Erectile Dysfunction - Major Causes And Important Preventive Steps

Reliable estimates suggest that one of every ten men will suffer from Erectile Dysfunction (inability to achieve and sustain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse) at some point during his lifetime. In most cases it is important to understand ED is a symptom of an underlying problem. Do you a times experience problems with having the big boss get up and go about his Duty? Or are you scared of such horror? Then you must read this

Many men do experience the occasional failure to achieve erection, which can occur for a variety of reasons, such as drinking too much alcohol, stress, relationship problems, or from being extremely tired.The failure to achieve an erection less than 20 percent of the time is not unusual and typically does not require treatment. However, the failure to achieve an erection more than 50 percent of the time generally means that there is a problem and treatment is required.

Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction

ED can be caused by a number of factors. They including:

• Vascular disease: blood supply to the penis can become blocked or narrowed as a result of vascular disease such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
• Neurological disorders (such as multiple sclerosis): nerves that send impulses to the penis can become damaged from stroke, diabetes, or other causes.
• Psychological states: these include stress, depression, lack of stimulus from the brain, and performance anxiety.
• Trauma: an injury could contribute to symptoms of ED.

Chronic illness, certain medications, and a condition called Peyronie's disease can also cause ED. Operations for the prostate, bladder, and colon cancer may also be contributing factors.

 Medication That Could Lead To Erectile dysfunction (ED)

 Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common side effect of a number of prescription drugs. While these medications may treat a disease or condition, in doing so they can affect a man's hormones, nerves or blood circulation, resulting in ED or increasing the risk of ED. If you experience ED and think that it may be a result of the medication you are using, DO NOT stop taking the medication. If the problem persists, contact your doctor and he or she may be able to prescribe a different medication. Common medications that may list ED as a potential side effect include:

• diuretics
• antihypertensives
• antihistamines
• antidepressants
• Parkinson's disease drugs
• antiarrhythmics
• tranquilizers
• muscle relaxants
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• histamine H2-receptor antagonists
• hormones
• chemotherapy medications
• prostate cancer drugs
• anti-seizure medications

Other Substances Or Drugs That Can Lead To Erectile dysfunction (ED)

They include these recreational and frequently abused drugs:

• alcohol
• amphetamines
• barbiturates
• cocaine
• marijuana
• methadone
• nicotine
• opiates

These drugs not only affect and often suppress the central nervous system, but can also cause serious damage to the blood vessels, leading to permanent ED

Basic Steps To Reduce Your Risk Of Developing Erectile dysfunction (ED)

For people who are at risk of developing ED due to personal behavior, steps may be taken to try to prevent its occurrence. However, other causes may not be preventable.

There are now a number of epidemiologic studies that suggest a link between ED and obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

The following recommendations may play a role in the prevention of ED or improvement (if the problem is already present):

• Eat a healthful diet. A diet that limits saturated fat intake and includes several portions of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can benefit men with ED.
• Reduce cholesterol. High cholesterol can harden, narrow, or block the arteries (atherosclerosis) leading to the penis. Men can lower cholesterol through diet, exercise, and medication.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise regularly. Regular exercise may reduce the risk of ED. Choose exercises that you enjoy and will make a regular part of your day. In addition to reducing the risk of ED, exercise also can help you manage stress. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. 

Clevelandclinic.org