Erectile dysfunction (ED), sometimes referred to as erectile disorder, is a frustrating challenge that about half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70 face, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But what causes ED? In this post, we’ll dig into the different types of erectile dysfunction and the root causes of each one.
Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual penetration. Now, a lot of men will experience occasional instances where it’s difficult to perform sexually. This is NOT erectile dysfunction. ED is persistent. It impacts nearly all sexual encounters and often snowballs into an impossible problem to overcome without treatment.
ED strains relationships, and it can turn sex into a stressful experience rather than a pleasurable one for both parties involved. But what causes ED? There are several types of ED, and while they all lead to an inability to perform, the reasons why each occurs are very different.
5 Types of Erectile Dysfunction
Vascular Erectile Dysfunction
We’re starting with vascular ED because it is the most common form of erectile dysfunction. It’s called vascular ED because the inability to achieve an erection is directly related to impeded blood flow to the penis. The male sex organ fills with blood to get hard, so when vascular disease impedes healthy blood flow, it can lead to erectile dysfunction. This might be due to instances of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or arterial damage from uncontrolled diabetes. In some cases, treating the vascular disorder will also take care of the erectile dysfunction problem. Other times, prescribed ED medications or other treatments are required.
Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction
Neurogenic ED happens due to nerve damage. This damage could be caused by diabetes and prolonged periods of high blood sugar. Or it could be the result of a specific trauma, a spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, or other cause. In some instances, these nerve problems prevent full sensation, and in others, they can impede the signals of arousal that travel from the brain to the penis to create an erection.
Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction
Sometimes, there is no physical reason that a male experiences erectile dysfunction. It’s entirely a mental and emotional problem. You’ve probably heard the term “performance anxiety” bantered around the topic of erectile disorders before. Well, performance anxiety is a form of psychogenic ED – a nervousness or fear of disappointing a partner that physically manifests itself in the inability to achieve an erection. There’s nothing physically causing the problem, and it’s all in the head. Other reasons for psychogenic ED might be relationship issues, job stress, and depression. As a general rule, psychogenic ED only gets worse unless the problem is addressed, and medications like sildenafil (generic Viagra®) and tadalafil (generic Cialis®) have been shown to give many men the added confidence they need to get their love lives back on track. Check out this study published by the International Journal of Impotence Research.
Drug-Induced Erectile Dysfunction
Some of the drugs we take to treat serious health problems, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and glaucoma, can impact sexual performance by inhibiting the ability to achieve an erection. Additionally, some cancer therapies and antidepressants can also cause ED. If you think your erectile difficulties might be related to another medication, speak with your physician. Sometimes, a change in medication can make a difference. Other times, a prescribed ED medication can help alleviate the problem.
Hormonal Erectile Dysfunction
You’ve probably heard of low testosterone (low T). It’s a real thing, and it can contribute to erectile disorders. Additionally, thyroid issues (mostly hyperthyroid) can result in a hormone imbalance that can impact a male’s ability to achieve a firm erection.
How Do I Know What Type of ED I Have?
You might be able to surmise what’s causing your ED in some instances. For example, you know if sex is triggering feelings of anxiety or not. If it is, then you might very well be suffering from performance anxiety, a psychogenic form of erectile dysfunction.
The other causes of ED, however, can be harder to pinpoint. What’s worse is they are often directly related to severe health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. That’s why it’s so important to get a medical evaluation if you are experiencing erectile dysfunction. If it is related to another health condition, treating that condition might not only help with your ED, but it just might save your life.
FAQs
How do you treat erectile dysfunction?
The most common approach to treating ED is through prescribed medications designed to treat the disorder. The branded drugs Viagra® and Cialis®, proven to treat erectile dysfunction effectively, are now available in their generic formulas, sildenafil and tadalafil, which cost a fraction of the price of the original medications. This has opened up these solutions to a broader audience of men living with the challenges of ED.
Do I need a prescription for sildenafil or tadalafil?
Yes, both of these medications require a doctor’s prescription. Many online pharmacies, such as MediSuite, offer telemedicine services for added ease and convenience. Patients can get confidential evaluations by a PhD and fill prescriptions on the spot, which are delivered directly to their doorstep.
Is performance anxiety a real disorder?
Absolutely. Many men experience a sense of nervousness around sex, often stemming from the fear of disappointing a partner. This anxiety can manifest itself in the inability to achieve a firm or lasting erection. ED medications, such as sildenafil and tadalafil, have been shown to provide men experiencing performance anxiety with a boost of confidence that leads to improved sexual performance.
MediSuite is committed to men’s healthcare. We provide doctor-prescribed medications at affordable prices, delivered directly and discreetly to your door.