Erection Problems

WHAT CAUSES IT?
Some things that can increase your risk for erection problems are outside your control. You can do plenty about others, though.

THINGS YOU CAN'T CHANGE
Age
The older you are, the higher your risk for impotence . That's because many of the problems that lead to impotence, such as clogged arteries, may worsen for years before they cause symptoms. Remember, though, that impotence is not a normal part of aging. Plenty of older men don't have erection problems at all, and many older men who do have problems recover fully with treatment and the right lifestyle changes.

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Disease or injury
Some diseases or injuries can cause erection problems . These include brain tumors , stroke , prostate problems , sickle-cell anemia , and brain or spinal cord injuries . Some men who spend a lot of time riding a bike have erection difficulties. That's because the narrow bicycle seat can damage arteries in the groin that supply blood to the penis.

Sometimes a treatment for another problem can cause impotence. In the case of prostate cancer , for instance, surgery to remove the cancer may damage the nerves that send signals to the penis. Not all prostate surgeries result in impotence, though.

THINGS YOU CAN CHANGE

Clogged or narrowed arteries
The most common physical cause of impotence is clogged arteries. Healthy arteries are smooth inside; blood flows through them easily. They become diseased when cholesterol , a fatlike substance carried in the blood, begins to streak their walls. Over time, these streaks build up, like rust in a pipe. The body tries to protect itself by growing tissue over the streaks which thicken and harden into a substance called plaque .

This slow clogging is called atherosclerosis . The process may begin in the late teens and continue to worsen for years. Symptoms often don't show up until arteries are already badly narrowed, though. If an artery in your heart becomes clogged, then your heart can't get enough blood and you may have symptoms of heart disease such as chest pain, or even a heart attack . If an artery that supplies blood to your penis narrows, then you may have trouble getting or keeping an erection .

High blood pressure
High blood pressure can raise your risk of erection problems by raising your risk of clogged arteries. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against artery walls as it flows. The pressure rises and falls throughout the day, but if it is higher than normal most of the time, it can damage your artery walls. This makes it easier for plaque to form and clog arteries. The higher your blood pressure, the greater your risk of problems. In fact, some experts think even if your blood pressure is in the normal range, the lower it is the better.

Too much fat and cholesterol
The more fat and cholesterol in the foods you eat-for instance, meat , eggs , or whole dairy products -the faster your arteries are likely to narrow and the more likely you are to have erection problems.

Diabetes
Diabetes is a flaw in the way your body uses the sugar it takes from food. If you have diabetes, you're more likely to have erection problems than someone who doesn't have diabetes. Experts think that's because diabetes , like high blood pressure, tends to promote the build-up of plaque on artery walls. Diabetes can also damage the nerves that lead to and from the penis. If you do have diabetes, there's plenty you and your doctor can to do keep it from causing problems.

Lack of exercise
The less active you are, the higher your risk of many of the problems that lead to impotence, including high blood pressure and diabetes .

Smoking
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do to your body. The nicotine and chemicals in smoke raise your risk of erection problems-they damage the insides of your blood vessels and raise your cholesterol and blood pressure levels, all of which speed the rate at which your arteries are likely to become clogged . Smoking also raises your risk of heart disease , heart attack , and lung cancer .

Drug use
Narcotics , cocaine , alcohol , and marijuana can all affect your nervous system , causing erection problems .

Hormones
Hormones are substances that circulate through your body and help control the activities of your cells. One of these hormones is testosterone , which is made in the testes. It helps control the sex drive and erections . If your level of testosterone is low, you may have trouble getting an erection. Fortunately, you can take pills, get shots, or use a testosterone patch to bring your level back to normal. The thyroid gland also makes hormones than can affect erections. Sometimes a thyroid problem such as an underactive thyroid will cause impotence . This can also be treated with medications .

Medications
Many prescription and even over-the-counter drugs can cause erection problems. These drugs include some used to treat high blood pressure, depression, allergies, and ulcers. Tranquilizers and sedatives can also cause impotence . If you're taking one of these drugs and are having problems, your doctor may be able to prescribe a drug that works just as well, but without the side effects.

Emotional problems
Sometimes lots of stress, on the job or at home, can cause erection problems . So can depression or low self-esteem , as well as " performance anxiety ." Problems with a relationship can also cause trouble.