Surgery: Surgery to the pelvis, and especially prostate surgery for prostate cancer, can damage the nerves and arteries that are required to gain and maintain an erection. Peyronie's disease: This disease causes fibres and plaques to appear in the genitals, interrupting blood flow.Ĭancer: Cancer can interfere with nerves or arteries that are vital to erection. Frequently, erectile dysfunction is the first noticeable symptom of cardiovascular disease. Such circulatory problems are the number one cause of erectile dysfunction. Diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, clots, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) can all interfere with this process.
Here are some of the most common causes:Ĭirculatory problems: An erection occurs when the penis fills with blood and a valve at the base of the penis traps it.
A wide range of diseases, medications, injuries, and psychological problems can cause erectile dysfunction.
