Signs and symptoms of erectile dysfunction

Erections depend on proper blood flow to the penis and here's why.  When a man is sexually aroused the brain sends an impulse telling the arteries and the penis to widen and as a result more blood flows to the penis.  The penis expands, hardens and becomes erect.  But sometimes this blood flow can be restricted and that can lead to ED.  Now the main factors in ED are physical problems including vascular or circulatory disorders, and these are now thought to be a very common cause of ED problems particularly in older men.

Vascular disorders including high blood pressure, raised cholesterol and heart disease are all associated with restrictions in blood flow, as is ED.  And ED is now viewed as a sign predicting the onset of heart disease in the future.

There are also psychological problems involved so you can lose interest in sex due to stress, anxiety, depression or relationship problems, and this can trigger or contribute to penile ED.  Performance anxiety can also cause ED, especially in young men worried about using a condom or causing a pregnancy.  And stress, guilt or bereavement can also cause ED.

There also side effect of medication such as prescription drugs used to treat depression, high blood pressure and possibly raised cholesterol as these can cause ED problems as well as recreational drugs.

Don't forget an unhealthy couch potato lifestyle can be a factor too, as this can contribute to sexual dysfunction, including being overweight, inactive, smoking and drinking too much.