The Most Common Symptoms & Causes for Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction can impact 50% of men over the age of 50 and we’ve collected the most notable common symptoms and causes of erectile dysfunction. 

Many men hit their 50th birthday and might be surprised to find that sexual pleasure is not as easily achieved. 

Erectile dysfunction occurs when blood flow to the penis is restricted. Health issues such as heart disease, hardened arteries, and diabetes may all cause a lack of blood flow to the penis. Men who smoke are more likely to develop erectile dysfunction since smoking can decrease blood flow throughout the body.

If the penis cannot trap any blood into the spongy tissues located in the erection chambers, they will be unable to achieve an erection. If the blood gets trapped in the penis but cannot stay there, a man will lose his erection. Poor circulation and poor blood flow are both common among men who suffer from erectile dysfunction.

What are symptoms of erectile dysfunction?

Symptoms of ED include:

1. being able to get an erection sometimes, but not every time you want to have sex
2. being able to get an erection, but not having it last long enough for sex
3. being unable to get an erection at any time

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Many different factors affecting your vascular system, nervous system, and endocrine system can cause or contribute to ED. 

The vascular system, also called the circulatory system, is made up of the vessels that carry blood and lymph through the body. The arteries and veins carry blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body tissues and taking away tissue waste matter. The nervous system is responsible for carrying messages to and from the brain and the spinal cord to various parts of the body. The endocrine system is the collection of glands that produce hormones that regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood. 

If you have underlying health conditions associated with one of the aforementioned systems of your body then you are at higher risk for developing erectile dysfunction. These can all be contributing factors to this issue. 

Although you are more likely to develop ED as you age, aging does not cause ED. ED can be treated at any age.

There are certain diseases and conditions that can lead (or contribute to the severity) of ED such as:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart and blood vessel disease
• Atherosclerosis 
• High blood pressure
• Chronic kidney disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Peyronie’s disease

There is growing research that has identified men who have diabetes are two to three times more likely to develop ED than men who do not have diabetes.

Another interesting finding in our clinic as it relates to erectile dysfunction is that men who are taking certain medications seem to be at higher risk for developing ED. 

ED can be a side effect of many common medicines, such as

• blood pressure medicines 
• antiandrogens—medicines used for prostate cancer therapy 
• antidepressants 
• tranquilizers, or prescription sedatives—medicines that make you calmer or sleepy
• appetite suppressants, or medicines that make you less hungry
• ulcer medicines

At Neuropathy and Pain Centers of Texas, our specialists have a strong commitment to treating patients with erectile dysfunction and their partners with compassion, respect, and empathy.

Our goal is to return patients to these most intimate and private activities that can truly improve their quality of life. We encourage you to begin the journey toward erectile restoration by making an appointment to see one of our physicians.

If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction or have any symptoms of erectile dysfunction, contact Neuropathy and Pain Centers of Texas at (817) 242-5599 and let us help you treat your ED.