Erection Problems (Erectile Dysfunction)

Your risk of having an erection problem increases with age. Other things that increase your risk include:

• Diseases that affect blood vessels, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. About half of men with diabetes develop erection problems.
• Diseases that affect nerves. These include multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.
• Medicines.
• Smoking or using tobacco.
• Other health problems, such as low Reference testosterone Opens New Window levels.
• Injuries to the pelvic area, a spinal cord injury, or treatment such as pelvic surgery or radiation in the pelvic area.
• Using substances, such as long-term (chronic) alcohol abuse.
• Psychological risk factors, such as Reference depression Opens New Window or a recent life change.

Activities that constrict blood flow to the penis may increase the risk for erection problems. For example, frequent long-distance bicycle riding on a hard, narrow saddle may increase risk. But the possible link between bike riding and erection problems has not been proved. Experts continue to debate this issue.

A Reference vasectomy Opens New Window usually doesn't cause erection problems. But pain after the operation may affect sexual performance for a time. And if a man wasn't comfortable with his decision to have a vasectomy, or if he's having second thoughts, it could affect him psychologically.

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