5. Certain Medications
Some medicines can contribute to sexual problems, including erectile dysfunction.
Examples can include certain medicines used to treat:
- High blood pressure
- Depression and other mental-health conditions
- Prostate conditions
- Some neurological disorders
- Other chronic medical conditions
However, never stop a prescribed medicine on your own because you suspect that it is affecting your erection.
If you notice a change after starting a medicine, tell your doctor.
Your healthcare professional can determine whether the medicine may be contributing and whether an alternative treatment or adjustment is appropriate.
6. Diabetes
Diabetes can affect the blood vessels and nerves involved in erection.
Men with diabetes are therefore at increased risk of erectile dysfunction.
If you have diabetes and are experiencing recurrent erectile problems, don’t simply assume that you need a sexual-enhancement product.
Your blood-glucose control, cardiovascular health, medications and other risk factors may need to be reviewed.
Sometimes, treating the underlying health problem is an important part of improving sexual function.
7. High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Disease
An erection depends on adequate blood flow.
Conditions that affect blood vessels can therefore affect erectile function.
High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease are associated with erectile dysfunction.
This does not mean that every man with ED has heart disease.
However, persistent erectile difficulties should not always be treated as an isolated bedroom problem.
In some men, erectile dysfunction may provide an opportunity to identify cardiovascular risk factors that deserve attention.
8. Smoking
Smoking damages blood vessels and is associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction.
Because normal erectile function depends heavily on healthy blood flow, anything that damages vascular health can potentially affect erections.
If you smoke and are experiencing erectile difficulties, quitting smoking is beneficial for your overall health and may also benefit sexual health.
9. Hormonal Problems
Hormones can influence sexual desire and function.
Low testosterone, for example, may be associated with reduced sexual desire and other symptoms.
However, not every man with erectile dysfunction has low testosterone.
It is therefore inappropriate to assume that every erectile problem requires testosterone treatment.
If hormonal problems are suspected, your doctor can determine whether appropriate clinical assessment and laboratory testing are necessary.
10. Relationship Problems and Emotional Factors
Sexual function does not occur in isolation.
Relationship conflict, poor communication, unresolved resentment, lack of emotional intimacy and other interpersonal difficulties can influence sexual desire and performance.
Sometimes the physical ability to have an erection is intact, but the emotional environment surrounding sexual activity makes it difficult to maintain one.
In such situations, addressing the relationship or psychological component may be just as important as addressing physical health.
But What If It Happens Only During Sex?
This is an important question.
To be continued