5 Health Conditions That Could Be Causing Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, can cause such physical frustration and emotional vulnerability that it can be easier to avoid it altogether. It is important to address, however, because on top of your personal and relational well-being, it is possible that your ED is actually a symptom of another condition. If there is another health issue causing problems for your sexual health, you can improve both as needed. While proper medication like Viagra or Cialis is effective, it is important to know the cause of your ED, especially if it is a serious condition.

Here are a few health reasons you could be experiencing erectile dysfunction:

• Obesity can affect your sexual life since the extra weight can be problematic for your hormones and blood circulation. The way ED medication works is to help blood flow to the penis, but making efforts to manage your weight will also be helpful. Obesity could also be contributing to less effective endocrine system function, cardiac function, and emotional health – all of which are related to your physical sexual ability.
• Besides obesity lowering your testosterone levels, there can be other reasons your abnormal hormone levels are leading to ED. Thyroid problems could bring hormone imbalances. If you have a kidney disorder, this could also be a reason you are experiencing ED stemmed from hormone issues. Talk to your doctor if you think you have any endocrine diseases that could be lowering your mood, metabolism, or sexual ability.

• What medications are you taking for treatment? Talk to your doctor about the side effects of your prescription medication, and whether ED could be one of them. Be aware especially if you noticed a change in your sexual performance after recently starting a new medication or a new dosage. When speaking with your doctor, be sure to share about any over-the-counter medications, herbs, and supplements you are taking. You never know what could be contributing to your ED.
• High cholesterol (and perhaps some of its treatment medication) can be similar to obesity in the way it may lead to your ED. Both health issues directly relate to blood flow and circulation. If you have high cholesterol, you may not have healthy blood flow to reach or maintain a steady erection. Talk to your doctor about your cholesterol levels, diet, medication, and how your sexual health may be affected.
• Emotional disorders can directly impact your physical health. Anyone diagnosed with and managing an emotional disorder such as anxiety or depression may be more likely to be dealing with ED. In order to achieve a lasting erection, you need to be able to experience excitement, arousal and connection with another person. Healthy physical and sexual ability requires healthy emotional ability, so be sure to get proper treatment from professionals in this area if needed.

With health, it is important to keep in mind that everything is interrelated. Our diet, lifestyle, conditions, medications, emotions, and sexual health can impact each other. Take account of all the areas of your well-being, and take advantage of any applicable counseling or medication to make sure you can have a good sex life, too.