Erectile dysfunction can be caused by numerous factors. Whether it’s stress at the workplace, depression at home, or making the wrong dietary choices, erectile dysfunction can strike at seemingly any moment. But while most men would quickly write off the occasional missed erection as a fluke, it’s not wise to be so cavalier about erectile dysfunction. You might equate ED with a less-than-stellar love life, it might also be an early indicator of internal health issues.
Your erection lives and dies thanks to your cardiovascular system. To achieve an erection, your penis requires a steady supply of blood, which causes the penis to engorge and go to work. If something is slowing blood flow in the body, your penis will struggle to achieve an erection.
While there are many things that can cause your heart to struggle to supply the body with blood, one of the most common causes is atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis causes the blood vessels to become clogged with plaque. This plaque buildup starts in the smaller arteries, which includes the arteries leading to the penis. This plaque greatly reduces blood flow, and can lead to a litany of health issues within the body, including erectile dysfunction.
You may think that this plaque can be eliminated with healthy living and exercise, but that is not always the case. If left unchecked, this plaque buildup can worsen and can lead to aneurysms, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
If you struggle with heart disease or have recently found yourself unable to achieve an erection, consult a doctor. Atherosclerosis can be a serious affliction, and could spell an early grave if not treated. While being unable to achieve an erection is embarrassing, it may very well save your life if treated properly.