ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION CAUSES AND EFFECTS ON SEX LIFE

According to the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, a little over half of men experience erectile dysfunction (ED). At age 40, about 40 percent struggle with the condition, and by 70 years old, about 70 percent of men have ED.

Standard treatments include pharmaceutical medications, pumps, implants, and surgery, but many men prefer natural options. Fortunately, scientific research has found that some natural options are effective at improving symptoms of ED.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Also called “impotence,” erectile dysfunction is a condition in which a man is unable to achieve or sustain an erection during sexual performance. Symptoms may also include reduced sexual desire or libido.

These kinds of issues can happen at any time, to any man mainly because of fatigue, stress, relationship issues, or even alcohol consumption. However, if the condition lasts for more than a few weeks or months, your doctor is likely to diagnose it as true ED, and will recommend treatments.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

A number of different factors can increase your risk of ED. Since attaining an erection involves the brain, hormones, muscles, and blood vessels, a problem with any of these can block the normal functioning of the penis.

Some common causes of ED include:

heart disease

diabetes

obesity

multiple sclerosis

tobacco use

A 2007 study found that persistent alcohol use induced ED as well. Seventy-two percent of men diagnosed with alcohol dependence syndrome were also diagnosed with sexual dysfunction, including premature ejaculation and ED.