Understanding Erectile Dysfunction
Patient Information Pamphlet
How common is erectile dysfunction?
So... what causes erectile dysfunction?
ED can be caused by various factors including physical, psychological, and lifestyle-related causes. Physical causes include conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis (thickening of the arteries), which all contributes to impeding blood flow into the penis which makes it difficult to achieve and/or maintain erections. Diabetes can also be a contributing factor, with high levels of sugar in the blood damaging vessels/nerves leading to erectile dysfunction.
Certain medications such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and certain blood pressure medication can also contribute to causing or exacerbating already present ED.
Although not talked about as frequently, high levels of stress, performance anxiety, and relationship problems, along with the pressure of performing well sexually can make it challenging to achieve and maintain erections. Psychological causes such as these are large factors that can impact sexual performance. Erectile dysfunction is not often attributed to a sole cause, and is influenced by a combination of physical and psychological factors. If you are experiencing persistent erectile dysfunction, our staff are equipped to identify the underlying causes and recommend treatment options.
Love Your Heart, And All of Your Parts – Cardio’s Key Role in ED
If you’re asking yourself if there a link between erectile dysfunction and heart health? Yes. There is a well-established link between erectile dysfunction (and cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular health plays a significant role in erectile dysfunction. The penis requires adequate blood flow into the blood vessels that line it to achieve and maintain an erection. When these blood vessels are damaged or restricted, it can impact erectile function. This restriction can occur due to underlying cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries), high blood pressure, and other forms of cardiovascular disease.
Atherosclerosis in particular is very closely associated with both ED and cardiovascular health. The arteries are much smaller than many of the vessels elsewhere in the body and therefore are much more susceptible to the effects of atherosclerosis.
It is also observed that ED is often an early warning sign of underlying cardiovascular problems. Many men with ED are more likely to have other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and behavioural tendencies such as smoking. Due to this link, it is very important for individuals experiencing ED to consult their healthcare provider. Our team can assess underlying causes, including cardiovascular risk factors, and recommend the appropriate lifestyle interventions, medications, or treatments to address both the erectile dysfunction and the cardiovascular risk.
