MedifocusHealth

A risk factor is anything that increases the chances of a person developing a disease or condition. Risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) include:

• Advancing age - up to 50% of men age 50 experience ED and this number increases to 70% by age 70

• Chronic diseases:

  • diabetes
  • heart disease
  • hypertension
  • high cholesterol/lipid levels in the bloodstream
  • chronic kidney failure
  • chronic liver disease
  • peripheral vascular disease
  • prostate disease

• Endocrine (hormonal) disorders:

  • hypogonadism - inadequate function of the testes
  • thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism; hyperthyroidism)
  • hyperprolactinemia - excessive levels of prolactin in the blood
  • tumors of the pituitary gland

• Nervous system disorders:

  • spinal cord injuries
  • multiple sclerosis
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • stroke

• Malformations or injuries of the penis:

  • Peyronie's disease - scarring of the shaft of the penis that can interfere with normal erections
  • priapism - a persistent, painful erection of the penis not associated with sexual arousal
  • curvarture of the penis acquired at birth
  • trauma to the penis

• Medications:

  • antihypertensive medications (e.g., diuretics; Beta blockers)
  • antidepressant medications (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
  • hormonal medications (e.g., antiandrogens)
  • some anticancer medications used for chemotherapy
  • H2-receptor blockers - a group of medications that are used to prevent the release of stomach acid and are used to treat heartburn and stomach ulcers

• Psychological factors:

  • depression
  • sexual performance anxiety
  • interpersonal relationship problems
  • psyhological stress

• Lifestyle factors:

  • smoking
  • obesity
  • alcohol abuse
  • lack of physical activity and exercise

• Pelvic factors:

  • trauma to the pelvis
  • surgery and/or radiation therapy to the pelvic area