FAQ’s on the causes of Erectile Dysfunction

5 minutes

Most of the men seek help online for their Erectile Dysfunction problems. Here are some answers to some of the questions asked about the causes of erectile dysfunction.

What examples of medicines could cause erectile dysfunction?

The side effects of many medicines can be so broad it may be difficult to list everything here. However, there are some common meds that are known to sometimes cause ED. Most anti-hypertensive meds will be supportive of reversing ED symptoms, however, lisinopril is one anti-hypertensive known to sometimes cause ED. The mechanism is not clear here, although lisinopril is known to sometimes reduce free testosterone so this could be the reason. Anti-depressant drugs of all types are the meds that most often are known to both reduce sex drive and cause ED issues. Wellbutrin, sertraline, fluoxetine, and citalopram all have shown some evidence of causing ED. Coincidentally citalopram in small doses is sometimes used as a medication to treat premature ejaculation.

Does Bicycling Cause Erectile Dysfunction and Impotence in Men?

While not known specifically to cause ED, intense amounts of cycling can cause issues in the groin, penis, and prostate. The seated position found in biking can lead to extra pressure on these areas of the anatomy and has been known to cause acute prostatitis although there is no known link to prostate cancer or other chronic prostate concern specifically. Biking is also known to potentially cause spermatoceles and/or varicoceles in the scrotum. These conditions are not known to lead to ED either, however, any change to the tissue has potential for leading to pain with erections or ejaculation which can be seen as ED in one way. One should always do a regular testicle self-check to notice if anything is new, different, or painful. As well if any new symptoms of increased frequency of urination or pain with urination occur once should seek care.

Does diabetes cause erectile dysfunction?

Diabetes does not likely cause ED specifically. However, as diabetes advances, it tends to damage the blood vessels, especially the small vessels that are found in the corpus cavernosum of the penis. If these vessels become compromised or damaged then ED is very typical to follow. Type 2 diabetes is by far the more common diabetes and since it is a progressive disease ED is not likely to be an initial symptom of the condition. But it certainly could be a sign the disease has progressed further and is a reason for further investigation. The good news is that despite diabetes complications ED can be treated usually very successfully with either oral or injectable medications.

Can too much porn and masturbation cause erectile dysfunction?

Certainly, this is a newer condition. I have seen this at my clinic more frequently in younger men the past couple of years. With the prevalence and availability of pornography now it is not surprising. It tends to manifest as a sort of tolerance to sexual stimulation, typically visual. But it can be more serious, meaning despite arousal the patient will not be able to achieve the same quality of erection as previously. I would not say in every instance this is the case and by no means does pornography cause this in all patients, but it certainly is possible and appears to be more and more common.

Does high blood pressure cause erection problems?

High blood pressure or hypertension is generally a condition that develops slowly over time. The body may have to continue to increase blood pressure for a number of reasons. This increase in pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels all over the body. Sometimes this damage is repaired and sometimes it causes further problems. If the blood vessels in the penis are damaged, this can lead to ED issues. Typical ED medications like sildenafil or tadalafil are blood vessel dilators and tend to reduce blood pressure. While these medicines are not a replacement for traditional anti-hypertensives, ED meds can reduce blood pressure more than it should cause other potential issues. One should never take more than the prescribed amount of ED medications, and you should check with a doctor if you are taking any blood pressure medications before starting ED meds of any kind.

Why might a vegan diet cause erectile dysfunction?

There is no definitive scientific connection between specific diets and ED per se. There could be a speculative argument for why a vegan diet could potentially set one up for ED. Often a vegan diet tends to have a smaller amount of fat and cholesterol intake. Cholesterol and good fats are necessary for testosterone production. While not entirely dependent on testosterone, ED can sometimes be caused by lower than optimal testosterone. Of course, a vegan diet is shown to reduce the incidence of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions that can also lead to ED. It is clear there is competing evidence. If you think your diet is leading to ED I would suggest getting your serum and free testosterone checked.

One should always check with a physician to ensure they are healthy enough to take medications that treat ED, but beyond this ED may suggest other health concerns, so listen to your body and make sure you get this checked out. Talking and Discussing Erectile Dysfunction not only improves your sexual life but also helps to preserve your relationship.“The ED Clinic” offers a variety of medication and simple on-line intake. Get your erectile dysfunction issue in front of some of the best physicians in the field from the comfort of your own home.

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