While erectile dysfunction has a fairly distinct set of symptoms, the causes and types of ED can vary dramatically from person to person. ED in older men is most likely caused by psychical factors such as age as well as health complications such as advanced diabetes. Younger men, however, are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction due to psychological factors such as depression or performance anxiety. Here are some of the most common causes for erectile dysfunction.
Aging and ED
Little blue pills aside, aging is the leading cause of erectile dysfunction. Older men experience lower libidos and lower levels of testosterone that naturally make it more difficult for them to achieve and sustain an erection. Your arteries naturally harden as you age which makes getting an erection even more complicated. The older you are, the more like you are to experience ED.
Health-Related Erectile Dysfunction
The vast majority of ED cases are caused by a physical or medical problem. Almost half of all men with diabetes experience erectile dysfunction, primarily due to blood flow problems. ED can also be caused by nerve diseases, weak veins and chronic illnesses. Peyronie’s Disease causes scar tissue to form inside the penis which can lead to erectile dysfunction. Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries can cause erectile dysfunction as well. And ED is also a common side-effect for certain types of medication including blood pressure and anti-anxiety drugs.
Psychological ED
Remember the old sports adage that the game is 90% inspiration and 10 perspiration? That applies to getting an erection as well, which is why psychological factors account for 10 to 20 percent of all cases of ED. Depression is a major factor as well as other psychologically related stressors. Performance anxiety is another major cause of erectile dysfunction.
Life-Style Factors and Erectile Dysfunction
Alcohol and drug abuse are major causes of ED in younger men. And not just until you sleep it off either. Long-term alcohol and drug abuse can cause permanent damage and lead to life-long ED problems.
Sources
WebMD
Mayo Clinic
Healthline
