Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a disorder found in men that is also known as impotence. Men affected by erectile dysfunction suffer from an inability to hold an erection all the way through sexual intercourse. While various medications can be taken to aid with ED, multiple causes have surfaced to show what erectile dysfunction can transpire from. Three, in particular, have been labeled as the top causes of erectile dysfunction.

Drugs are easily the most widespread cause of erectile dysfunction. Whether they are prescription medications, over-the-counter pills, illegal drugs, smoking cigarettes, or the excessive consumption of alcohol, each can contribute and cause symptoms of ED. There are actually over 200 prescription medications that have been linked to erectile dysfunction. These include medications to help with high blood pressure, heart conditions, antidepressants, sedatives, and tranquilizers. The long-term use of drugs and alcohol can lead to problems within the vascular and nervous systems, and in turn, ED. In addition, smoking causes a narrowing of the arteries, which limits the rapidity of blood flow and can also cause erectile dysfunction.

Aging is another uncontrollable cause of erectile dysfunction. It is proven that as men age, the probability of developing ED becomes more likely. In fact, erectile dysfunction is actually four times greater in men who in their sixties than men who are in their forties. It is a well-known fact that impotence most frequently affects older men – just take a look at any commercial promoting prescription ED medications: they all feature an older couple. Not to say erectile dysfunction never has an effect on younger men, but it is clearly more common as men age.

Psychological diseases, such as mental disorders like depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, or other personality disorders can cause erectile dysfunction as well. Even things like stress, worry, guilt or performance anxiety can lead to ED. These factors can contribute to a lack of focus when it comes to sexual intercourse and result in erectile dysfunction.

Other less common causes of erectile dysfunction include bicycling, as the number of hours and position of the saddle can result in ED; diseases like multiple sclerosis or diabetes; and various types of surgeries, such as ones performed on the colon, prostate, or rectum. While there are numerous causes of erectile dysfunction, each case is specific to the man experiencing the disorder, and only a doctor can provide a definitive explanation of why this occurs in any particular man.