Physical erectile disorder (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection due to a medical or physical condition rather than psychological factors.
The following are some common causes of physical ED:Vascular problems: Conditions that reduce blood flow to the genital area, such as high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
Neurological disorders include conditions that affect nerves responsible for erections, such as Parkinson's, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.
Anatomical problems include physical abnormalities and injuries of the penis, prostate, or pelvic structures.
Hormonal imbalances can include low testosterone levels or other hormonal imbalances which may affect sexual function.
Metabolic disorders include conditions such as obesity, high cholesterol or metabolic syndrome. These can lead to hormonal and vascular issues.
Medication: Some medications such as antidepressants and chemotherapies can cause erectile problems as a side-effect.
If you have physical ED, treating your underlying medical conditions or addressing any physical causes may resolve or improve your erectile problems. Depending on the cause, treatment options include medications like Viagra or Cialis, devices such as vacuum pumps or penile implant, hormone replacement therapy or surgical interventions.
The treatment methods for
physical ED and psychological ED may be different. A medical evaluation will help to identify the cause and determine the best treatment plan.
