Men's Health

5 major causes of erectile dysfunction

Sexual gratification is one of the most primal needs of a human being, and it is also a form of displaying affection for their partner. Men and women are wired differently when it comes to experiencing this sexual gratification. However, there are certain factors that can prove to be an obstacle in one’s sexual life. One such problem that prevents men from experiencing a healthy sex life is erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that is characterized by the individual’s inability to get an erection and sustain it throughout the sexual intercourse. Though erectile dysfunction is rarely a cause of serious concern, it can be an ongoing issue. If this condition goes untreated, it can cause stress, low self-esteem, and can even hinder the individual’s relationship. Also, at times, erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of an underlying heart condition, which is why turning a blind eye toward this condition is not a sensible thing to do.

The major causes of erectile dysfunction are as follows:

Depression
Often, people overlook the fact that the brain is considered to be one of the erogenous zones as sexual excitement starts in the head. When an individual is depressed, it can affect their desire to have sex. Though there are different ways to treat depression, the most effective way is via medications. However, certain antidepressants can affect the individual’s sex drive and make it more difficult for them to get an erection. Depression is one of the major causes of erectile dysfunction and treating depression can help the individual cope with such issues.

Medications
There are instances when medications for certain conditions have affected a man’s sexual prowess. The contents in the medicines can largely affect the individual’s sexual ability. Some of the medicines that are known to cause erectile dysfunction includes blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, and pain medications. However, it is essential to consult with the doctor before one can completely stop using the medicines that could be affecting their sexual prowess. Also, street drugs like marijuana, amphetamines, and cocaine can cause erectile dysfunction.

Alcohol
Another factor that causes erectile dysfunction is alcohol. Though one can consider drinking socially at times, overindulging in it can make it hard for them to get and sustain an erection. Though the effects are only temporary, if one makes consuming alcohol a regular habit, the effects can be long-term. So, it is advisable to limit one’s alcohol consumption to one or two drinks in a week as regular alcohol consumption can lead to other health ailments as well.

Anxiety
Worrying about whether the individual can satisfy their partner can have adverse effects on their sexual prowess. Anxiety, in any form, can mar the individual from performing well in any of their tasks and can drastically impact their sexual life as well. Ironically, the anxiety about not being able to perform well and satisfy their partner is what affects their sexual performance and can cause erectile dysfunction.

Stress
Another major cause of erectile dysfunction is stress. It is common knowledge that stress can have a detrimental impact on a person’s life and this also includes their sexual life. When one cannot deal with the stress in their lives, it ultimately affects their sexual prowess and manifests itself in the form of erectile dysfunction.