When a man cannot achieve or maintain an erection for sexual activity, it’s called erectile dysfunction. Erection problems can be caused by physical conditions, psychological factors, or a combination of both. In most cases, erectile dysfunction is has a physical cause.
Many medical conditions can cause erectile dysfunction, including heart disease, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, low testosterone, and an enlarged prostate. Certain medications, tobacco use, alcoholism, substance abuse, and surgeries or injuries can also contribute to erection issues.
The brain plays in important role in sexual arousal, which means that a number of psychological factors can cause erectile dysfunction. Depression, anxiety, stress, relationship problems, and other mental health conditions can affect your ability to get and maintain an erection for sex. If you’ve been having issues with erectile dysfunction for several weeks or months, your doctor can help you determine the root cause and recommend the proper treatment.