Some experts believe that up to 80% of all cases of ED may be due to physiological causes, the remaining 20% are psychological factors. Nevertheless, in many cases there are both aspects. Below are some risk factors or causes of ED.

Risk factors / causes of ED

Physiological causes
Vascular disease: Arteriosclerosis (walls of arteries thicken and lose elasticity), heart failure or stroke, hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol levels cause inadequate blood flow to the penis. Vascular diseases – the most common cause of ED.

Diabetes: This chronic disease can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) and blood vessels (angiopathy), through which enters the blood to the penis. In 2 of 3 men with diabetes may develop ED.

Neurological disorders: Neurological disorders include spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, peripheral nerve damage due to long-term diabetes or alcoholism.

Hormonal disorders: Lack of male sex hormone testosterone can also cause ED.

Surgical operations: Operation of the colon, rectum, or prostate, as well as radiotherapy of the pelvis may damage nerves and blood vessels, which can lead to erectile dysfunction.

Injuries:

Spinal cord injury
Pelvic trauma

Chronic diseases: if you suffer from chronic illness, ask your doctor whether it can affect your sexual health.

Side effects of drug administration: There is a large amount of drugs sold as a prescription and without it, which could potentially provoke ED. If after receiving the new drug you are experiencing problems with erectile dysfunction, ask your doctor about possible side effects of the drug, as well as the existing alternatives.

Lifestyles
Alcohol: Alcohol, as used in large doses, negatively affects your erection. Prolonged, excessive drinking can lead to liver damage, nervous disorders and metabolic male hormones.

A sedentary lifestyle: Lack of exercise can lead to the development of ED.

Smoking: According to clinical trials in this area, smokers have a greater chance of developing ED than nonsmokers.

Psychological reasons
Psychological factors can cause ED by themselves or in combination with the physiological factors.

Uncertainty in its strength: If a man feels uncertainty about his sexual abilities, then this may affect the erection.

Stress: Stress can negatively affect the erection.

Depression: As in men suffering from erectile dysfunction, can develop depression, and men suffering from depression may be likely to develop ED.

The problem in the couple: In the event of couples have problems that are associated with sexual, financial and other aspects, they can adversely affect your ability to erect.