Common Causes

Physical factors:

• Cardiovascular problems (e.g., high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart disease)

• Diabetes (can damage blood vessels and nerves)

• Hormonal imbalances (low testosterone, thyroid issues)

• Obesity and metabolic syndrome

• Neurological disorders (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury)

• Medication side effects (certain blood pressure meds, antidepressants, antihistamines)

• Alcohol, smoking, or drug use

Psychological factors:

• Stress, anxiety, depression

• Relationship problems

• Performance anxiety

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider may:

• Take a medical and sexual history

• Conduct a physical exam

• Order blood tests (hormones, blood sugar, cholesterol)

• Sometimes perform specialized tests like penile Doppler ultrasound

Treatment Options

• Lifestyle changes: Exercise regularly, eat a heart-healthy diet, lose excess weight, quit smoking, reduce alcohol, manage stress.

• Medications: PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra).

• Hormone therapy: If low testosterone is confirmed.

• Psychological counseling: Especially if anxiety, depression, or relationship issues are contributing.

• Devices procedures: Vacuum erection devices, penile injections, or surgery (penile implants) if other treatments fail.

When to Seek Help Immediately

• Sudden ED after pelvic injury or surgery

• Painful erections

• ED combined with other symptoms like chest pain or leg swelling

If you’d like, I can also give you a step-by-step natural improvement plan that often helps men reverse mild to moderate ED without heavy medication.