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.
