Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, refers to difficulties getting and/or keeping an erection and is typically diagnosed when it causes problems with sexual performance. When an erection occurs, the blood vessels of the penis enlarge and engorge with blood, making the penis stiff or rigid. An erect penis is necessary for penetrative sex and is essential in the reproductive process to deliver sperm into the vagina for fertilization. Commonly abbreviated as ED, erectile dysfunction can occur at any age but is most common in older men. When a man is experiencing erectile dysfunction, it is important to consult with a male sexual health specialist to determine what is causing the condition and how it can best be treated.

The cause of erectile dysfunction can be physical, psychological, or a combination of both, but in many cases, its cause is unknown. Male sexual arousal is a complex process that involves many biological and physiological processes and relies on the proper function of the blood vessels, hormones, nerves, and muscles. Erectile dysfunction can result from a problem with any of these, and can also be the result of psychological problems, like stress and other mental health concerns.

Physical causes of erectile dysfunction include:

• Heart disease
• Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Metabolic syndrome
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Certain prescription medications
• Tobacco use
• Peyronie’s disease
• Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
• Sleep disorders
• Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
• Surgeries or injuries affecting the pelvic area
• Low testosterone

Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction include:

• Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
• Stress
• Relationship problems

In addition to the aforementioned causes, there are certain risk factors that can increase an individual’s chance of developing erectile dysfunction, which may include:

• Advanced age
• Medical conditions, particularly:
• diabetes
• heart conditions
• Tobacco use
• Being overweight or obese
• Certain medical treatments, such as:
• prostate surgery
• radiation treatment
• Injuries, especially if they affect:
• the nerves or arteries that control erections
• the spinal cord
• Medications, including:
• antidepressants
• antihistamines
• high blood pressure medications
• pain-relieving medications
• medications for prostate conditions
• Psychological conditions, such as:
• stress
• anxiety
• depression
• Drug and alcohol use

Erectile dysfunction symptoms might include persistent:

• Trouble getting an erection
• Trouble keeping an erection
• Reduced sexual desire

While all men experience trouble getting or maintaining an erection at some point during their lives, if erectile dysfunction is causing relationship or intimacy problems, it is imperative to consult a doctor as soon as possible. In addition to this, if erectile dysfunction persists for longer than a few weeks, or is a regularly recurring problem, it should also be addressed by a sexual health doctor. If the problem does not go away with treatment, it could be an early warning sign of a more serious medical condition that can lead to other health concerns, such as coronary artery disease or diabetes. If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, know that there is a solution; the professionals at Rebuil-T Healthcare can help you diagnose the cause of the problem and develop a treatment plan that appropriately addresses your concerns. For more information, call us today or book an appointment online with our erectile dysfunction treatment specialist, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 4841 Williams Dr Ste 103 Georgetown, TX 78633. We serve patients from Georgetown TX, Leander TX, Round Rock TX, Jonah TX, and Austin TX.