What causes erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) means something is standing in the way of your body’s natural process of getting and sustaining an erection. More often than not, that “something in the way” is a physical or medical issue that generally fits into one of the three following categories.1
1
Blood flow to the penis is inadequate.
High blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes can all affect blood flow to the penis, making erections difficult to achieve.
2
The erectile tissue is damaged.2
Tissue damage from radiation treatment for prostate or bladder cancer can lead to loss of firmness and the inability to get or maintain an erection.
3
The brain can’t send the right signals to the penis.
Neurological disorders can disrupt the brain’s ability to signal sexual arousal.
Cardiovascular disease
ED is common among men with heart disease and can be an early warning sign.4
With coronary artery disease, a buildup of plaque inside the arteries can limit the amount of blood that’s able to flow through them.5 Because the arteries that supply blood to the penis are much smaller than the ones that feed the heart, the condition may first present itself as difficulty getting an erection.4
Diabetes
Men with diabetes are 3x more likely to experience ED than other men.6
Diabetes can cause nerve, blood vessel, and muscle damage that results in problems like pain, numbing or loss of sensation in the hands and feet. These issues can also result in ED problems because nerve signals and blood flow are necessary for the process of getting an erection.6
Peyronie’s disease
The prevalence of ED among men with Peyronie’s disease can reach up to 54%.7
Peyronie’s disease is a condition resulting from fibrous scar tissue that develops on the penis. The scar tissue can change the shape of the erect penis, causing curved erections. This can lead to discomfort and make sexual intercourse difficult.8
Prostate cancer treatments
After a prostatectomy, nearly 47% of patients experience moderate to severe ED.9
Prostate cancer itself will not cause ED, but radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and radical prostatectomy can lead to difficulty in getting or keeping an erection. While ED related to prostate cancer treatment can be temporary, many guys experience ongoing difficulties that need to be addressed by other means.
Understand your treatment options
Whether your journey with ED is just beginning or you have already tried the blue pills, it’s important to learn about all available treatment options, including penile implants.
Talk to a specialist
It might feel embarrassing to talk about ED. But finding a solution starts by having a candid conversation with a qualified urologist who specializes in erectile dysfunction. They can answer your questions, explain your treatment options, and help you take the next step toward reclaiming control – and your confidence.10
Have questions? Need support? We’re here to help!
Call or chat online with a member of our Coloplast Guided Support team. We can answer your questions and connect you with a local qualified urologist who specializes in ED.
References
1 Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Urology Care Foundation. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/e/erectile-dysfunction-(ed). Accessed January 2024.
2 Burnett AL, Nehra A, Breau RH, Culkin DJ, Faraday MM, Hakim LS, Heidelbaugh J, Khera M, McVary KT, Miner MM, Nelson CJ, Sadeghi-Nejad H, Seftel AD, Shindel AW. Erectile Dysfunction: AUA Guideline. J Urol. 2018 Sep;200(3):633-641.
3 Bajic P, Mahon J, Faraday M, Sadeghi-Nejad H, Hakim L, McVary KT. Etiology of Erectile Dysfunction and Duration of Symptoms in Patients Undergoing Penile Prosthesis: A Systematic Review. Sex Med Rev. 2020 Apr;8(2):333-337.
4 Gandaglia G, Briganti A, Jackson G, Kloner RA, Montorsi F, Montorsi P, Vlachopoulos C. A systematic review of the association between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Eur Urol. 2014 May;65(5):968-78.
5 What is Coronary Heart Disease? NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/coronary-heartdisease. Accessed May 2024.
6 Diabetes, Sexual & Bladder Problems. NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventingproblems/sexual-bladder-problems. Accessed May 2024.
7 Segundo A, Glina S. Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Erectile Dysfunction Associated With Peyronie’s Disease Among Men Seeking Urological Care. Sex Med. 2020 Jun;8(2):230-236.
8 Penile curvature (Peyronie’s Disease). NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/penile-curvaturepeyronies-disease. Accessed May 2024.
9 Tsikis ST, Nottingham CU, Faris SF. The Relationship Between Incontinence and Erectile Dysfunction After Robotic Prostatectomy: Are They Mutually Exclusive? J Sex Med. 2017 Oct;14(10):1241-1247
10 Data on file at Coloplast.
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