Impotence or erectile dysfunction is a condition, wherein you cannot get or maintain an erection firm enough for sex. When you experience this from time to time, it is not worrisome, but if it’s a persistent issue, it may be a cause for concern and might lead to troubles in your relationship or hamper your self-confidence. This article lists some erectile dysfunction causes and symptoms.

Causes of erectile dysfunction (ED)

1. Physical causes
At times, ED may be caused by something physical. This includes metabolic syndrome or higher insulin levels, increased cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high body fat around the abdomen. In addition, heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis), obesity, certain prescription medications, Peyronie’s disease, multiple sclerosis, low testosterone, tobacco use, substance abuse, or alcoholism may also lead to the condition. Lastly, treatment measures to cure an enlarged prostate or treat prostate cancer, sleep disorders, and injuries or surgeries, which affect the spinal cord or pelvic area are also a few other physical causes.

2. Emotional causes
Sexual intercourse is a physical as well as emotional act. Relationship issues or emotional problems might aggravate or worsen erectile dysfunction. Some emotional issues, which may be the cause of ED are anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, stress from religious or social or cultural clashes, stress at work or home, and constant worry about one’s sexual performance.

Symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED)

1. Difficulty in achieving an erection
The primary ED symptoms involve an inability to get an adequate erection for sex. It might be a short-term or a long-term issue for you, but unfortunately, it can persist to the extent that it may eventually pose a hurdle in your intimate relationships.

2. Inability to sustain an erection
In some people with ED, the erection can be achieved, but it does not last long enough to enjoy sex or finish the act. Following a study conducted by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, approximately 30 million American men live with erectile dysfunction. Moreover, the condition becomes more frequent as men grow older.

3. Inability to have an erection
Some men are unable to get an erection at all. This might result in feelings of shame, embarrassment, guilt, distress, or other challenging emotions. If someone has a partner, it can also lead to severe distress in the relationship and impact the form of intimacy shared. Further, it might deteriorate your overall sense of well-being and health and affect your self-esteem.

4. Rare symptoms
In addition to the ones mentioned above, there are some rare symptoms associated with ED. These include the inability to ejaculate, premature ejaculation, reduced sex drive or libido, and delayed ejaculation. Further, pelvis fractures or any other trauma to the pelvis, inability to be aroused even after a good stimulation (known as anorgasmia), dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles, and low-degree of the hormone testosterone in the body are other rare signs of ED.