Erectile Dysfunction Causes
Learn more with hub.health
Ultimately, the cause of erectile dysfunction is impaired blood flow to the penis. It sounds simple; however, male arousal is a complex process involving many moving parts.
Only after the underlying cause of ED has been identified can appropriate medical treatments be prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction.
Start a conversation with the hub.health medical team and take the first step toward better sexual health.
What causes erectile dysfunction?
From the nervous system to the blood vessels, muscles, hormones, and emotions, a healthy erection results from an entire chain of biological events. If one part of this chain isn’t functioning as it should, healthy blood flow to the penis can be compromised, leading to difficulty forming and sustaining an erection.
Certain health conditions, medications, substances, and physiological and psychological factors can also contribute to ED.
Physiological causes
Since erections result from healthy penile blood flow and involve the nervous system, ED is mainly caused by health conditions that impact blood flow and nerve function.
Cardiovascular health issues can inhibit blood flow to the penis. Obesity and metabolic syndrome can cause changes in blood pressure and cholesterol. Multiple sclerosis (MS) and local injuries that affect the nerves around the penis, spinal cord and pelvis can damage the nervous system.
Other health conditions contributing to ED include cardiovascular disease, heart disease, atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and hypertension. Some forms of vascular disease can also reduce blood flow, resulting in impaired sexual function.
Psychological causes
To initiate an erection, sexual arousal is necessary. Since sexual arousal starts in the brain, several psychological conditions can play a significant role in making normal erectile function not so normal.
Mental health issues, like depression and anxiety, not only affect erectile function, but they can also impact libido and sexual interest. Stress is another major factor in erectile dysfunction and decreased libido.
Medications and substances
Many commonly used prescription medications can affect the vascular and nervous systems, causing erectile dysfunction as a side effect. Other medications can affect the brain, making it more difficult to reach sexual arousal or sexual stimulation.
Nicotine use (cigarettes or vaping) can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction by harming the cardiovascular system. Excessive alcohol consumption is also linked to a higher risk of sexual dysfunction, including ED.
Medications that may cause or contribute to ED are:
- Medications that are used to treat high blood pressure
- Antidepressants
- Antiandrogens that are used to treat prostate cancer
- Some antihistamines
- Prescription medication sedatives that are used to treat anxiety and sleeping conditions
- Medications for Parkinson’s disease
Performance anxiety
Sexual performance anxiety is the feeling of nervousness and anxiety during sexual activity. When anxiety presents itself in the bedroom, the body releases more stress hormones, making it harder to relax, enjoy sex, and achieve longer-lasting erections.
Speaking with a medical professional is the first step to treating erectile dysfunction caused by performance anxiety. After a review of your medical history, sexual history, and current medications, your doctor may recommend prescription drugs to improve sexual performance and counselling with a sex therapist to build confidence between the sheets.
It’s time to look after your health
If finding the cause of ED is the first step towards improving sexual performance, treating erectile dysfunction is the next step. The hub.health medical team prescribes oral medications that are clinically proven in the treatment in ED.
Erectile dysfunction FAQs
How does ED treatment work with hub.health?
hub.health uses a secure digital health platform to provide discreet, convenient, and affordable access to erectile dysfunction treatment from an Australian based clinician, all from the privacy of your home.
After completing the online questionnaire, your assigned clinician will determine if you’re a candidate for ED treatment. If you’re successful, we’ll organise fast delivery to your door (we’ll even manage your repeats when they’re due). If your clinician identifies a potential risk in issuing ED treatment, they’ll likely refer you to an in-person GP for further review.
What ED treatments do you offer?
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) states, “The most common first-line therapy for ED is a PDE5 inhibitor”. So, hub.health doctors prescribe the most common PDE5 oral medications.
Can I speak with my assigned clinician at any time?
Of course! Our online platform enables ongoing support whenever you need it. To chat with your medical team, log into your profile, head to the ‘Products’ tab and select ‘Manage Treatment’. This is where you can message your clinician.
Our team is also available at [email protected] Drop us a line, anytime.
Discover more about what causes ED and how to manage the condition.
Learn about lifestyle factors and health conditions that commonly cause ED.
Symptoms
Learn more about the symptoms associated with erectile dysfunction.
Discover how the symptoms of ED can affect both your sexual health and everyday life.
Treatment
Find clinically proven ED treatments backed by 20 years of medical research.
Fix ED with easy, fast and convenient access to erectile dysfunction treatment.
Results
Experience successful results with effective ED treatments.
Research shows that 94% of men reported satisfaction with the effect of PDE-5 inhibitors on their erections.
ED treatment prescribed by an Australian based medical team.
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