In common language, erectile dysfunction is also referred to as impotence. Although these words are often used inter-changeably, there is some difference between both. Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get or sustain an erection for sexual intercourse. On the other hand, impotence can also include other problems, like lack of sexual desire and the inability to ejaculate or achieve an orgasm.

There are several factors that can lead to impotence. It may not be possible for us to take you through all in this one article, but let’s look at a few causes which are more prominent that the others.

Psychological Causes

Nervousness, depression, stress, guilt and anxiety are some feelings that can interfere with sexual performance in men. And, it tends to be perpetuated in the form of a vicious cycle. If a man is unable to achieve an erection once, he may begin to worry about it. Confidence in his own masculinity may be undermined and he may become apprehensive and anxious about his sexual performance in the future. This thought process can affect his libido, which, in turn, will make him more depressed stressed. Unless this cycle is broken, it may cause chronic issues during sex, eventually leading to erectile dysfunction.

Physical Causes

There are certain physical causes that can lead to erectile dysfunction. In the preliminary stages of diagnosis, your doctor is going to try and eliminate some of the common physical conditions that can cause this problem. These include high blood pressure, heart diseases, low hormonal level, diabetes, high cholesterol levels and prostrate cancer. Apart from this, erectile dysfunction can be caused by the following conditions:

• Kidney failure
• Liver cirrhosis
• Hemachromatosis (presence of too much iron in the blood)
• Epilepsy
• Alzheimer disease
• Parkinson disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
• Multiple Sclerosis

Dietary factors, deficiency of zinc, lack of exercise, excessive use of tobacco, chain smoking, and blood diseases can also cause erectile dysfunction.

Medication

Very often, medicines that are prescribed for the treatment of other medical disorders can lead to erectile dysfunction. Some of the common medications associated with this condition are antidepressants, antipsychotics, antiulcer drugs, antihypertensives, medicines to lower cholesterol levels and treat prostrate cancer.

If you suspect that some of the prescribed drugs or medicines are causing erectile dysfunction, it is advisable to talk to the physician before you discontinue use yourself.

Surgical Causes

Surgery in the pelvic region, spinal chord or brain can lead to some arteries and the getting injured, causing erectile dysfunction as a result. Some of the procedures that have been known to cause this problem are aortofemoral bypass, proctocolectomy, abdominal perineal resection, Cryosurgery of the prostate, radical prostatectomy, Cystectomy, and radiation therapy for treatment of prostate, bladder, colon, or rectal cancer.

Hormone Imbalances

While hormonal imbalances are responsible for fewer than 5% instances of erectile dysfunction, it is worth a mention. Deficiency of the hormone testosterone can cause lack of libido and the inability to have an erection. However, this is an extremely rare condition, occurring infrequently. Apart from this, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can also result in erectile dysfunction.