Erectile dysfunction

What is the cause of impotence?

The process of attaining an erection is a complex interplay between the nervous system, blood vessels, hormones and psyche. Accordingly, the causes of impotence are very varied. In the case of older men, they tend to be of an organic nature. They include :

• Chronic heart and circulatory disorders. Arteriosclerosis is the most common cause. But it can also initiated by high blood pressure and the risk factor of cholesterol.
• Diabetes mellitus
• Chronic liver and kidney disease
• Pelvic surgery (for instance on the prostate or colon)
• Hormonal disorders (e.g. testosterone deficiency)
• Disorders of the nervous system
• Medication, alcohol, smoking

In only 20 % of cases does impotence have a psychological cause, particularly in the age group up to 35 years.
The concrete cause of impotence must be located before the doctor is able to treat it effectively. But it is not just the treatment of impotence that is of importance to the patient. It is frequently an early warning signal of the aforementioned diseases. If left untreated, it can lead to a serious health hazard for the patient.