Three causes of erectile dysfunction

Only recently have healthcare professionals and scientists have come to understand the causes of erection dysfunction properly.

For years it was assumed penile dysfunction was a result of psychological factors. "It's all in the mind" people would say. But that turns out to be untrue. Yes, there are cases where impotence is caused by psychological issues. But if your penis isn't getting hard enough for satisfying sex, it's more likely to be the result of physical causes.

Identify your symptoms

Take a look at these questions to help you identify your symptoms:

1. Do you sometimes wake up with an erection?

Yes: Your ED may be due to an emotional or psychological problem, like stress or feeling anxious about something which may or may not be to do with your sex life.

No: Your ED may have a physical cause.

2. During sex, do you sometimes have erections hard enough for penetration?

Yes: Your ED is probably mainly psychological.

No: Your ED may be due mainly to a physical cause - unless you sometimes have erections on waking up or when masturbating. In this case, it's still likely to be at least partly psychological.

3. Can you get an erection when you're masturbating, and does it last until you ejaculate?

Yes: Your problem in achieving and keeping an erection at other times may be psychological.

No: Your ED may be mainly physical.

Remember, some of these symptoms are also seen with other health problems, so it's important to check with your doctor.

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