Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction
Certain males are at higher risk for erectile dysfunction (ED), a group that most men would not found to find themselves in. The risk factors for ED include men who have certain physical diseases and disorders, those who have had surgery in the bladder, rectum or prostate area, those who take medications such as antidepressants, antihistamines, drugs for blood pressure control, and medications to relieve pain. Also at risk are males who have been treated for prostrate cancer or who take tranquilizers or sleeping aids.
Physical:
Many chronic diseases can lead to ED including diabetes, diseases of the lungs and liver, kidneys, and heart. Medical issues that involve the nerves, arteries or veins can also disrupt part of the steps required for erection. The flow of blood can be slowed down by plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis) to the point that it can decrease the flow of blood needed for an erection. Low levels of the male hormone testosterone male hypogonadism) can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Any injury a man suffers to the pelvic region or spinal cord can also lead to ED. If he has surgery on his bladder, rectum or prostate he may also suffer ED. Men riding bicycles for prolonged periods of time can experience temporary ED.
Medications:
There are many drugs that can decrease sexual function in men including the use of antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure meds, pain medications and drugs used for prostrate cancer. These meds interfere with the blood flow or they may interfere with the nerve impulses. Men who use tranquilizers or sleeping pills may also experience erectile dysfunction.
Substance abuse of alcohol, marijuana and other illegal drugs can also cause ED. Excessive use of tobacco use may damage arteries in the penis, which would interfere with blood flow.
Emotional:
Anxiety, depression and reacting to stress can all lead to decreased ability to perform. Being stressed out over ED can also add to the problem.
Men experiencing these risk factors that have erectile dysfunction for 2 months or greater should see a doctor. A physical examination can rule out anatomical reasons for ED. A test to see if erections occur during sleep can rule out any physical causes and questionnaires can help determine if emotional or physiological causes may exist.
Why risk factors are important:
Recognizing what risk factors are relevant can guide you to lifestyle changes that may safeguard sexual function. Knowing to avoid certain things like alcohol and tobacco would be really important if a couple were trying to conceive.
Knowing that a medication may be a risk factor could initiate a conversation with the doctor about alternative medications that could avoid potential ED from occurring.
The more men know about erectile dysfunction the more meaningful decisions that can make about their sexual choices before a problem arises.
Knowing ahead of time that activities like bicycle riding can interfere with erectile function would be beneficial to a couple trying to conceive. Knowing about a bicycle race in the future and the risk that it would pose to their conception success could lead them to either canceling their participation in the race or changing the timing for their conception plans.
Finding out that they have risk factors for ED may relieve anxiety over fear of something being wrong should they realize that their antihistamine could be the culprit.
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