Medical Conditions - Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Medical Conditions - Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Diabetes.

High levels of blood sugar associated with diabetes can damage small blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, including those in and around the penis. Diabetes damages the nerve function and blood supply necessary to produce an erection. About 60 percent of men with diabetes develop erectile dysfunction.

Smoking cigarettes,

This increases the risk of erectile dysfunction in diabetes. In addition to atherosclerosis and/or neuropathy causing ED in diabetes, many diabetic men develop muscle disease and as a consequence the muscles in the corpora cavernosa do not work properly and this also leads to erectile dysfunction.

Atherosclerotic disease.

Atherosclerosis, which causes hardening and narrowing of the arteries, increases with age. Over time it can reduce blood flow to the penis and lead to erectile dysfunction. It accounts for most cases in men over 60 years of age.

Leaking veins.

When veins in the penis are not compressed during an erection, a vein can leak, leading to erectile dysfunction. A leak can be the result of injury, disease, or damage to the veins of the penis.

Peyronie's disease.

Peyronie's disease causes inflammation of the penis with consequent scarring. The scarring produces a curvature of the penis causes erections to be painful.