Erectile Dysfunction CAN be prevented… and the time to start thinking about it is now, before you have ED.
A wide range of physical, lifestyle, and emotional factors can cause erectile dysfunction. So understanding what those causes are can help you prevent the condition.
Most doctors believe that a healthier lifestyle can reduce your risk of developing ED. And many recommend one or more lifestyle changes – either to prevent erectile dysfunction or to lessen its impact on your life.
Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
When a man is sexually stimulated, his blood vessels expand and more blood flows into the penis. This surge of blood causes the penis to straighten and stiffen, producing an erection. A man suffering from erectile dysfunction may feel sexually stimulated but can’t get or sustain an erection.
There are a number of known physical causes for this:
- Nerve damage due to injury or illness.
- Narrowing or blockage of blood vessels.
- Changes in blood pressure.
- Poor nitric oxide production.
Physical Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction
Age is the single greatest risk factor for erectile dysfunction. ED affects nearly 80% of men in their seventies, 50% of men over forty, but less than 10% of men in their twenties.
Physical risk factors for ED include medical problems such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. In some cases, surgery, injury, or side effects from prescription medication can cause erectile dysfunction. Some medical conditions can cause ED to develop gradually while others cause erectile dysfunction to appear suddenly, without warning.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Erectile dysfunction is a very common problem in men with high blood pressure, a condition that among other things can cause a disruption in blood flow to the penis. More than 40% of men with erectile dysfunction have hypertension. The connection between hypertension and erectile dysfunction is complicated by the fact that some drugs used to treat hypertension may also cause ED.
- Heart Disease. Cardiovascular disease causes the blood vessels to narrow, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This can impede blood flow to the penis, which can cause erectile dysfunction. Some doctors even view erectile dysfunction as a potential warning sign of heart disease. Several studies suggest that men with ED are at greater risk for coronary artery disease, angina, heart attack, or stroke. Many experts recommend a complete cardiovascular evaluation for men with erectile dysfunction.
- Diabetes. Diabetes can cause damage to the penile nerves or blood vessels that control erections. In addition, poor blood sugar control, a common complication of diabetes, leads to a decrease in the production of nitric oxide, a chemical compound that plays an important role in erections. Diabetes is also associated with heart disease, another risk factor for ED.
- Male Hypogonadism. This condition occurs when the body does not produce enough testosterone. In some men, low levels of testosterone may cause erectile dysfunction.
- Surgery or Injury. Injury to the spinal cord or the pelvic area may damage the nerves that control erections, resulting in ED. Surgery to treat bladder, rectal, or prostate cancer may also cause erectile dysfunction.
- Medications. A variety of drugs including antidepressants, antihistamines, and tranquilizers are likely to cause erectile dysfunction. In addition, some medications prescribed to treat high blood pressure, pain, and prostate cancer can result in ED.
Lifestyle and Psychological Causes
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption may cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. Stress and depression are also considered to be risk factors for ED. According to some medical practitioners, just having an attitude of negativity may perpetuate erectile dysfunction.
- Smoking. In men with high blood pressure or atherosclerosis, smoking may increase the negative effect that these conditions have on normal erectile function.
- Alcohol Intake. Excessive drinking can weaken the central nervous system, which can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.
- Stress. Stress can cause high blood pressure, a known risk factor for ED.
- Depression. Undiagnosed and untreated depression accounts for many cases of erectile dysfunction. Depression can also reduce sexual desire.
- Obesity. Obesity increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and erectile dysfunction.
Lifestyle Changes to Help Prevent ED
Several studies have found that men who maintain a healthy lifestyle have a lower risk of developing erectile dysfunction. And for men with ED, doctors often recommend lifestyle changes to reverse or alleviate the effects of the condition.
- Exercise. The risk of developing ED decreases by approximately 30% for men who exercise 3 to 5 hours a week. Exercise tones the cardiovascular and circulatory systems, which helps ensure proper blood flow to the penis. And as a treatment option for ED, some doctors recommend a specific exercise program such as aerobic activity, Kegel exercises, or yoga, along with prescribed medication.
- Diet. A diet low in sodium and saturated fats but rich in fiber benefits the heart and helps prevent erectile dysfunction.
- Smoking Cessation. For men with high blood pressure, smoking can cause a 26-fold increase in the risk of developing ED. Quitting smoking can help not only to counter ED, but also to reduce the risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer and a variety of other medical problems.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption. Studies suggest that limiting alcohol intake can reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.
- Manage Stress. Stress levels affect blood circulation, and high levels of stress can put you at greater risk for ED. Relaxation techniques, stress management workshops, and exercise can all help reduce and maintain healthy stress levels.
- Control Blood Sugar Levels. Diabetes greatly increases the risk of erectile dysfunction. Men who suffer from diabetes can counter the effects of ED by controlling their blood sugar levels.
- Regular Checkups. ED may be associated with other medical conditions apart from those mentioned here. Therefore, undergoing regular physical exams and medical screenings can help reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Click here for the next part in the Erectile Dysfunction Guide series: Diagnosis & Tests
