Five Common Causes of Erectile Dysfunction in Men Over 40

Erectile Dysfunction is a sexual dysfunction that prevents a man from achieving or maintaining an erection suitable for sexual intercourse. Millions of men face symptoms of this embarrassing condition,  so you are not alone.

The causes of erectile dysfunction are generally due to a physical or mental condition, such as heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes or stress that decreases blood flow.

These issues can block nerve stimulation from the brain to the penis necessary for sexual arousal and increased blood flow to the penis necessary for an erection.

Medical research shows there are generally common factors that cause erectile dysfunction.  This article will address the  5 most common causes of erectile dysfunction.

Here are the Five Most Common Causes of Erectile Dysfunction in Men Over 40:

1. Diabetes:

Due to poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and insulin resistance, many young men now have Type II Diabetes.  This condition causes many health issues, such as heart disease, high blood, and insulin resistance, which puts a major strain on the heart, which over time can limit blood flow to the penis and eventually cause erectile dysfunction in young men.

2. Alcohol and Drug Use:

The use of alcohol and elicit drugs can cause erectile dysfunction due to to the impact these substances have on the central nervous system.  The central nervous system directs all of the body’s major functions, such as blood flow and oxygen levels, and proper organ function.  When drugs and alcohol are consumed, they act as a depressant on the central nervous system and can prevent the brain from sending chemical signals of sexual desire or can prevent the body from responding to these chemical messages, such as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection, and having a lack of sexual desire.

3. Stress/anxiety:

Stress and anxiety are common issues today.  From work and home life issues, this is resulting physical and emotional dilemmas causing potentially debilitating heath issues.   Stress and anxiety actually causes the body to release the stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol, which is known as the fight or flight response.

Under normal situations, hormone levels return to normal and healthy sexual function returns.  In situations when the affects of the stress hormones are chronic, this can lead to erectile dysfunction.

These affects prevent the body from responding to sexual desire stimulation and thus, results in erection problems.

4. Smoking Cigarettes:

The use of nicotine is one of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction in young men.  Cigarettes contain over 3,000 carcinogens that affect the body.  Prolonged exposure to the toxins in cigarette can cause plaque build up on the smooth inner lining of the blood vessels.

This plaque build up makes it more difficult for blood to flow easily throughout the blood, causes stiffening of the blood vessels and arteries, called cardiovascular disease, raises blood pressure which causes inflammation in the body and ultimately makes the heart work harder, and this stress and strain will lead to ED as the body directs blood away from the penis to the brain and major organs of the body.

5. Lack of Interest:

Are you interested in your partner, or is there a lack of sexual desire?  People tend to avoid discussing the issue of lack of sexual interest with their partner for fear of causing an argument or the relationship may end.  As a result, the lack of interest or lack of sexual desire can cause erectile dysfunction.

Interest creates desire.  Desire triggers chemical responses in the brain that elevates heart rate, increases breathing.  Signals from the brain tell the body to prepare for sex.  The brain releases nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels to allow more blood to flow to the penis.

 In Conclusion

While these five health issues can lead to the various causes of erectile dysfunction in men, it doesn’t have to mean the end of your ability to get an erection.  You can still enjoy a healthy sex life.  There are several remedies and treatments for these causes of erectile dysfunction.

Ken Weiss

Ken Weiss is a health blogger who is passionate about natural and holistic cures for men’s health issues. He is the founder of menshealthcures.com