https://www.testosterone.me/what-is-erectile-dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction refers to a man's inability to generate or sustain an erection in a way that allows him to enjoy sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction has many causes and becomes more common as men grow older. There are many effective treatments for erectile dysfunction to help men restore their sexual vitality and potency. Erectile dysfunction also refers to issues which hinder sexual drive as well as core sexual function.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (commonly referred to just as “ED”) is always the symptom of another underlying problem. The male erection is a hydraulic process tied to erotic desire and sensation. Anything that prevents a man from “getting hard” is a cause for erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction can even be rooted in psychology. Some men, especially those that experience psychological trauma or depression, can have issues with sexual function.
The following are some other causes of erectile dysfunction:
Sleep issues
Alcoholism and drug abuse
Treatments for enlarged prostate
Prostate cancer treatment
Prescription drug side effects
Obesity
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Poor cholesterol
Atherosclerosis
Cardiovascular disease and heart disease
Metabolic syndrome
Hormone imbalance
Sometimes, improving sexual function can merely mean being more open and honest with your partner, along with making simple lifestyle changes to improve your overall health. If more severe, it will likely require treatment from a medical professional.
Types of Erectile Dysfunction
There are ultimately four categorical causes for erectile dysfunction: psychological, cardiovascular, hormonal, and physiological. Not all that long ago, it was commonly believed that erectile dysfunction was primarily a psychological condition, caused by a lack of desire and arousal in men. This is still often a factor in erectile dysfunction, but it's much rarer than initially believed.
Cardiovascular issues are the most common cause of erectile dysfunction. Sexual arousal stimulates changes in blood flow to the penis, which leads to erection and arousal. Cardiovascular issues impair blood flow to the penis, making it more difficult or even impossible to generate a meaningful erection.
Physiological issues refer to structural issues which impair the process of generating an erection. Physical trauma can damage the nuts and bolts of the operation of arousal, preventing the hydraulic processes which cause the male erection.
Hormone imbalance and deficiency, specifically testosterone deficiency, can also lead to erectile dysfunction. Testosterone is the essential hormone in sexual desire and function (even in women!). If you aren't producing enough testosterone, this reduces your desire to be psychologically aroused, and it impedes the normal process of erection generation.
