Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that prevents a person from getting and maintaining an erection during sexual intercourse. There are many different erectile dysfunction causes and symptoms and you need to understand the core cause before you can treat the symptom.

Erectile dysfunction causes

1. Physical health conditions
When there is a problem with proper blood flow in the body, it can lead to erectile dysfunction. Some of the health conditions that cause ED are:

• Clogged or blocked blood vessels
• Certain kinds of heart diseases
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol levels

2. Obesity
In the list of erectile dysfunction causes and symptoms, one of the common preventable causes is obesity. Obesity is excess weight gain with a BMI level of more than 30.0. Obesity gradually damages the blood vessels in the body and when the blood vessel that goes to the penis is damaged, it leads to erectile dysfunction. Men who are overweight and obese can get rid of ED by losing weight.

3. Smoking
Smoking is known to damage blood vessels in the body. It also leads to clogged arteries and veins. For excessive smokers, erectile dysfunction is a definite side-effect to be aware of.

4. Damage to the pelvic area
If a particular accident or an injury affects the pelvic area, it can cause temporary or permanent erectile dysfunction.

5. Mental health conditions
Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress can negatively affect the body and cause a decline in sexual interest. This is one of the most common causes of temporary erectile dysfunction. The condition gets better when the person learns to relax.

Signs of erectile dysfunction

1. Trouble getting an erection
One of the telltale signs in the list of erectile dysfunction causes and symptoms is difficulty getting an erection.

2. Difficulty in maintaining an erection
Some people do get an erection initially but are not able to maintain it long enough to have sexual intercourse. This is also one of the common signs of erectile dysfunction.

3. Declining interest in sex
A man who had ample interest in sex in the past may suddenly start avoiding it and make excuses. Some men find it difficult to talk to their partners about the lack of an erection and they may fake disinterest.

4. Stress, anxiety, and anger
Erectile dysfunction may be such a difficult topic to handle that men may start getting anxious and stressed even about the thought of having sex. Stress and anxiety make the condition worse and this works like a vicious cycle.

Erectile dysfunction is very common in men and is not something you should be ashamed or worried about. Learn the erectile dysfunction causes and symptoms and talk to your doctor if you find yourself showing the above signs. The condition can be easily handled with medication and lifestyle changes.