Common Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Q.
Over the past few months, I’m having more and more trouble maintaining an erection. This is putting a strain on my relationship with my wife, and I’m not sure what to do about it. What could be the cause?
A.
Erectile dysfunction is more common than you may think, and it affects more than half of men over the age of 40. There are a variety of things that can cause erectile dysfunction, with the most common cause being vascular disease. Vascular diseases affect the blood vessels and include hypertension and hardening of the arteries. ED can often be an early warning sign of heart disease, so seeing a doctor for the problem is very important.
Other common physical causes include diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, tobacco use and high cholesterol. Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease can also increase your risk of developing ED. Certain medications can affect blood flow and cause impotence as well. These medications include central nervous system depressants, chemotherapy medications, SSRIs and diuretics. You should always consult your doctor about any side effects you may be experiencing, and never stop taking your medication without speaking to your doctor first.
It’s important to note that erectile dysfunction doesn’t always have a physical cause — there are psychological causes for the condition as well. While commonly overlooked, stress, anxiety and depression can also trigger ED.
The good news? You have treatment options. After your diagnosis, your doctor can discuss the treatment options best for your unique situation and the cause of your ED. These include prescription medications, lifestyle changes, testosterone therapies and in rare cases, surgery. The most important thing to remember is you shouldn’t be embarrassed to seek treatment! Many men are in your position, your sex life isn’t over and your doctor will help you every step of the way.
Doctor Jeff Marotte Arkansas Urology 1300 Centerview Drive Little Rock, AR 72211 Toll-Free 800-255-1762 Local 501-219-8900 www.arkansasurology.com