What are the common conditions that adversely affect erectile health?

Atherosclerosis and Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Two very common conditions. The narrowing and hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis) reduces blood flow to the reproductive organs. When coronary arteries (arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle) are narrowed by atherosclerosis, heart attacks and angina occur. When cerebral arteries (arteries that supply blood to the brain) are narrowed by atherosclerosis, strokes occur. Similarly, when arteries to the penis and the pelvic organs are narrowed by atherosclerosis, insufficient blood is delivered to the penis to achieve an erection. It is not clearly known how essential hypertension causes erectile dysfunction, however, it is thought to decrease the levels of nitric oxide produced by the arteries in the penis.

Low Testosterone Levels
Testosterone is necessary for sex drive (libido), sperm production, and maintaining nitric oxide levels in the penis. Therefore men with hypogonadism (poor function of the testes which results in lowered testosterone production) may display low sex drive, poor sperm production, and erectile dysfunction. This is a routine test that can be ordered by your doctor.

Mental-Emotional Conditions
Psychological factors may be responsible for erectile dysfunction. Some common afflictions include anxiety, depression, guilt, low self-esteem, and performance fears. Negative feelings that you express toward your sexual partner — or that are expressed by your sexual partner — such as resentment, hostility or lack of interest also can be a factor in erectile dysfunction.

Habitual Substance Use
Alcohol can cause nerve damage and atrophy (shrink) the testicles leading to lowered testosterone production. Marijuana, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamines, and other recreational substances can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.

Medications
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by many common medications. Some of these include drugs for hypertension, allergies and congestion, depression and anxiety, as well as some tranquilizers, and appetite suppressants.

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