ED becomes more common as you get older. But male sexual dysfunction is not a natural part of aging.

Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex.

Having erection trouble from time to time isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. If erectile dysfunction is an ongoing issue, however, it can cause stress, affect your self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems. Problems getting or keeping an erection also can be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment and a risk factor for heart disease down the road.

 If you’re concerned about erectile dysfunction, talk to your doctor — even if you’re embarrassed. Sometimes, treating an underlying condition is enough to reverse erectile dysfunction. In other cases, medications or other direct treatments might be needed.

Symptoms

Erectile dysfunction symptoms might include persistent:

  • Trouble getting an erection
  • Trouble keeping an erection
  • Reduced sexual desire

When to see a doctor

A family doctor is a good place to start when you have erectile problems. See your doctor if:

  • You have concerns about your erections or you’re experiencing other sexual problems, including ejaculatory dysfunction, such as premature or delayed ejaculation
  • You have diabetes, heart disease or another known health condition that might be linked to erectile dysfunction
  • You have other symptoms along with erectile dysfunction
Problemas de Ereccion | Ereccion Masculina | Tipos de Disfuncion Erectil | Disfuncion Erectil Hormonal
Problemas de Ereccion | Ereccion Masculina | Tipos de Disfuncion Erectil | Disfuncion Erectil Hormonal

How Erections Work

When you are not sexually aroused, your penis is soft and limp. During sexual arousal, nerve messages release chemicals that increase blood flow into the penis. The blood flows into 2 erection chambers made of spongy tissue (the corpus cavernosum) in the penis. The “smooth muscle” in the erection chambers relaxes, which lets blood enter and stay in the chambers. The pressure of the blood in the chambers makes the penis firm, giving you an erection. After you have an orgasm, the blood flows out of the chambers and the erection goes away.

What Causes ED?

ED can result from health or emotional problems or from both. Lower blood flow or harm to nerves in the penis can lead to erection problems.

Physical Causes of ED

Some things that can increase the chances of getting ED (known as risk factors) are:

  • Age over 50
  • High blood sugar (diabetes)
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Smoking
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Drug or alcohol abuse
  • Obesity
  • Lack of exercise

Even though ED becomes more common as men age, growing old is not the cause of the problem. ED can be an early sign of a more serious health problem. Finding and treating the cause(s) of your ED can improve your overall health and well-being.

ED may happen because:

  • Not enough blood flows into the penis
    Many health issues can reduce blood flow into the penis, such as heart disease, high blood sugar (diabetes), and smoking.
  • The penis cannot store blood during an erection
    A man with this problem cannot keep an erection because blood does not stay trapped in the penis. This condition can occur in men of any age.
  • Nerve signals from the brain or spinal cord do not reach the penis
    Certain diseases, injury or surgery in the pelvic area can harm nerves in the penis.

Emotional Causes of ED

Sex activity needs the mind and body to work together. Emotional or relationship problems can cause or worsen ED.

Some emotional issues that can cause ED are:

  • Depression
  • Relationship conflicts
  • Stress at home or work
  • Worry about sexual performance
Disfunción Eréctil
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