require any treatment. It is the failure to achieve an erection more than 50 percent of the time, which should generally be indicative of a problem and therefore requiring treatment.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

For most men the causes of ED can be due to a psychological, neurogenic, vascular or drug-induced factor, or a combination of these factors.

Psychological Causes of ED

This accounts for about 15-20% of most reported cases of ED. Common causes of Psychological or 'Psychogenic' erectile dysfunction include performance anxiety, work stress, and strained personal relationships or reduced attraction for his partner (which may not be associated with a relationship problem). Also, past sexual trauma, misconceptions about normal sexual functions, childhood sex abuse, and suppressed feelings about sexuality are possible causes of psychogenic erectile dysfunction.

Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction

If there is a possible physical problem with the nervous system, this can lead to the development of ED. The male erection system depends on an intact nervous system to function; therefore any injury to the nervous system involved in erections may cause erectile dysfunction.

Diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, or head injury can lead to erectile dysfunction by affecting the libido, or by preventing the initiation of the nerve impulses responsible for erections. Also men with a history of pelvic trauma, pelvic surgery such as radical prostatectomy, cystectomy or colectomy may have injury to the cavernous nerves that control erection. Peripheral neuropathy due to, for example, diabetes or excessive alcohol consumption may also affect some nerves as well as causing erectile dysfunction. This cause of erectile dysfunction accounts for about 10% to 15% of cases.

Endocrinologic/Hormonal Causes of ED

Diseases and conditions which decreases the level of circulating testosterone in the body, such as castration or hormonal therapy used to treat prostate cancer, will decrease libido and impair erections. Androgen and prolactin levels are of particular concern here as a high level of circulating prolactin causes inhibition of gonadotrophin releasing hormone which lowers the level of testosterone.

Vascular Causes of ED

High blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia are underlying causative factors for vascular impairment. These conditions lead to the partial or complete loss of the ability to not only achieve but also maintain an erection long enough for it to be useful to its owner and his partner. Also, high triglyceride and cholesterol, pelvic irradiation treatment of prostate, bladder and rectal cancers may damage blood vessels to the penis over time.

Drugs and Erectile Dysfunction

The usage of street drugs such cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, and heroin can lead to decreased erectile function. Also certain anti-depressants or anti-psychotics have been associated with erectile dysfunction, especially those drugs that regulate serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine. Excess alcohol intake has also been acknowledged to affect ED.

With regard to the causes of erectile dysfunction listed above, The Mayo Clinic has this to say: "The physical and nonphysical causes of erectile dysfunction commonly interact. For instance, a minor physical problem that slows sexual response may cause anxiety about attaining an erection. Then the anxiety can worsen your erectile dysfunction."

This is a two part article concluding with the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction.

Visit http://www.loving-relationship.com to discover and celebrate the possibilities and richness of a truly satisfying Healthy Sexual Relationship. Get incisive Sex Secrets, tips and advices for love fulfillment and intense romantic intimacy, supercharged performance and sexual intimacy.

Erectile Dysfunction Causes - Learn the Causes and Solve Your Problems Today!

Erectile dysfunction among men can be devastating especially if you are in an intimate relationship. This will affect all the aspects of your life, and may even change your point of view when it comes to sexuality and the sexual act itself. A person who experiences erectile dysfunction can have a low self-esteem and regard towards himself. As a result of this, there is a tendency that the individual will shy away from other people, resulting for his social life to suffer. Erectile dysfunction is not a very nice topic that you can discuss among your buddies because your friends will look at you in a different way once you told them about your health problem. To have the proper medications, it is advised that you should understand first the common erectile dysfunction causes.

More than 30 percent of Canadian men suffer from erectile dysfunction regularly. Though this disorder is more common among men who are more than 65, according to statistics though, that even those who are younger can experience impotence. Apparently, ED is no longer the symptom of old age.

So, if this disorder is not exclusive for older men, what could be the reasons or causes of erectile dysfunction among men?

Erectile dysfunction or also known in simple and laymen's term as impotence is a kind of sexual disorder which happens when there is a lack of blood supply in the veins around the penis. A person who goes through this experience will feel a notable change when it comes to sexual actions because he will find it hard to create and sustain an erection long enough for him to have an ejaculation. Erectile dysfunction causes include the excessive consumption of alcohol or too much physical stress and exhaustion. However, the most prominent erectile dysfunction causes are the physiological causes such as having certain kind physical disease which unconsciously have injured the blood vessels. Without you knowing it, this injury around the blood vessel can obstruct the blood stream as well spoil the nerves that are responsible in transmitting the arousal signals from your brain directly to your blood vessels. The failure to carry out this function will result to permanent erectile dysfunction.

The hardening of the arteries which can be linked to diabetes and high level of cholesterol as well as hypogonadism, are just some of the erectile dysfunction causes. Hypogonadism is the medical word used to refer the pronounced shrinkage of the testes which causes for the level of testosterone level to drop drastically. Diabetes and other vital organs' failure are also some of the physical causes of erectile dysfunction that should be addressed properly and immediately once the disease has been identified.

In addition to erectile dysfunction causes, psychological and emotional factors are also should be blamed for the onset of ED. Being stressed out at work and being deeply immersed in the problems can lead you to being sad and apathy which will of course result to loss of drive when it comes to sexual activity. Your mental and physical states can have both extreme effects on your sexual condition.

Tired of the same causes of erectile dysfunction ruining your sex life?? Learn how you can become bigger today for free.? This risk free has been used by millions of men all over the world to have a better sex life.? Visit http://www.MakingYouBigger.com to fix your problem today for FREE!

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction and What Can You Do?

Erectile dysfunction - the inability to perform satisfactorily sexually - is experienced by one in five men and is increasingly common with age. The good news is that simple lifestyle changes may be enough to ward off the problem. That's because new research indicates erectile dysfunction is much more common among men with diabetes or other risk factors for heart disease and those who were physically inactive. Regular exercise and a healthy diet may greatly improve erectile dysfunction by reducing the risk factors.

Erectile Dysfunction More Common Than You Think. Many men in mid life find for the first time they are not able to perform as confidently as they did when they were younger.

Most men by age 40 have experienced inconsistent erections, or sometimes only brief erections.

Over 50 per cent of men between 50 and 70 years of age experience varying degrees of erectile dysfunction, though it is not an inevitable consequence of normal aging.

Erectile Dysfunction - You Don't Have to Put Up With It

The great news is there is nothing inevitable about ED. Sex is too important a part of life to just "give up". Research shows maintaining a good sex life (rated as twice a week or more) is actually good for men's health. A top sex expert says in general, men are on a 'five day cycle' where sex is concerned (ie wanting it every five days) - whereas women are more likely to be on a '10 day cycle'. Post-Viagra, there's no need to feel bashful. Men are now more willing to admit to needing a boost and taking action to get it.

Erectile Dysfunction Causes & Treatments

Erectile dysfunction - also dubbed ED - is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.

Most men by age 40 have experienced inconsistent erections, or sometimes only brief erections.

Over 50 per cent of men between 50 and 70 years of age experience varying degrees of erectile dysfunction, though it is not an inevitable consequence of normal aging.

Frequent erectile dysfunction can cause emotional and relationship problems, and often leads to diminished self-esteem.

Some form of erectile dysfunction is experienced by:

40 percent of all 40-year-olds

50 percent of all 50-year-olds

60 percent of all 60-year-olds

15 percent are unable obtain any erections at all

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

7 per cent of erectile dysfunction is caused by disease, particularly:

Diabetes

Kidney disease

Alcoholism

Atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular (angina and myocardial infarction)

Neurological disorders

Between 35 and 50% of men with diabetes experience erectile dysfunction.

10 - 20 percent of erectile dysfunction is caused by psychological factors, notably:

stress

anxiety

depression

guilt

fear of sexual failure

Other causes include pelvic surgery or trauma especially

radical prostate and bladder surgery for cancer

smoking (restricts blood flow in veins and arteries)

Or the side effects from prescription drugs particularly

blood pressure drugs

antihistamines

antidepressants

tranquilizers

appetite suppressants

the stomach ulcer drug cimetidine

Since an erection requires a precise sequence of events, erectile dysfunction can occur when any of the events is disrupted. The sequence includes nerve impulses in the brain, spinal column, and area around the penis, and response.

Many men who experience physical causes for erectile dysfunction also experience psychological symptoms like stress, anxiety, guilt, and depression as a result.

Secondary Premature Ejaculation

After years of normal ejaculation, sometimes the duration of intercourse grows progressively shorter. Some men with severe Premature Ejaculation will ejaculate during foreplay, even before penetration. This can be devastating. Secondary Premature Ejaculation is due to physical causes, usually involving the penile arteries or veins or both.

Lifestyle Factors and Erectile Dysfunction

The controllable risk factors for arteriosclerosis like:

Being overweight

Lack of exercise

High cholesterol

Cigarette smoking

High blood pressure

Will often produce erectile failure before progressing to affect the heart.

The heart's coronary arteries are 1.5 - 2.0mm in diameter; the penile arteries are 0.6 - 0.7mm in diameter - one third the size of the coronaries - and can become clogged sooner. Unless there is a change in lifestyle, coronary artery disease may follow impotence within a few years.

What can you do?

Herbal Male Enhancement Products

Herbs that aid normal erections have been known and used for thousands of years, since men first saw the vigor and strength of the most sexually active animals and adopted the natural herbs he saw them grazing on for his own natural male enhancement.

Modern science has identified the key active ingredients in the herbs early man and his stallions and goats ate indiscriminately. Those actives can be isolated, extracted, measured, and encapsulated in natural health products which are tested for guaranteed quality.

Thousands of men and women are discovering the benefits of natural sex boosters like tribulus terrestris, horny goat weed, avena sativa, maca, muira puama, and ginseng, taken as dietary supplements.

Lifestyle Changes to help Reduce Erectile Dysfunction

Change your Prescription Drug

Discuss with your doctor whether an alternative drug would suit your needs and reduce erectile dysfunction side effects.

Deal with Stress

Talk to your doctor about stress, anxiety or depression

Exercise regularly

Eat regular meals low in fat and salt and high in fruit and vegetables

Reduce alcohol intake,

Get adequate sleep,

Taking steps to deal with personal conflict

Stop smoking

Stop alcohol abuse

Oral Medicines for Male Enhancement

Oral medications for male enhancement have changed the whole arena of mens sexual health by making it acceptable to admit to erectile dysfunction and seek treatment. The key ones are, Viagra, Levitra and Cialis.

All three medicines work in much the same way - by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide as a chemical messenger that relaxes smooth muscles in the penis, increasing the amount of blood and allowing an erection to sexual stimulation.

If you've had a heart attack, stroke or life-threatening heart rhythm during the last six months or if you are on a nitrate medication, don't take them.

Other Male Enhancement Methods

Method Description

Prostagland in E Needle Injection Therapy : Fine needle injection into the side of the penis producing an erection in five to 20 minutes that lasts about an hour. Side effects can include scarring. The cost per injection can be high.

Vacuum Devices: Self administered pump and vacuum system.

Penile Implants: Not recommended unless other methods have been considered or tried.

Vascular Surgery: Usually reserved for men whose blood flow is blocked in the pelvic area. Long term success of this surgery is unclear.

Sam Kamani works for http://www.herbalignite.com For more articles on sexual health please visit http://www.herbalignite.com