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Causes of Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
 These may be divided into 2 categories.
Psychological
Psychological factors only account for about 10% of all cases of ED9 and result from nervous pressure and tension during lovemaking. Lack of confidence or the fear of failure causes a surge of adrenaline, which in turn, reduces the high blood flow needed by the penis to achieve or maintain an erection. This cycle tends to repeat itself until it becomes automatic and it can be difficult to break out of without help. Physical About 90% of cases of ED are caused by physical factors usually attributable to vascular disease. To become erect, the penis requires a very healthy blood flow and even a marginal reduction in flow can cause erection problems (referred to as “vascular insufficiency”). Physical ED can be related to - Diabetes
- Hypertension
- High blood cholesterol
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Arteriosclerosis (hardening and thickening of the arteries)
- Poor overall circulation
- Certain types of medication
Often a cause cannot be found. It is not uncommon for ED to present in an otherwise healthy person.
 
Mechanisims of an erection: Flaccid State Mechanisims of an erection: Erect State
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