What Causes Erectile Dysfunction? Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatments Explained
Clara Hanson Smith
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition affecting over 50% of men between 40 and 70 in the UK…
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3 causes of erectile dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction is in fact quite common. There’s a strong prediction that over 322 million men will suffer from erectile dysfunction by 2025. The great point to notice is we are all speaking out loud about the condition which previously was seen embarrassing and actively looking for treatment and lifestyle changes. The British Society for Sexual Medicine defines erectile dysfunction is defined as the persistent inability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual performance. We know that the causes can be organic and/or psychogenic. In fact, it can also be caused by certain drugs.
1. Organic Causes
I. Vasculogenic: These are the most common causes of ED. These include pre-existing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or fatty acids, diabetes, smoking, major pelvic surgery such as radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy.
II. Central Nervous system: Patients with degenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple atrophy. Stroke, spinal cord trauma or CNS tumours.
III. Peripheral neuropathy: diabetes, chronic renal failure, polyneuropathy, major surgery of the pelvis.
IV. Anatomical or structural issues: peyronie’s diseases, penile cancer, prostate cancer, curvature of the penis, micropenis.
V. Hormonal: high levels of prolactin in blood. High/low levels of thyroid hormones.
2. Psychogenic Causes
I. Poor arousal or limited sexual intimacy
II. partner or performance related issues, mental health issues such as stress, depression, anxiety or schizophrenia.
3. Drugs associated with ED
I. Cardiovascular Drugs: Betablockers, verapamil, spironolactone, thiazides, digoxin, amiodarone.
II. Antidepressants/Antipsychotics
III. Hormones and hormone modifying drugs
IV. Antihistamines
V. Recreational drugs: Alcohol, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, methadone, synthetic drugs or anabolic steroids.
The causes can go on but what is important is we take necessary preventative measures to decrease our risk of erectile dysfunction. Have a look at our next blog which will highlight many ways of reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction. Obviously, we never endorse you stop taking medication without consulting your clinician. National guidelines dictate that clinicians should prescribe a PDE-5 inhibitor (Sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil) regardless of suspected cause of erectile dysfunction which are available as a cost effective option from The Family Chemist. The choice of treatment will depend on the frequency of intercourse, the man’s personal experience, preference and cost.
Conclusion
Causes are vast and prevalence is increasing but so is our ability to speak out loud about the condition. It is no longer a taboo to speak about erectile dysfunction and effective treatment is available. There is plenty of information about preventative measures a patient can take and we at The Family Chemist are experts in helping patients overcome erectile dysfunction. Have a look at our next blog or drop the team a call/email and a registered clinician will contact you and provide you free advice. If you feel confident and would like to try medication, then go ahead and complete our online consultation and buy a vast selection of cheap erectile dysfunction treatments.
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