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Impotence -

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the medical term for the inability to get and maintain an erection long enough for sexual function. Most men experience occasional ED, but frequent ED might be indicative of a health problem that needs treatment.

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High blood pressure - High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the most common causes of ED. It damages the lining of the blood vessels and causes arteries to harden. This is known as atherosclerosis and it restricts blood flow throughout the body, which can make it difficult to achieve and maintain an erection.

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Heart disease -

Research shows that there's a very strong link between heart disease and ED. In fact, impotence can be one of the first warning signs of heart disease. The arteries are particularly narrow in this area, so difficulties getting an erection can be an early sign of a more serious issue.

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High cholesterol -

High cholesterol is another cause of atherosclerosis, which restricts blood flow and can lead to ED.

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Diabetes - Research suggests that up to 75% of men with diabetes will suffer from some degree of ED during their life. It is usually caused by damage to the nerves and blood vessels due to poor blood sugar control over a long period of time.

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Obesity -

Obesity is a risk factor for multiple issues that cause ED, such as low testosterone and high blood pressure, not to mention the anxiety and depression that can come from poor body image.

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Hormone changes -

Hormone imbalances are another common cause of ED. Many men with thyroid issues experience impotence, especially those with hypothyroidism. Luckily, this is easily treatable with medication. Low testosterone can also cause ED, but it is usually linked to one of the previously mentioned health problems like diabetes, obesity, or heart disease.

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Kidney disease - Kidney disease can cause a number of changes in the body. Hormone balance, circulation, and nerve function can all be affected, which can decrease libido and sexual function.

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Prostate disease -

There are several conditions affecting the prostate that may cause ED. Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, and, in addition to causing painful urination and fever, it can cause erectile dysfunction.

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BPH -

Those who have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlargement of the prostate gland, can experience ED as a result of the medications used to treat the condition.

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Parkinson's disease -

Parkinson's disease affects the central nervous system, which is responsible for sexual response and function. Parkinson's can also impact blood circulation, which leads to further issues with ED.

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Multiple sclerosis -

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is another neurological disease that can cause ED. It can cause nerve damage, which blocks the arousal signals from the brain, as well as causing pain and numbness.

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Epilepsy -

Studies show that there is a link between epilepsy and ED, as those with epilepsy have a much higher chance of experiencing ED, but the relationship between the two conditions is not fully understood.

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Certain medications -

There are a number of prescription medications that have ED as a side effect, particularly those that treat high blood pressure and depression or anxiety. Switching medications after speaking to a doctor can often alleviate the problem.

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Smoking -

Men who smoke are twice as likely to develop ED than men who don't. This is because smoking affects the circulation of blood throughout the body and raises blood pressure.

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Alcohol abuse -

Alcohol interferes with the messages the brain sends to the body to get and keep an erection, so someone who has had a few too many might experience ED for a night. However, long-term alcohol abuse can disrupt the production of testosterone, causing more prolonged issues.

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Age -

Contrary to popular belief, age is not inherently a risk factor for ED. However, it's undeniable that we tend to develop many other health problems linked to ED as we age, such as high blood pressure, weight gain, and high cholesterol. As such, impotence has become associated with getting older, but it's certainly not inevitable.

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Psychological and emotional factors -

A clean bill of health doesn't necessarily exclude a person from risk. Even someone with the healthiest heart in the world can suffer from ED if their mental health is suffering or they're under a great deal of stress.

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Psychological impotence -

Psychological causes of ED can be trickier to detect and treat than physical ones. Click on to learn about some of the most common emotional issues that cause impotence.

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Anxiety -

We think of anxiety as something that we experience in our minds, but it's an emotion that elicits a number of intense physical responses in the body. It can cause increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and fatigue, all of which can culminate in the form of impotence. Anxiety is actually the most common psychological cause of ED.

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Stress - Stress is a normal part of life and most of us experience it frequently. However, even a relatively minor stressor like an upcoming presentation at work can be enough to impact sexual function.

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Depression -

Depression can be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain that affects both sexual desire and function. The link between depression and ED is tricky because it can cause sufferers to fall into a cycle.

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The vicious cycle -

The link between the two conditions also works in reverse, as ED is reported as a common cause of depression in many men. The inability to perform sexually can lead to a great deal of frustration and sadness. The depression can exacerbate the ED and vice versa. The good news is that most men can resolve both issues with proper treatment for depression.

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Relationship problems -

When we're fighting with our partner, it's natural that we don't feel particularly romantic. This can become a bigger issue when ongoing problems lead to reduced sexual desire and impaired sexual function. Unaddressed tension, anger, and hurt can often make it difficult to perform.

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Insomnia -

Insomnia has been linked to low testosterone levels, which can lead to ED. But it also puts sufferers at a higher risk of developing hypogonadism. This condition reduces the production of hormones in the testes, which impacts libido and the ability to get an erection.

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Performance anxiety - Many men suffer from performance anxiety, often due to the fact that we are conditioned to believe that the male partner has to take the lead in heterosexual relationships. This can cause anxiety, particularly after an isolated incident of ED. This often leads to even greater worries about pleasing their partner.

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What to do if you experience ED -

The first thing to do if you're struggling with ED is to visit a doctor. They can do the basic tests to see if there is an obvious physical cause, such as high blood pressure. This will guide them in finding the best treatment to help.

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Therapy -

If the problem seems to be psychological, then starting therapy to work through your anxiety or depression may be the best route. There are many medications that can also help, although ED is actually a common side effect of some! If you come across this problem, it's important to maintain open and honest communication with your doctor or psychiatrist so you can find the medication that works for you.

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Couple's therapy -

ED can sometimes be caused by problems within a romantic relationship, so couple's therapy might be the place to work through those issues. This should alleviate the stress and allow your sex life to get back on track. 

Sources: (Healthline) (Medical News Today)

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