Erection Problems (Erectile Dysfunction) - What Increases Your Risk

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SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

Your risk of having an erection problem (erectile dysfunction) increases with age.

Diseases, physical or psychological problems, and certain activities also may increase your risk.

Diseases that affect blood vessels include:

Diabetes. About half of men with diabetes develop erection problems.
High blood pressure or other blood vessel diseases.
High cholesterol or low HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol.

Diseases or procedures that affect nerves include:

Diabetes.
Multiple sclerosis.
Stroke.
Parkinson's disease.
Having had surgery involving the prostate, bladder, rectum, or urethra. These procedures may cause injury to nerves involved in achieving and maintaining an erection.

Other conditions include:

Thyroid problems.
Low levels of the hormones needed for the normal development and function of the sex organs (hypogonadism), leading to low testosterone levels.

Injuries or treatment include:

Injury to the penis or pelvic region.
Injury to the spinal cord or nerves to the penis.
Pelvic surgery.
Radiation in the pelvic area.

Medicines and other substances that increase your risk include:

Some medicines to treat high blood pressure or depression.
Long-term (chronic) alcohol abuse.
Drug abuse.
Tobacco use.

Psychological risk factors include:

Depression.
Anxiety or stress.
Relationship problems.
A recent major life change (birth of a child, retirement, job change, loss or death of a partner, divorce, or marriage).

Activities that constrict blood flow to the penis-such as frequent long-distance bicycle riding on a hard, narrow saddle-may increase a man's risk of developing an erection problem. But experts continue to debate this issue.

A vasectomy usually does not cause erection problems. But pain after the operation may affect sexual performance for a time, and if a man was not comfortable with his decision to have a vasectomy, or is having second thoughts, it could affect him psychologically.

When To Call a Doctor

By:	Healthwise Staff	Last Revised: May 12, 2010
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology, Oncology

1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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