Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence)

A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.

It is possible to develop erectile dysfunction with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing erectile dysfunction. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your healthcare provider what you can do to reduce your risk.

Risk factors include:
Age

The incidence of erectile dysfunction rises with age, with about 5% at age 40, to 15%-25% at age 65 and older.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction, including:

    Diabetes
    Cardiovascular disease
    Arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries)
    Chronic kidney disease
    Cirrhosis
    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
    Peyronie's disease (bending of the penis caused by scar tissue)
    Endocrine disorders (hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism , hypothyroidism , hyperprolatinemia, Cushing syndrome )
    Neurological disorders (such as multiple sclerosis , peripheral neuropathy , stroke )
    Myotonic dystrophy
    Hypertension (high blood pressure)
    Psychiatric disorders (such as anxiety , depression , schizophrenia )
    Psychological problems (stress, personal relationships, new partners)

Traumatic Conditions

Trauma, whether through an accident or surgery, can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction. Trauma includes:

    Vascular surgery
    Urologic surgery, such as prostate surgery
    Pelvic surgeries (particularly for prostate cancer)
    Spinal cord injury

Behaviors

Certain behaviors can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction, including:

    Alcohol use
    Illegal drug use (eg, heroin, marijuana)
    Anabolic steroid use
    Heavy smoking

Medications

Certain medications can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction, including:

    Antihypertensives
    Antihistamines
    Antidepressants
    Tranquilizers
    Antipsychotics
    Histamine blockers
    Nicotine

If you suspect a medication may be affecting your sexual functioning, talk with your doctor. Do not stop taking a medication without talking to your doctor first.

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Risk Factors Leading to Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a result of several bad habits and risk factors. Erections become protracted, weak and may take require greater tactility to occur with age. The dysfunction is more pronounced in old men who suffer ill health and consume certain drugs that reduce erections.

Chronic long term ailments of the lungs, kidneys, liver, nerves, arteries, veins and heart can cause erectile malfunction. Endocrine disorders like diabetes also produce similar effects. Erections also fail to occur when atherosclerosis hampers adequate blood flow to the penis. Low testosterone levels or male hypogonadism and obesity also cause erectile dysfunction.

Metabolic syndrome which is a state that features abdomen fat, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels also cause erection failure.

Medicines like antidepressants, antihistamines, sedatives, tranquilizers and drugs that can cure high blood pressure, prostate cancer and pain hinder neurotic impulses and blood circulation to the penis causing erection failure.

When you hurt your spine or pelvis and damage nerves that regulate erections you may suffer from erection malfunction. Some surgeries like those used to cure rectal, bladder or prostate cancer may also lead to erectile dysfunction.

Stress, mental worry and mental dejection are psychosomatic reasons for erection failure.

Riding of a bike over a long period of time causes pro-tem penile freeze and erectile dysfunction due to the pressure of the seat. This constricts nerves and reduces blood flow to the penis, weakening erections.

Bad habits like smoking limits blood circulation in the veins and arteries causing erectile failure. Alcohol and marijuana abuse leads to reduced sexual desire and erectile dysfunction.

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