ED is a common problem that can be caused by a wide range of conditions and diseases. It also often occurs as a side effect of some drugs.

It’s important to identify the cause of ED so that you can be properly treated. Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your sexual history and may give you a physical exam or order lab tests.

Aging

Men age 50 and over are more likely to have erectile dysfunction (ED). But it doesn't have to be part of the natural aging process. Often, the condition is caused by a physical or mental health issue. If you're having trouble getting an erection, talk to your doctor about it. He or she might recommend lifestyle changes or medication like Kamagra Malaysia or Viagra Malaysia Online.

An erection happens when sexual thoughts and direct contact with the penis cause increased blood flow into the area. This causes the muscles in the penis to tighten, filling two chambers inside the male reproductive organ and causing the erection. Many health issues, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can reduce a man's ability to have an erection. Medications such as nitrates used to treat heart disease, some antidepressants, and some antibiotics can also contribute to ED.

Some supplements and alternative treatments are marketed to help with erectile dysfunction, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says these products can contain harmful ingredients or interact with other medications you may be taking. Your healthcare provider might prescribe a vacuum constriction device, such as a cylinder that you wear on your penis that is paired with an elastic ring to maintain an erection during sexual activity.

High Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure, it can be a contributing factor to your erectile dysfunction. When your blood pressure is too high, it causes the arteries to narrow and restricts their ability to pass blood to your penis, which can affect your erections.

It's important to tell your doctor if you have problems with ED, even though it may be embarrassing. He or she can help you determine if your ED is a symptom of another health issue that needs treatment.

For example, a stroke or heart disease may cause erectile dysfunction by narrowing the arteries in your neck that supply blood to your penis. You may also develop erectile dysfunction as a side effect of medication. Some of the most common drugs for high blood pressure, such as beta blockers and diuretics, can cause erectile dysfunction.

If you have erectile dysfunction from medication, try changing to a different type of drug that doesn't cause it, or talk to your doctor about switching medications altogether. You can also limit how much salt you consume since sodium is one of the major contributors to high blood pressure. Hims offers FDA-approved generic medications that are up to 95% cheaper than brand-name options.

Diabetes

Sugary food and drinks can damage the blood vessels and nerves that support an erection. This is called diabetic neuropathy and can lead to erectile dysfunction. The tingling and numbness can affect the feet, hands, or legs and sometimes cause pain in the lower back. It can also lead to a lack of motivation or difficulty performing sexually.

In some cases, ED is caused by clogged or narrowed penile arteries (atherosclerosis). This type of erectile dysfunction usually occurs with age and can be the first symptom of heart disease. The controllable risk factors for atherosclerosis include obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cigarette smoking.

Men with ED due to clogged arteries can benefit from drug treatments that increase blood flow to the penis, such as sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil. These drugs act on a specific protein in the body to improve blood flow and create an erection.

These medications can be taken as a pill or injected into the penis as a suppository. Some doctors also offer a vacuum pump device that uses a cylinder attached to an elastic ring to draw blood into the penis and achieve an erection. Men with certain medical conditions may not be able to take these medications, including liver disease and retinal problems. These men might want to talk to their doctor about a less common treatment, such as surgery or using an implant.

Heart Disease

Men who suffer from heart disease or other health problems often struggle with erectile dysfunction. This is because the arteries in the penis that supply blood to help you get an erection can become narrowed by a buildup of plaque—a process called atherosclerosis. This can happen due to age, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, weight gain, or medications you take.

According to a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School, ED is often an early warning sign of current or future heart disease and other circulatory issues. It’s important to talk with your doctor if you have trouble getting or keeping an erection. Your doctor will be able to determine what is causing your erectile dysfunction and treat it accordingly.

Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. Your doctor may also recommend a blood or urine test. You should avoid taking supplements or trying alternative therapies that claim to fix erectile dysfunction. These products could contain dangerous drugs or contaminated formulations, and they may interact with your medications. Talk with your doctor about any concerns you have, even if you’re embarrassed to discuss them. The conversation might be difficult, but it’s important for your health and well-being.

Nervous System Disorders

The nervous system controls everything you sense (sight, sound, taste, and touch), movements you choose to make (voluntary), and those that happen without your thinking about them, such as breathing and heartbeat. It consists of billions of cells, called neurons, that send electrical signals throughout the body. Each nerve has a protective sheath, called myelin, that helps it conduct the messages.

Nervous system diseases can cause erectile dysfunction. They may affect the arteries that supply blood to the penis (organic erectile dysfunction, or ED) or the nerves that control the muscles of the erection (psychological erectile dysfunction, or ED).

For example, a disease of the peripheral nervous system causes a painful, long-lasting erection and can be a sign of serious vascular disease. Other disorders of the central nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries, can also cause erectile dysfunction.

Psychological erectile dysfunction can be caused by stress, anxiety, and depression. Treatment includes therapy with a trained counselor.

Alcohol Consumption

It’s not uncommon for a man to enjoy a drink or two before a date to help build confidence and boost his performance. But in the long run, alcohol can cause erectile dysfunction, also known as whiskey dick. This affliction is a result of alcohol’s effects on the central nervous system, which inhibits parts that are vital for sexual arousal and orgasm. It also decreases sensitivity to sensations like touch, which may make your penis feel more numb than usual.

The longer you regularly abuse alcohol, the more serious the damage it can do. Over time, chronic alcohol consumption can lead to a permanent condition called alcoholic neuropathy that affects the nerve function of the body. Symptoms of this include pins and needles, numbness in the hands and feet, and — you guessed it – erectile dysfunction.

If you find yourself unable to get an erection, talk with your doctor. It’s not something to be ashamed of, and your GP can check for more serious health conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms. They’ll assess your risk of heart disease and other factors that may be causing ED. They can also suggest lifestyle changes and prescription drugs to reduce your symptoms.

Diet

Many supplements and alternative therapies are marketed with claims to help men with erectile dysfunction. However, the FDA warns that such products may contain contaminated formulations, unproven dosages of pharmacologically active drugs, or interact with other medications you take. Talk to your doctor before trying anything that may affect blood flow or hormones.

Your diet also plays a role in your sexual function. A high-fat diet can increase your cholesterol levels, which could lead to clogged arteries that decrease blood flow to the penis. Likewise, a lack of physical activity can contribute to weight gain and health problems that could impact your sexual function.

Certain foods can improve your erectile function, including leafy greens, tomatoes, and citrus fruits. These foods are rich in nitrates, which promote blood flow and decrease your blood pressure.

In addition, a diet rich in protein and healthy fats can help lower your cholesterol level, which is a risk factor for heart disease and other health problems that could cause erectile dysfunction. You can find these nutrients in lean meats, fish, poultry, nuts and seeds, avocados, and other fruits and vegetables. In addition, it’s important to avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which can affect your blood flow and disrupt hormones.