What increases my risk for erectile dysfunction?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Erectile dysfunction is a single medical condition with many potential causes. However, the most common reason men develop problems with getting and sustaining erections is probably poor blood flow. For a penis to become erect, blood must rush in and fill two chambers called the corpora cavernosa. If you have damaged arteries, you may not have sufficient blood flow to the penis, which could result in erectile dysfunction. Your arteries could be damaged if you have:
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
A complex network of nerves must be activated to create an erection. Spinal cord injuries, some types of surgery, and diseases such as multiple sclerosis can damage nerves necessary for healthy erections.
Hormones play a vital role in producing erections and libido, or sexual desire. Men with low testosterone and certain other hormonal imbalances may lack interest in sex or be incapable of achieving an erection. Likewise, depression, anxiety, stress, and fatigue can dampen libido and inhibit a man's sexual function.Erectile dysfunction is a single medical condition with many potential causes. However, the most common reason men develop problems with getting and sustaining erections is probably poor blood flow. For a penis to become erect, blood must... More -
Because there are so many causes of erectile dysfunction (ED), there are many things that may increase your risk for the condition. Getting older may be one factor that increases your risk for ED, although age alone doesn't usually cause the condition - usually, it's another underlying medical condition. Having another medical condition, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or heart disease, may increase your risk for erectile dysfunction. Taking certain medications or undergoing other treatments or surgeries for medical problems may also increase your risk. Tobacco, drug, and alcohol use may increase your risk for erectile dysfunction. You may also be at a higher risk if you have certain psychological problems like depression, anxiety, or lasting relationship problems.
Because there are so many causes of erectile dysfunction (ED), there are many things that may increase your risk for the condition. Getting older may be one factor that increases your risk for ED, although age alone doesn't usually cause the... More -
Healthwise answered:Your risk of having an erection problem increases with age. Other things that increase your risk include:
- Diseases that affect blood vessels, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. About half of men with diabetes develop erection problems.
- Diseases that affect nerves. These include multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.
- Medicines.
- Smoking or using tobacco.
- Other health problems, such as low testosterone levels.
- Injuries to the pelvic area, a spinal cord injury or treatment such as pelvic surgery or radiation in the pelvic area.
- Using substances, such as long-term (chronic) alcohol abuse. abuse.
- Psychological risk factors, such as depression or a recent life change.
Activities that constrict blood flow to the penis may increase the risk for erection problems. For example, frequent long-distance bicycle riding on a hard, narrow saddle may increase risk. But the possible link between bike riding and erection problems has not been proved. Experts continue to debate this issue.
A vasectomy usually doesn't cause erection problems. But pain after the operation may affect sexual performance for a time. And if a man wasn't comfortable with his decision to have a vasectomy, or if he's having second thoughts, it could affect him psychologically.
Your risk of having an erection problem increases with age. Other things that increase your risk include: Diseases that affect blood vessels, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. About half of men with diabetes develop... More
