Erectile Dysfunction and Vascular Disease

Vascular diseases affect blood vessels. They restrict blood flow to organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. In erectile dysfunction, vascular diseases restrict blood flow to the penis. Vascular diseases may be responsible for causing ED in as many as 50% to 70% of men who develop the condition.

Restriction of blood flow caused by a vascular disease is usually caused by a buildup of cholesterol and other substances that may block blood vessels. In some men, the blood vessels in the penis, and the rest of the body, may not function properly. They may restrict blood flow when they're not supposed to. The good news is that lifestyle measures and drug treatments typically work for types of vascular disease that can cause erectile dysfunction.

Also, smoking greatly increases the change of developing clogged arteries and vascular disease. If you have erectile dysfunction, quitting smoking can help.