The Hard Truth About Erectile Dysfunction

April 30, 2024

If you’re suffering from erectile dysfunction, you aren’t alone. This inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse affects more men than you may think. Because this penile disorder can be embarrassing, it often isn’t fully understood by those who may be dealing with it. We’re here to help you gain a better understanding of potential causes and solutions for ED. Continue reading as we discuss the hard truth about erectile dysfunction:

The Impact of ED

The prevalence of erectile dysfunction is more common than you may think. Below are some statistics regarding ED:

• Erectile dysfunction affects about 30 million men in the United States. (Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension, 2012)
• Roughly 1 in every 10 men is estimated to experience ED at some point in their life. (Cleveland Clinic, 2019)
• ED is estimated to affect 10% of men for each decade of life, meaning roughly 50% of men in their 50s are impacted. (University of Wisconsin Health, 2019)
• Men above the age of 40 are three times as likely to experience ED than those who are younger. (The Journal of Urology, 1994)
• The prevalence of ED in young men seems to be growing, with ED occuring in 26% of men under the age of 40. (The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2013)

Possible Causes of ED

There isn’t one obvious cause of erectile dysfunction. Rather, ED can be caused by any number of different things:

• Diabetes: ED is common among men who have diabetes. High blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels while reducing blood flow, making it more difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.
• Depression & Anxiety: Mental health can impact sexual function. Those suffering from depression and/or anxiety may find it difficult to get in the mood for sex. Oftentimes this is caused by stress.
• Neurological Disorders: Issues that impact the ability and function of nerves can lead to ED. Blood flow to the penis can be inhibited when nerves are damaged. These neurological issues could include multiple sclerosis, injuries to the nerves or spinal cord, diabetes and heavy metal poisoning.
• Hormonal Issues: Abnormalities in hormones, such as high levels of prolactin, a surplus or deficiency of thyroid hormone and abuse of steroids and hormones, can cause ED. Low testosterone can contribute to ED but additional underlying causes often exist.
• Obesity: Being overweight can lead to heart issues that are known to be contributing factors for ED. Inflammation can throw off the endocrine system, causing the blood vessels to struggle.

Solutions for ED

Erectile dysfunction can be improved by trying a few different options:

• Lifestyle Changes & Weight Loss: You can improve your blood flow by shedding a few pounds. Lifestyle changes like eating healthier and more frequent exercise are often required to lose weight. By dropping some weight, you’ll be at a lesser risk of developing issues such as diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and atherosclerosis, all of which are known to cause ED.
• Medication: Medications are commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction, with several FDA-approved options available. Tadalafil (Cialis), sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) and avanafil (Stendra) belong to a class of medications known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These work by increasing the blood flow to the penis.

You’re all caught up on the hard truth about erectile dysfunction. Many men with ED also suffer from low testosterone levels, which can cause a lack of sexual desire. Learn about some ways to increase your testosterone levels!