What causes impotence?
The penis consists of three blocks of erectile tissue, which are basically spongy cavities. Two of these blocks are at the back of the penis and the third surrounds the urethra (the tube through which urine is passed). An erection occurs when blood flows into these spaces, making the penis stiff and hard. The extra blood inside the penis allows the man to keep his erection until he reaches his sexual climax (has an orgasm). After the orgasm, the blood flows away from the penis and it becomes soft again.
Erections can be triggered through smell, sound, touch, sight or imagination (thinking something sexual).
Very often impotence has more than one cause. The causes of impotence can be divided into two categories, psychological and physical or it may be a combination of the two.
A psychological cause can be temporary or long standing and is a more common cause of impotence in men under 35. The most common psychological factors that can cause impotence are as follows:
- Stress.
- Depression.
- Guilt.
- Unresolved gay feelings.
- Relationship difficulties.
- Sexual boredom.
- Bereavement - the loss of a loved one is a common cause of impotence.
- Mental exhaustion and tiredness.
- Worry.
The cause of impotence in men over 35 years of age is usually a physical problem. The most common physical problems that can cause impotence are as follows:
- High blood pressure.
- A specific illness, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis.
- Injury or major surgery to the pelvic area.
- High cholesterol.
- Age - as men get older there can be changes in circulation or occasionally testosterone levels can fall.
- Atherosclerosis - a condition where the arteries which supply blood to the penis are hardened (blocked) and so the blood flow to the penis is reduced.
- Smoking.
- Drinking too much alcohol, also called “Brewers Droop”.
- Drug abuse.
- Side effects of medical treatment, such as drugs used to treat blood pressure.