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✅ Erectile Dysfunction: A Science-Based Guide
Erectile dysfunction
🧠 2. Psychological Causes
💊 4. Medications and Surgeries
📚 References
2. Feldman, H. A., et al. (2000). Erectile dysfunction and coronary risk factors. Preventive Medicine, 30(4), 328–338. https://doi.org/10.1006/pmed.2000.064
3. Selvin, E., Burnett, A. L., & Platz, E. A. (2007). Prevalence and risk factors for erectile dysfunction in the U.S. American Journal of Medicine, 120(2), 151–157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.06.010
4. Lue, T. F. (2000). Erectile dysfunction. New England Journal of Medicine, 342(24), 1802–1813. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM200006153422407
5. Johannes, C. B., et al. (2000). Incidence of erectile dysfunction in men 40 to 69 years old. Journal of Urology, 163(2), 460–463. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5347(05)67900-1
(ED) is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual performance. It affects an estimated 30 million men in the U.S. and over 150 million worldwide [1]. Understanding its causes is essential for prevention and treatment.
1. Medical Conditions and Chronic illnesses
can damage blood vessels, nerves, and hormones that regulate erections.
Diabetes is one of the strongest risk factors, increasing ED prevalence by up to 3-fold [2].
Cardiovascular disease and hypertension reduce blood flow to the penis, impairing erectile function [3
Hormonal imbalances (e.g., low testosterone) can lead to decreased libido and erectile difficulties [4].
🧠 2. Psychological Causes
ED is not only physical—it often has psychological roots.
Depression and anxiety disrupt sexual desire and performance [5].
Stress, performance fears, and relationship conflicts contribute to temporary or chronic ED [6]
Depression and anxiety disrupt sexual desire and performance [5].
Stress, performance fears, and relationship conflicts contribute to temporary or chronic ED [6]
🚬 3. Lifestyle Factors
Daily habits strongly impact sexual health.
Smoking damages blood vessels and is linked to higher ED rates [2].
Excessive alcohol use can depress the nervous system, reducing arousal and function [4].
Obesity increases risk by promoting diabetes, heart disease, and hormonal changes [1].
Smoking damages blood vessels and is linked to higher ED rates [2].
Excessive alcohol use can depress the nervous system, reducing arousal and function [4].
Obesity increases risk by promoting diabetes, heart disease, and hormonal changes [1].
💊 4. Medications and Surgeries
Certain treatments can unintentionally lead to ED.
Medications for high blood pressure, depression, and prostate cancer may have side effects that impair erections [3].
Pelvic surgeries (e.g., prostate removal) can damage nerves critical for sexual performance [1].
Medications for high blood pressure, depression, and prostate cancer may have side effects that impair erections [3].
Pelvic surgeries (e.g., prostate removal) can damage nerves critical for sexual performance [1].
5. Diet and Nutritional Factors
Lifstyle habits strongly influence sexual performance.
and inactivity reduce testosterone production and impair blood circulation.
Diets high in processed foods and sugar increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease, both linked to erectile dysfunction.
Studies show that regular exercise, weight management, and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats can improve sexual health.
6. Aging and Natural Changes
Aging brings inevitable changes to male sexual function.
Men may experience longer arousal times, weaker erections, and reduced sensitivity.
While age-related decline is natural, it can be slowed or improved with healthy habits, medical treatments, and open discussion with healthcare providers.
📚 References
1. Burnett, A. L., et al. (2018). Erectile dysfunction: AUA guideline. Journal of Urology, 200(3), 633–641. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2018.05.004
2. Feldman, H. A., et al. (2000). Erectile dysfunction and coronary risk factors. Preventive Medicine, 30(4), 328–338. https://doi.org/10.1006/pmed.2000.064
3. Selvin, E., Burnett, A. L., & Platz, E. A. (2007). Prevalence and risk factors for erectile dysfunction in the U.S. American Journal of Medicine, 120(2), 151–157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.06.010
4. Lue, T. F. (2000). Erectile dysfunction. New England Journal of Medicine, 342(24), 1802–1813. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM200006153422407
5. Johannes, C. B., et al. (2000). Incidence of erectile dysfunction in men 40 to 69 years old. Journal of Urology, 163(2), 460–463. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5347(05)67900-1
