Some experts believe that up to 80% of all ED cases may be due to physical (organic) conditions, with psychological factors accounting for the remaining 20%. In many cases, however, both factors are involved. Below are some of the risk factors or causes of ED.

Risk Factors/Causes of ED

Physical Causes

Vascular Disease:   Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart disease or stroke, hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol all affect blood flowing in and out of the penis. Vascular disease is the most common physical cause of ED.

Diabetes:   This chronic condition can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) and damage to the blood vessels that supply the penis. Two out of three men with diabetes can develop ED.

Nerve Diseases:   Neurological conditions include spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, nerve degeneration due to diabetes or alcoholism.

Hormonal Problems:   Low levels of the male hormone testosterone can result in ED.

Surgery:   Surgery for colon, rectal or prostate cancer and even radiation therapy in the pelvic area can damage nerves and blood vessels, which may result in ED.

Trauma:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Pelvic fractures

Chronic Medical Conditions:   If you have a chronic medical condition, ask your doctor whether it might be affecting your sexual health.

Side Effects of Medications:   There is a long list of prescription medications and over-the-counter medications that have the potential side effect of ED. If you observe problems with erectile function after starting a new medication, ask your doctor or healthcare provider about possible side effects of the medication and possible alternatives and solutions.

Lifestyle Factors

Alcohol:   Heavy drinking may immediately reduce your ability to have a strong erection. Long-term, excessive drinking can cause nerve and liver damage and hormonal imbalance.

Sedentary Lifestyle:   Lack of exercise can lead to ED.

Smoking: Men who smoke have a greater chance of developing ED than men who don’t use tobacco, according to a targeted clinical study.

Psychological Causes

These can occur alone or in combination with one or more of the physical causes of ED.

Performance Anxiety:   When a man is anxious about his sexual performance, his erectile function can be affected.

Stress:   Stress can affect sexual performance.

Depression:   Men with ED can have some degree of depression and men with depression can also have ED.

Relationship Problems:   Tensions with your sexual partner, whether related to sexual issues or others, such as financial, family issues, etc., can negatively affect sexual function.