What Underlying Health Conditions Can Trigger Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an incredibly common issue that virtually every man will face at some point in their life. Erectile dysfunction is typically classified as the inability to get an erection that is long-lasting or firm enough for sexual activity. An occasional inability to get an erection is perfectly normal and often related to things like stress, alcohol, fatigue, and more. But, significant and disruptive erectile dysfunction that occurs often can be concerning because it’s often related to an underlying condition. Certain health conditions can cause erectile dysfunction, called organic erectile dysfunction, and it’s important to know about them so you know when to meet with an intimate health provider. Here’s what to know about chronic health conditions linked with erectile dysfunction and how a team of intimate health providers can help.

Heart Disease

Male sexual dysfunction is often one of the first indicators of heart disease and high blood pressure in men. Erections happen because of a rush of blood flow to the sponge tissue in the penis. If these blood vessels are blocked or narrowed because of plaque buildup, it can result in difficulty becoming erect. If you don’t seem to become erect at any time, not just surrounding sexual activity, it can be a major sign that you should visit your doctor for a screening.

Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus can significantly increase your risk of erectile dysfunction symptoms. This is because high blood sugar levels can damage the important blood vessels and nerves around the penis, causing difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection. Managing your diabetes with your doctor can help, but meeting with an intimate health expert can help you address this issue in particular.

Depression and Anxiety

Mental health issues are often categorized differently from physical causes – it’s called psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Depression can make it difficult to experience feelings of sexual arousal, and the use of prescription drugs to treat depression and anxiety can limit erectile function. This is typically because many different neurotransmitters and hormones are involved in sexual function, which tend to be affected by depression and its medications. An intimate health provider can help you find the right dosage or medication that supports your mental health while allowing you to enjoy intimacy.

Testosterone Deficiency

Testosterone is one of the key hormones responsible for the erectile process. Men can experience low testosterone for a variety of reasons, but the most common is aging. Men tend to simply lose testosterone over time, leading to a decline in sexual function. However, a variety of other medical conditions and medications can cause low testosterone. Hormone therapy is often best for treating erectile dysfunction caused by testosterone deficiency.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer doesn’t always directly cause erectile dysfunction, but it’s still one of the notable risk factors for erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is commonly reported by prostate cancer patients who are undergoing treatment. These treatments tend to affect the nerves, muscles, and blood vessels involved in erections, reducing their function. Additionally, advanced prostate cancer can spread to areas and affect the ability to become erect. If you’re undergoing prostate cancer treatment, it’s worth meeting with an intimate health provider to explore solutions.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment in Long Island, NY

We can help you learn more about the possible underlying causes as well as how to fix erectile dysfunction. To meet with our intimate health experts, contact our office today. We conveniently serve the greater Long Island and Queens, NY areas.