Erectile dysfunction is most often depicted as an unfortunate result of nerves or stress, but there are actually many more factors that may contribute to impotence. These factors can be mental (such as depression), or they can be physical in nature. In the following article, we answer the question: what is the link between overall health and erectile dysfunction? We discuss multiple connections, including the following:
Erectile dysfunction refers to the recurring inability to achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for sex. Ongoing erectile dysfunction can cause stress and anxiety, affect self-confidence, and contribute to relationship problems. Issues with getting or maintaining an erection can also be linked to underlying health concerns like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease.
The most common causes of erectile dysfunction include the following physical and mental conditions:
Maintaining a firm erection requires multiple parts of the body to work in unison, including the immune system, blood vessels, and central nervous system. When one of these parts is out of order, it can become difficult for men to achieve an erection firm enough for sex. Erectile dysfunction is linked to a variety of health conditions including the following:
In the following few paragraphs, we will review a few of the physical conditions that have been linked to an increased risk of erectile dysfunction.
Smoking weed involves the consumption of cannabis, a classified drug that contains the psychoactive cannabinoid THC. This element has been known to decrease blood flow, thus inhibiting the body's ability to maintain a proper erection. Studies show that mild marijuana smoking does not cause ED, but excessive use can significantly worsen the condition.
Erectile dysfunction refers to the recurring inability to achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for sex. Ongoing erectile dysfunction can cause stress and anxiety, affect self-confidence, and contribute to relationship problems. Issues with getting or maintaining an erection can also be linked to underlying health concerns like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease.
Belly fat is often the result of an increase in weight, usually brought on by health conditions, a poor diet, or a lack of exercise. Overweight and obesity can significantly increase a person's risk for developing erectile dysfunction because they impair the entire body's function. Healthy erections depend on two primary factors: sexual desire and blood flow. Without either one, the body cannot produce a firm enough erection.
When you feel sexually stimulated, your nervous system releases neurotransmitters in the erectile tissue of your penis. This produces a chemical reaction that widens your blood vessels and increases blood flow. As blood flows into the penis, it becomes firm enough for sex.
High levels of body fat can inhibit the body's ability to produce an erection in multiple ways:
Stress affects the body in both psychological and physical ways. Experiencing ongoing stress can cause a list of symptoms that are known to contribute to erectile dysfunction, including the following:
Drinking large amounts of alcohol can make it very difficult to achieve an erection. This is because alcohol interferes with the messengers in the brain that enable the penis to fill with blood and become erect. Sexual thoughts or stimulation of the genital region activate the parasympathetic nervous system. These neurotransmitters control the reaction of the muscles around the penis, which contribute to the body's ability to produce an erection. Consuming large amounts of alcohol frequently can damage nerves and in rare cases, even make it impossible for a man to achieve an erection.
Erectile dysfunction is highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease, affecting more than 70% of these individuals according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine.
Lack of sleep disrupts many of the body's most important functions, affecting the nervous system, immune system, and cardiovascular system. Over time, lack of sleep can significantly increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Sexually, it has been linked to a low libido, in addition to erectile dysfunction. One study found that prolonged lack of sleep significantly decreases testosterone levels in men, which can also cause low libido and sexual health.
A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot in muscle tissue. In and of itself, it is unlikely to cause erectile dysfunction. However, hernias are known to contribute to other health conditions that have been linked to erectile dysfunction.
Studies show that only 25% of men who experience erectile dysfunction actually receive treatment. For those who do seek treatment, the prescription medications sildenafil and tadalafil have been proven to be effective. Tadalafil controls an enzyme in the body that increases blood flow to the genital region.
Interested in learning more about how tadalafil improves blood flow and solves erectile dysfunciton? Check out our blog on tadalafil where we discuss its uses, warnings, side effects, and more.
Click here to start your erectile dysfunction treatment at Cloud9 Healthcare today.
Erectile dysfunction is most often depicted as an unfortunate result of nerves or stress, but there are actually many more factors that may contribute to impotence. These factors can be mental (such as depression), or they can be physical in nature.
