The Rise & Fall… & Rise Again: What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
Apr 02, 2024
No matter how hard you work on your body, nothing can knock your confidence like your penis not getting or staying hard.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is also sometimes referred to as impotence. Broadly speaking, it is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
Getting an erection is a complex process that involves the body’s nerves, blood vessels, and hormones, which are impacted by the person’s mood and general health and wellbeing.
It’s important to note that occasional trouble getting or keeping an erection isn’t necessarily ED. This can happen due to stress, tiredness, or too much alcohol, and it’s usually nothing to worry about. Many sex therapists will tell you that it’s totally normal to have trouble getting or keeping an erection for up to 20 percent of sexual encounters.
Having trouble getting an erection more than 50% of the time can indicate ED. When it happens frequently, it can lead to stress, anxiety, and relationship issues.
Don’t worry, ED is treatable and there are many ways to treat it, but it’s too complex an issue to have a single treatment pathway. The right treatment method(s) depend on the exact cause.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
There are 3 main categories of causes of erectile dysfunction: physical, psychological, and lifestyle.
Here are some examples of each category. Please be aware that this is only for general information rather than a medical resource or definitive list.
- Physical causes: (the most common causes of ED)
- Narrowed arteries (atherosclerosis)
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Nerve damage (from conditions like diabetes or surgery)
- Low testosterone levels
- Obesity
- Some surgeries
- Psychological causes: Stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems can all contribute to ED.
- Lifestyle causes: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, insufficient physical activity, and pharmaceutical and recreational drug use can all increase your risk of ED.
Nobody Talks About ED, So It Must Be Pretty Rare?
There are lots of personal experiences that many people struggle to talk about, from miscarriages to self harm and adult incontinence. ED is one of them and far more prevalent that most people realise.
Erectile dysfunction is actually quite common. Estimates vary, but studies suggest it affects anywhere from 30 million men in the United States, to between 3% and 76.5% of men globally. So, that would mean on a cis-male 11-aside football team, between 1 and 8 players experience ED.
In the UK, according to the NHS, half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70 will have it to some degree.
It’s important to remember that these are just estimates, and the true prevalence of ED may be even higher because many men don’t seek help due to embarrassment or shame.
What Can I Do If I Think I Have ED?
Step 1: See a doctor
Erectile dysfunction can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health condition. A doctor can perform a physical exam, ask about your medical history and sexual habits, and may run some tests such as blood tests to determine the cause of your ED. This will help guide the most appropriate course of treatment.
Step 2: Explore treatment options
Depending on the cause of your ED, there may be other aspects of treatment that are needed or will help. Treatment options include sex therapy, lifestyle changes, and surgical interventions.
Step 3: Be open and honest with your partner
Communication is key in any relationship, and ED can be stressful for all partners. If you are in a relationship, talking openly and honestly with your partner(s) about what you’re experiencing can help ease anxieties and allow you to explore solutions together.
Can You Help Me With ED?
Yes, sex therapy can be a very helpful treatment for ED that is primarily psychological or emotional in cause. That said, any client I see with ED, will always be asked to see their doctor and get their testosterone levels checked. I’m not going to take your money for talk therapy if what you need is medical treatment.
If all you take away from this article is one thing, please remember that ED is treatable. If in doubt, go through the 3 steps above. And I’m here to help if you feel sex therapy is the right option for you.