It happens again, again and again. Although rare in the past, cases of erectile dysfunction (ED) start visiting you more often. This condition is accountable for not getting and maintaining an erection necessary for satisfying sexual intercourse. While it is usually expected as men age, some factors can accelerate the appearance of Erectile Dysfunction.
Remember, if something is diagnosed, it can also be treated. So if you have already stumbled upon this condition, read on to find out the five main causes of it. Those causes would define the necessary erectile dysfunction treatments.
1. Diabetes
You have heard this word a lot as diabetes has become a household name for decades, at least. Its increase in numbers took place as a response to the growing number of sugar-containing products. This condition is described as the inability of the body to store sugar effectively.
Either the body produces less insulin – the sugar-storing hormone – than it needs or uses insulin inefficiently. Diabetes can both be congenital (present from birth) or acquired through genetic predisposition (in case someone in your ancestry had diabetes). It can damage the blood vessels and nerves in the phallus and bring about erectile dysfunction.
2. Obesity
Diabetes and obesity go hand in hand in many cases. The same sugary and high-calorie food causes obesity too. Let’s pair less physical activity and a more sedentary lifestyle with this, and you get all the necessary factors to develop obesity
As much as this condition is about lifestyle, it can also be about genetics, lack of sleep, or simply getting older. Moreover, psychological factors have their say in becoming obese as well. Obesity can also damage blood vessels and decrease testosterone (the male hormone) which will result in Erectile Dysfunction.
3. Stress
Speaking of psychological factors, stress should not be overlooked. You can also include depression and anxiety in this list. In the modern world, every single step can cause stress. While stress is the key to evolution as it helps people evolve their skills, it also harms the body and the nervous system if untreated.
Unfortunately, the mainstream media has long advertised battling against stress using caffeinated beverages or food. Obviously, they can help in the short run – today or tomorrow, but they will definitely harm in the long run. The way stress causes Erectile Dysfunction is a two-sided sword. First, the brain may nоt be able to send signals to the penis to erect it because of stress. Later, because of Erectile Dysfunction, you have stress, and it becomes a vicious circle.
4. Hormones
These little signaling molecules serve the body to transfer information or nutrients within the organism. They are the messenger, per se, that the brain uses to communicate with different organs. One of them – testosterone – is responsible for developing men’s body, sex drive, and for sperm production.
This hormone is part of the big erection process as it contributes both to men’s libido and having a firm erection. Sometimes there can also be problems with hormonal imbalance in general. As hormones are the couriers of the brain’s messages, you can develop a wide range of conditions if any of them is lacking. For men, hormonal disbalance can also result in muscle mass and bone mass loss or affect body hair and beard growth.
5. Alcohol And Drugs
Although the music industry (and not only) nowadays conveys the message of drinking, using drugs, and having sex, that type of lifestyle can bring about negative consequences. Both alcohol and drugs affect the overall desire to engage in sexual intercourse or partake in biochemical processes limiting the chances of getting an erection in the long run.
Alcohol decreases hormone levels, particularly harming testosterone, while drugs lower libido, narrow blood vessels, and hinder blood from getting to the penis. Keep in mind that this refers not only to recreational drugs or substances but can also touch upon antidepressants and prescription drugs.