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7 unusual causes of impotence

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
 
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17 November 2012, 09:00

Erectile dysfunction is a violation of sexual function in men, interfering with maintaining or achieving an erection, necessary for the implementation of sexual intercourse.

Erectile dysfunction may result from psychological problems or be of an organic nature.

Depression and stress

Depression, stressful situations, chronic fatigue, neurosis and general poor health can weaken sexual desires and lead to erectile dysfunction. In most cases of the development of erectile dysfunction, the influence of the psychological factor is observed. The causal relationship between depression and erectile dysfunction can be expressed in various forms, for example, the inability to achieve and maintain a sufficient erection may be a symptom of the onset of depression.

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Chronic diseases

Chronic diseases, for example, diabetes, can cause erectile dysfunction. However, with proper control of blood sugar levels, the number of male diabetics with erectile dysfunction decreases. There are also a number of other chronic diseases that affect the sexual health of men: atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, kidney disease and cardiovascular diseases. These are the ailments in which nerve impulses or blood flow weakens - this is the main reason for the development of erectile dysfunction.

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Wrong way of life

Alcohol abuse, smoking, drug use and obesity also adversely affect the health of men. The consequence of an unhealthy lifestyle is damage to the blood vessels and a decrease in blood flow to the penis.

Operative intervention

Damage to blood vessels or nerves located close to the penis can result in surgery caused by bladder cancer, prostate cancer, or prostate adenoma.

Medication

The use of certain drugs, such as antidepressants, drugs that reduce blood pressure or tranquilizers, can cause erectile dysfunction.

Read also: 8 things you need to know about antidepressants

Low libido

Erectile dysfunction and low libido are not the same, but the symptoms can be very similar. Low libido leads to a loss of interest in sex and prevents the achievement of a normal erection.

Obesity

Excess weight can not only strike a blow to self-esteem, but also cause problems in sex. In men, gaining extra pounds slows down the production of the male hormone testosterone, which is very important for a full sexual life. In addition, excess body weight is associated with arterial compaction and high blood pressure, which is the reason for the deterioration of blood flow to the penis.

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