erectile dysfunction > physical health

Several conditions prevent sufficient blood getting into the penis and so cause ED. These include diabetes and vascular disease such as the effects of long-standing high blood pressure and high cholesterol which cause furring-up of the blood vessels. There can also be problems with keeping the blood within the penis (veno-occlusive disease), resulting in erections that are quickly lost. Problems with the nervous system can affect the transmission of signals from the brain to the blood vessels in the penis. This occurs in conditions including multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, diabetes and Parkinson's disease. The nerves involved in sexual arousal can also be damaged in surgery to the pelvic area, such as removal of the prostate. In a number of cases, problems with testosterone and other hormone levels, can also affect erection.