What causes erectile dysfunction?

Doctors classify the causes of erectile dysfunction into three main categories: organic, psychogenic, and mixed. Organic causes, which are the most common, are often related to age-related changes in blood vessel walls. Psychogenic causes, on the other hand, are not associated with any physiological disorders and are typically attributed to stress, chronic fatigue, or psychological trauma. Mixed causes involve a combination of both organic and psychogenic factors contributing to the development of the condition.

Men with depression have a 25-90% probability of developing erectile dysfunction, with young and middle-aged men being more susceptible. Psychotherapy plays a crucial role in treating these patients. Organic causes often involve changes in blood vessels, which can impede the natural erection process. The principle of erection can be partly compared to filling a bathtub with hot water: when the tap hole is closed with a plug and the crane is opened, the bath gradually fills. To empty it, the water supply must be blocked, and the plug removed. In cases of vascular disease, such as cholesterol plaques, the filling of the cavernous bodies of the penis slows down, sometimes to the point where erection becomes impossible. In certain cases, the problem is due to a “leaky plug” – a vein pathology that causes blood to leave the penis too quickly, before the completion of sexual contact. If hormonal imbalance is the root cause of erectile dysfunction, it can affect the entire excitement mechanism, causing a man to lose interest in sex completely.

Erectile dysfunction can be not only an intimate issue but also an alarming symptom that should prompt a thorough vascular health check-up. Conditions such as coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes can progress at initial stages with minimal symptoms, gradually leading to life-threatening organism dysfunctions. Therefore, it's crucial not to delay a visit to a specialist, as it could save you from heart attacks, strokes, and hyperglycemic comas.

But should you be concerned if you experience a single “failure”? No. Doctors consider a situation pathological only if problems with erection occur in at least a quarter of sexual encounters. However, there are several signs that should prompt expert consultation:

• Lack of morning erection
• Inability to achieve erection during masturbation
• Slow emergence of erection during arousal or its total absence
• Rapid ejaculation

In cases of organic erectile dysfunction, these symptoms typically progress gradually and may be accompanied by a loss of interest in sex. If psychological problems are the primary cause, there are usually no signs of disorders outside of sexual relations, with morning erections remaining unaffected and difficulties persisting during sexual encounters.

Timely intervention and seeking medical advice are crucial for addressing erectile dysfunction and potentially uncovering underlying health issues. Regular self-examinations and professional check-ups can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and recovery.