Causes
A wide range of diseases, drugs, injuries, and psychological problems can
cause erectile difficulties. Here are some of the most common causes:
Circulatory problems: An erection occurs when the penis fills with
blood and a valve at the base of the penis traps it. Diabetes, high blood pressure,
cholesterol, clots, and "hardening of the arteries" can all interfere
with this process. Such circulatory problems are the number one cause of erectile
difficulties.
Peyronie's disease: This disease causes fibers and plaques to appear
in the genitals, interrupting blood flow.
Cancer: Cancer can interfere with nerves or arteries vital to erection.
Surgery: Surgery to the pelvis, and especially prostate surgery for
prostate cancer, can damage the nerves and arteries that are required to gain
and maintain an erection.
Spinal cord or pelvic injury: The nerves that stimulate erection can
be cut by injury to them.
Hormonal disorders: A lack of testosterone (male hormone or androgen)
can result from thyroid and nervous disorders.
Depression: This condition is a common cause of erectile difficulties.
Depression is a physical disorder as well as a psychiatric one, and can have
physical effects. This may be true even if you feel comfortable in a sexual
situation.
Alcoholism: Chronic alcoholism can produce erectile difficulties, even
if there is no alcohol in the blood at the time of sex.
Performance anxiety: Most men have had erection problems at some point
due to worrying about performing well during sexual intercourse. If this happens
often, the anticipation of sex can trigger nervous reactions that prevent erection,
setting up a vicious cycle.
Situational psychological problems: Some men have problems only in
certain situations or with certain people. In troubled relationships, men may
be unable to achieve erection with their partner but have no problem away from
home.
Sexual aversion: Being repelled by sex is rare. It is most common in
people who suffered child abuse and those who have been brought up in strict
religious surroundings. Aversion can also exist in homosexuals or bisexuals
who attempt to lead a heterosexual life against their basic inclinations.
Drugs: The following medications can cause erectile difficulties:
- alcohol
- anti-anxiety medications
- anti-cancer medications
- cocaine
- estrogens
- ganglionic and adrenergic (beta) blockers
- MAOI and tricyclic antidepressants
- narcotic pain relievers
- narcotics
- thiazide diuretics that are prescribed to control high blood pressure
- sedatives