Erectile dysfunction Q&A

A successful, sustained erection requires a sequence of events to occur in a precise fashion. Anything which disrupts this sequence can lead to problems either getting, or keeping an erection. The most common cause of erectile dysfunction is damage to the tissues, either the nerves, arteries, muscles or fibrous tissue. This is often linked either to disease. Conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, chronic alcoholism, multiple sclerosis and cardiovascular disease account for around 70% of cases of erectile dsyfunction. In some cases the condition is caused by damage to the nerves and arteries near the penis which can occur during surgery, particularly for prostate and bladder cancer. Physical injury to the penis, spinal cord, prostate, bladder or pelvis can also be a factor. Erectile dsyfunction is also a side effect of some common medications, including blood pressure drugs, antihistamiines, antidepressants and tranquilizers. Experts believe that psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, guilt, depression, low self-esteem, and fear of sexual failure cause up to 20% of cases. Smoking, which affects blood flow, has also been linked to the condition.