Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common than you think, affecting about 30 million men in the United States. Black males are more likely to get ED than other races due to inherent factors and lifestyle choices. ED is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough to have sex. This may be associated with a low sex drive as well as issues with ejaculation and orgasm.
Failure to get an erection is normal in up to 20 percent of sexual encounters but you should seek medical attention if this occurs more than 50 percent of the time.
Just how common is ED? The incidence of ED increases with age at a rate of 10 percent per decade. 50 percent of men in their 50s have mild-to-moderate dysfunction and this increases to 60 percent in the 60s.
In terms of complete erectile dysfunction, 5 percent of men at 40 years and 15 percent at 70 years old are affected.
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Male sexual arousal is a complex process involving your brain, emotions, hormones (such as testosterone), blood vessels and nerves. A problem with any one of these components can lead to ED.
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Let’s discuss five causes of ED, you should consider:
Tobacco Use
An erection can only occur when the blood vessels in the penis enlarge and fill with blood. Smoking leads to restriction of the blood flow to the veins and arteries in your body, including the ones going to your penis. A few studies have also shown that nicotine is linked to a lower sex drive in men.
Chronic Medical Conditions
Medical conditions, particularly heart disease and diabetes, can cause ED. Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common complications of diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes has been associated with low testosterone levels as well as damage to the nerves and blood vessels that supply the penis. Erectile dysfunction might be an early sign of current or future heart disease. This is often due to dysfunction of the endothelium (inner lining) of the blood vessels. This results in inadequate blood flow to the heart and the penis and promotes plaque buildup.
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Being Overweight or Obese
Testosterone is the main male hormone and it is responsible for the development of the male reproductive organs, sperm production and libido. Obesity lowers testosterone levels. In fact, 79 percent of men with ED are overweight or obese. Being obese also places you at risk for other illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes, which also cause ED.
The good news is, however, that testosterone levels naturally increase when you lose weight.
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Medications
The most common types of medications that can lead to ED are blood pressure medications, especially beta-blockers and diuretics. The blood pressure medicines can reduce blood flow to the penis making it difficult to get an erection. Being anxious about your health when starting a new medication may also cause ED.
Speak to your doctor if you believe your medication is the culprit, as they could switch you to another medication.
Emotional Factors
Arousal starts in the brain so mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression can decrease your libido and make it exceedingly difficult for you to be aroused. When you are under chronic stress such as relationship problems, work-related stress, or any traumatic event, your body releases the stress hormone, cortisol. Cortisol constricts the blood vessels in your penis making getting an erection difficult.
Some of the complications of ED include loss of intimacy between you and your partner, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and a dissatisfying sex life. These psychological issues can in turn worsen the ED.
Many men feel ashamed or embarrassed to seek medical attention for their ED or to even mention it to their physicians at their routine medical visits. However, your doctor can perform tests to determine the cause of your ED and discuss treatment options.
Dr. Kelly N. Wood, MD is an internal medicine physician, board-certified in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism. Dr. Kelly is currently in clinical practice in Atlanta, Georgia.
Through a multi-dimensional platform that addresses the mind, body, and spirit, Dr. Kelly lives out her passion to help others achieve total wellness and lead a balanced life. She makes expert health and wellness advice accessible to all through speaking engagements, media appearances, her Facebook show, and personal blog (drkellywoodmd.com).
Beyond the stethoscope, Dr. Kelly is recognized as “The Bounce Back Coach,” helping high-performing women overcome past hurt to have a healthy and happy relationship. Her debut book, “Bounce Back to Better: Recovering from the Disappointment of a Failed Relationship,” walks readers through her personal journey of reconstructing her life after her engagement ended.
Please connect with Dr. Kelly at [email protected]
