Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection firm enough for penetration and sexual performance despite being sexually stimulated. The root causes can be vascular, psychological, neurologic, and/or hormonal. Common diseases which may contribute to ED include diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia, testosterone deficiency, and treatment of prostate or testicular cancers. Common psychological causes are relationship problems, anxiety and depression. Other conditions can be tobacco use, substance abuse or medications such as antidepressants.

If erectile dysfunction is an ongoing issue, it can cause stress, affect your self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems. ED can also be a sign of an underlying health condition and a risk factor for heart disease.

ED symptoms might include persistent:

• Trouble getting an erection
• Trouble keeping an erection
• Reduced sexual desire

Although you do not need a referral for coming to “MedAmor Men’s Health Clinic”, your family doctor may be the first person you should see when you have erectile problems. In MedAmor Clinic you will be seen by a family physician as well. Seek help from the doctor if:

• You have problems with erections or you’re experiencing other sexual problems such as premature or delayed ejaculation
• You have diabetes, heart disease or other health conditions that might contribute to erectile dysfunction
• You have other symptoms along with erectile dysfunction.

Male sexual arousal is a complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Any of these can cause ED. Likewise, stress and mental health concerns can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.

Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological issues causes erectile dysfunction. For instance, a minor physical condition that slows your sexual response might cause anxiety about maintaining an erection. The resulting anxiety can lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction.

ED may be a sign of an underlying disease, and this is why it is very important to see a doctor soon; because you may have a disease like diabetes that you are not aware of! Other common conditions contributing to ED are high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, atherosclerosis (clogged blood vessels), high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome (a condition involving increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, high cholesterol and body fat around the waist), some medications and many others.

Some conditions can interfere with sexual feelings and cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. These include:

• Anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions
• Stress
• Relationship problems due to poor communication or any of the above conditions