Sexualpsychology.com.au

Common physical causes of erectile
dysfunction (ED).
The greatest risk factor for ED is age. Ageing is primarily associated with 2 changes in the body: increased incidence of disease that cause ED and physiological wear and tear. As we age we have less reserve capacity from which we can draw energy at times of stress. This means the body wil function normal y in many situations but have reduced function at times of stress. Impaired Blood Flow (Cardiovascular Disease)
Any process that impairs blood flow into the penis, or causes blood to flow out of the penis too rapidly, can cause ED. The penile arteries are of a similar structure to the coronary arteries (of the heart) and the cerebral arteries (in the brain) but they are smal er. Build up of plaque inside the artery (arteriosclerosis) limits the blood flow through the artery. This is first noticeable in the smal er arteries of the penis. There is increasing evidence which suggests that ED in men aged in their 40s, 50s and 60s is an early sign of cardiovascular disease. Smoking causes ED.
Smoking causes arteriosclerosis and interferes with the veno-occlusive mechanism, the mechanism that stops blood flowing out of the penis. Smoking damages the cel s in the penis and makes them less responsive to the chemical neurotransmitters required for erection. Smoking related lung disease reduces oxygenation of the penis, which is required for penile health. High blood pressure
Is a major risk factor for the development of ED. High blood pressure reduces blood flow into the penis. High cholesterol
Damages the cel s in the penis and makes them less responsive to the chemical neurotransmitters required for erection. High cholesterol also increases risk of arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Obesity (especial y around the abdomen)
Increase risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and reduced testosterone levels. Testosterone is required for healthly penile cel functioning and response to chemical neurotransmitters required for erection Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes causes peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation in smal blood vessels) and/or peripheral neuropathy, which is damage to the smal nerves of the penis. Venous leakage
Veins drain blood out of the penis. Venous leakage can cause blood to flow out of the penis too rapidly, causing loss or partial erection. Venous leakage may be due to a faulty or damaged veno-occlusive mechanism at the base of the penis. Peyronie’s disease
Peyronie’s is a condition with dense scar tissue in the shaft of the penis, which causes the penis to bend when erect. The curvature can be painful making it difficult to maintain an erection. Also, the penis may remain soft between the location of the scar and the head of the penis. Often pain or discomfort is temporary and disappears within months to years. Sometimes the bend becomes so inflexible that penetration is not possible. However this is unusual and most men with Peyronie’s adapt to their new shaped penis. Sometimes partners like the curved penis, thus Peyronie’s can be a positive. Abnormalities in the internal structure of the penis.
Al physical abnormalities can be excluded with a penile ultra sound. Dr Chris McMahon, Sexual Health Physician at the Australian Centre for Sexual Health can perform this procedure. Hormones
Unless testosterone levels are VERY low, decreased Testosterone does not usual y cause ED. It may have an indirect effect by reducing sexual desire

Source: http://www.sexualpsychology.com.au/uploads/38726/ufiles/physical_causes_of_ED_2.pdf