Men’s and women’s sexual health is one of the most taboo and unaddressed topics in India. This results in many sexual health issues going untreated, even though a lot of them are quick and easy to resolve with timely medical advice and intervention. 

One such issue in men’s sexual health is erectile dysfunction. Read on to find out more about it. 

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED), earlier known as impotence, is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It is the most common sexual health problem amongst men.

An erection occurs due to increased blood flow into your penis, as the result of sexual stimulation.

Upon sexual excitation, the muscles in your penis relax, blood flow through the penile arteries increases, and two chambers inside the penis fill up, making it rigid. The erection ends when these muscles contract and the accumulated blood flows out through the penile veins.

Occasional problems with erections are common and nothing to be worried about. However, if it happens regularly, it can lead to problems in your sexual and personal life, and can also be a sign of an underlying disease. 

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction can result from physical or physiological causes or in many cases, a combination of the two. 

Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Common physical causes of erectile dysfunction include:

  • Increasing age

  • Heart and blood vessel disease

  • High cholesterol and/or high blood pressure

  • Diabetes

  • Obesity

  • Chronic kidney disease

  • Parkinson's disease (a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement)

  • Multiple sclerosis (a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system)

  • Peyronie's disease (development of scar tissue inside the penis)

  • Sleep disorders

  • Low testosterone levels

  • Injury from the treatment of prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate

  • Surgery or injury affecting the spinal cord, penis, prostate, bladder, or pelvis

  • Use of certain medications

  • Consumption of alcohol, smoking, tobacco use or substance abuse

Psychological Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction may also be caused by psychological issues that affect your brain and interfere with your sexual feelings. These include:

  • Low-self esteem

  • Performance anxiety 

  • Relationship problems

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Stress (a major contributing factor)

How is Stress Related to Erectile Dysfunction?

Stress is defined as your body's response to physical, mental, or emotional pressure. Everyone faces some kind of stress in their daily lives and it is normal. 

However, long-term stress can harm your health and contribute to various issues, including erectile dysfunction. 

Stress affects how the brain signals your body for a physical response. It can disturb the process by which your brain sends a signal to your penis to allow extra blood flow during sexual excitation, and thus interfere with an erection.

Different types of stress can contribute to erectile dysfunction, whether it is:

  • Stress about sex itself, including performance anxiety, self-esteem issues, or sexual trauma. 

  • Stress in your professional life.

  • Stress due to major life events, such as a job loss, financial issues, relationship problems, or ill-health. 

In some cases, individuals who are stressed, use unhealthy coping mechanisms such as smoking, drinking, or substance abuse, which also contribute to erectile dysfunction. 

If you are suffering due to erectile dysfunction, please reach out for medical help. ED caused due to stress and anxiety can be resolved with counselling or relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga. 

Remember, it is nothing to be embarrassed about and treatment can improve your well-being, sexual life, and relationships. 


References:

1. Information, H., Diseases, U., (ED), E., Causes, S., Dysfunction, S. and Health, N., 2021. Symptoms & Causes of Erectile Dysfunction | NIDDK. [online] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Available at: <https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes> [Accessed 7 October 2021].

2. Mayo Clinic. 2021. Erectile dysfunction - Symptoms and causes. [online] Available at: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20355776> [Accessed 7 October 2021].


Disclaimer: This article is written by Practo for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.