Although every man faces erectile dysfunction issues as they age, some younger individuals also experience this problem, affecting the quality of sexual intercourse.
What are the factors that cause male erectile dysfunction?
1. Related to medication
Excessive use of diuretics can affect penile blood flow, weaken muscle strength, and prevent normal erection of the penis. Antidepressants, medications for enlarged prostate, anticonvulsants, and hair loss treatments can all cause erectile dysfunction, and some medications can irreversibly damage the nerves in the erection system.
2. Overweight, prolonged cell phone use
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of erectile dysfunction by more than three times, as these individuals are prone to diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, which are closely related to impotence. Moreover, spending more than 4 hours a day using a cell phone increases the risk of erectile dysfunction, as the electromagnetic waves emitted by phones affect sexual performance.
3. Prolonged sitting
People who sit for long periods may not have enough time to exercise, which can suppress libido and affect the quality of sexual life. Moderate exercise not only helps in weight loss but also improves cardiovascular function, increases overall blood flow, and raises testosterone levels. Additionally, men who ride bicycles for prolonged periods should be cautious as the hard and angular saddle puts pressure on arteries and nerves, reducing blood flow to the penis and leading to erectile dysfunction.
4. Heart disease or enlarged prostate
Excessive smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and poor diet can lead to heart disease and high cholesterol, causing arteries to narrow, reducing blood flow to the penis and heart, weakening erectile function. As men age, testosterone levels undergo significant changes, leading to prostate enlargement, which can cause pain during sexual intercourse and eventually result in sexual disinterest.
5. Smoking and diabetes
Tobacco contains a high amount of acetic acid, which accumulates fatty acids on arterial walls, narrowing blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the penis. Nicotine in cigarettes causes blood vessel constriction, restricting blood circulation. Additionally, if diabetes is not effectively managed, it can cause damage to nerves and blood vessels, impeding blood flow to the penis, resulting in erectile dysfunction.
Qujing Jiuzhou Hospital kindly advises male friends to quit smoking and alcohol, avoid prolonged sitting, stand up and move every hour for 10 minutes, avoid prolonged cycling, steer clear of high-calorie and high-fat foods, and actively control body weight.
