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There are physical causes of erectile dysfunction.

Erectile Dysfunction Causes

An erection happens when blood rushes to the penis. But when arteries are clogged by atherosclerosis, the reduced blood flow results in impotence. There are physical and psychologist issues that attribute to erectile dysfunction. In many cases erectile is caused by physical issues.

Some causes my include but not limited to:

  • Heart disease
  • Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
  • High cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Hypertension
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Metabolic syndrome — a condition involving increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol

The brain is an important role in experience of physical events that cause an erection, starting with feelings of sexual excitement. There are psychological issues that interfere with sexual feelings and cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.
Some causes my include but not limited to:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Relationship problems due to stress

The Healthy Penis and Erectile Dysfunction

Your penis goes through a series of changes over your lifetime.  Each phase controlled by your testosterone.
Between 9-15 years of age your pituitary gland releases hormones that start making testosterone.

Testosterone and Your Penis

Puberty begins along with changes in your testes, scrotum, penis and pubic hair grows. Testosterone peaks in your late teens to early 20’s. Slight drops in testosterone appear in your late 20’s through your 40’s. After 40 your body makes more sex hormone binding globulin (SHGB). This sticks to the testosterone in your blood and decreases the amount your body has to use.

  1. Pubic hair thins and grays.
  2. Penis size seems smaller.
  3. Penis shape may change or curve with age.
  4. Testicles shrink.
  5. Sperm production slows down.

What Types of Medications are Used to Treat Erectile Dysfunction?

The good news is multiple choices are now on the market for treating erectile dysfunction.  Talk with your doctor to determine which option is best for you.

  • Sildenafil is the brand name for Viagra.
  • Tadalafil is the brand name for Clalis
  • Vardenafil is brand name for Levitra
  • Avanafil brand name for Stendra

Does Cycling cause Erectile Dysfunction?

If you sit on your bike for long periods of time, the seat puts pressure on your perineum, an area between your anus and penis. The perineum is filled with arteries and nerves that supply oxygen-rich blood and sensation to your penis.

For a man to have an erection, nerves signal blood vessels to relax and increase blood flow through the arteries into the penis. If there are any problems with the nerves, blood vessels this may result in erectile dysfunction

Over the last few decades, researchers have discovered that some male cyclists develop damage to the pudendal nerve, the main nerve in the perineum, and the pudendal artery, which sends blood to the penis.

Are Certain Medicines Associated With ED?

Different medications affect people differently. One person may experience side effects such as a decrease in sexual performance while another person will not experience this.
Common types of drugs that may lead to sexual dysfunctions include:

  • Antihistamines
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • High blood pressure medications
  • Hormone therapy
  • Antidepressants

How You May Develop ED As You Age

There is no specific age at which the penis stops working and erections are far and few between. Although erectile dysfunction is common, not every man will experience this issue. Men as young as 40 may experience some type of erectile dysfunction, however, between the ages of 60 and 80 years old, the inability to function becomes more common.

Although erectile dysfunction frequency may increase with age, it is treatable regardless of your age.

How to Tell if You Have Low Testosterone?

  • Hair Loss
  • Reduced bone mass
  • Reduction in testicle size
  • Reduction of semen
  • Difficulty in sleeping
  • Lowered sex drive
  • Fatigue and mood changes

Are the causes of erectile dysfunction avoidable?

The best way to prevent erectile dysfunction is to make healthy lifestyle choices and to manage any existing health conditions. Recommended changes:

  • Work with your doctor to manage diabetes, heart disease or other chronic health conditions
  • Schedule regular checkups and medical screening tests.
  • Stop smoking
  • Limit or avoid alcohol
  • Don’t use illegal drugs
  • Exercise regularly
  • Take steps to manage and reduce stress
  • Get help for anxiety, depression or other mental health concern
  • Lose weight
  • Try to improve your relationship or communicate better with your sexual partner

Who’s at risk for Erectile Dysfunction?

  • Although men may experience erectile dysfunction as they age, there are other factors that directly contribute to erectile dysfunction
  • Medical conditions, specifically diabetes or heart conditions
  • Tobacco use, which restricts blood flow to veins and arteries
  • Medical treatments, such as prostate surgery or radiation treatment for cancer
  • Injuries, particularly if they damage the nerves or arteries that control erections
  • Medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines and medications to treat high blood pressure, or pain
  • Psychological conditions, such as stress, anxiety or depression
  • Alcohol use – when not used moderately
  • Obesity

If you have Erectile Dysfunction , call us for a consultation so we can carefully walk you through the treatment options best for you. Please see Our Services or call us at (916) 245-3043 to schedule an appointment!

 

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