As one ages, it’s easy to assume that the struggle to maintain an erection is a natural consequence. Alternatively, one might attribute it to excessive alcohol consumption. However, experts suggest that difficulty achieving an erection can actually be a sign of something more serious. According to the NHS, impotence, which affects about half of all men over 40, can be triggered by conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. In this article, experts on the subject shed light on lesser-known medical causes of erectile dysfunction.
Cardiovascular disease is a primary concern when it comes to the inability to perform in the bedroom. In order for a man to achieve an erection, his penis requires an increased blood flow, which is facilitated by the dilation of blood vessels. However, heart and circulatory diseases can narrow the arteries that supply blood, resulting in a reduced blood flow. Consequently, this can lead to difficulties in getting or maintaining an erection. Atherosclerosis, or the narrowing of arteries, can also increase the risk of a heart attack. Interestingly, the British Heart Foundation notes that erectile dysfunction can be one of the early warning signs of artery narrowing since the penile arteries are particularly narrow. Professor Albert Ferro, a specialist in cardiovascular clinical pharmacology at King’s College London, emphasizes that erectile dysfunction can have multiple causes.
It is worth noting that three quarters of men are unaware that struggling to achieve an erection can be a recognized sign of heart disease, as revealed by a poll conducted by The Urology Foundation. Diabetes is another underlying medical condition that significantly affects a man’s ability to get or maintain an erection. Charities report that men with diabetes are three times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction, and they tend to develop this problem 10 to 15 years earlier than men without diabetes. Diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves, making it more difficult to achieve an erection. Other factors related to diabetes that contribute to this problem include being overweight, smoking, and insufficient exercise. Consultant andrologist Amr Raheem from International Andrology London highlights that unhealthy lifestyles, such as an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, smoking, chronic stress, and lack of sleep, can also lead to erectile dysfunction. It is crucial to consult a doctor to identify any underlying health issues, rather than solely relying on medications like Viagra.
Hormone imbalances, particularly low testosterone levels, can also play a role in sexual performance issues. Testosterone is responsible for regulating sex drive and blood flow in men. Insufficient levels can decrease libido and impede blood flow, which is essential for maintaining an erection. Low testosterone levels can also lead to stress and weight gain, both of which contribute to erectile dysfunction. Several factors, such as excessive alcohol consumption, diabetes, aging, and obesity, can cause low testosterone levels. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a potential solution for erectile dysfunction caused by low testosterone levels, but it is important to note that TRT comes with side effects including oily skin, decreased sperm count, and sleep apnea. The Urology Foundation’s Rebecca Porta emphasizes the significance of breaking the stigma associated with erectile dysfunction and initiating open conversations about the topic. She emphasizes how erectile dysfunction can significantly impact mental health, especially when it affects fertility and intimacy.
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