Health Conditions

What are the risk factors?

Numerous physical and emotional risk factors may contribute to erectile dysfunction. Many of these risk factors are similar to the causes of the disorder. Risk factors may include the following:

• Physical diseases, disorders, or conditions - Chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), thyroid diseases and disorders affecting the nerves are risk factors for developing erectile dysfunction. Also, men greater than the age of 40 are at risk for developing erectile dysfunction.

• Surgery or trauma- surgeries to treat the bladder, rectum, or prostate can also result in erectile dysfunction; erectile dysfunction can also result from injury to the pelvic area or spinal cord.

• Prescription medications - Certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, medications used to treat anxiety disorders and high blood pressure, anticholinergics (e.g. diphenhydramine, benztropine, and atropine), cimetidine, and digoxin have been shown to contribute to erectile dysfunction. If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if any of your medications may be the cause.

• Nonphysical disorders - Stress, depression, anxiety, or even negative feelings toward a sexual partner can cause erectile dysfunction.

• Substance abuse - Alcohol, anabolic steroids, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana have also been shown to lead to erectile dysfunction.