Understanding what can cause impotence in men, whether physical factors like Peyronie’s Disease or psychological factors like anxiety, can be an important step in pursuing a healthier sexual life. Check out the main reasons this might happen to you.
9 main causes of sexual impotence in men
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by physical or psychological factors, mainly by:
1. Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s Disease is characterized by the development of fibrous tissue inside the penis, causing penile curvature and potentially leading to loss of size and thinning. The condition can also result in pain and difficulty maintaining an erection.
Whether due to attempts at penetration with the deformity or the severity of the fibrous tissue, men may experience a loss of penile rigidity, and consequently, erectile dysfunction.
2. Structural changes in the penis
Some congenital changes in the penis alter its anatomy, leading to consequences such as erectile dysfunction. This is the case with penile curvature in young men and hypospadias.
3. Neurological problems
Mainly in older men, neurological diseases represent a risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or those with spinal cord injuries may suffer from interference in the nerve signals that trigger erections.
4. Hormonal imbalances
Low testosterone levels can cause not only a loss of libido but also erectile dysfunction. Other hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid issues, can also impact sexual life and should be considered when addressing what causes impotence in men.
5. Alcohol, cigarette, and drug use
The use of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs can affect erectile function by damaging blood vessels and nerves, and also causing hormonal imbalances when used in excess. These substances also affect the central nervous system and can reduce sexual arousal.
6. Obesity
Obesity is a risk factor for erectile dysfunction. It is associated with cardiovascular problems and hormonal imbalances, as well as changes in the penis, which may be covered by the abdomen in some cases.
7. Diabetes
Diabetes causes erectile dysfunction due to nerve and blood vessel damage. Additionally, diabetes can lead to hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone levels, and increase the risk of atherosclerosis, which also compromises blood circulation.
8. Psychological problems
Anxiety, depression, and stress can affect the ability to achieve or maintain an erection. Social pressure or expectations about sexual performance can contribute to unsatisfactory performance.
9. Continuous use of medication for chronic diseases
Some medications prescribed for chronic conditions, such as hypertension and antidepressants, can have side effects, either by reducing blood flow to the penis or by interfering with brain neurotransmitters.
At what age do men typically start losing potency?
The difficulty or inability to achieve or maintain an erection can happen to men of any age.
However, erectile dysfunction – when this occurs in most sexual encounters – is more common in men over 40.
This is due to a combination of the main causes of erectile dysfunction, as men are more susceptible to risk factors as they age.
What to do when a man becomes impotent?
When a man experiences impotence during sexual activity, he should act naturally and express to his partner that, this time, penetration will not be possible. The relationship can continue with oral sex or masturbation, for example.
It’s important not to force a penis that is not sufficiently rigid to penetrate. The attempt, in addition to being ineffective and only causing frustration, can contribute to the formation of fibrous tissue that triggers Peyronie’s Disease.
How is the diagnosis of sexual impotence made?
Discovering what causes impotence in men and obtaining a correct diagnosis of erectile dysfunction involves physical exams, imaging tests (such as Doppler ultrasound), a detailed medical history, and laboratory tests to identify underlying conditions.
What is good for increasing male potency?
In general, to avoid the causes of sexual impotence, it is recommended to adopt a healthy lifestyle and avoid harmful substances.
If erectile dysfunction is already present, seeking a doctor is the best course of action. This way, the condition can be treated in a personalized manner.
Additionally, never rely on foods, herbs, or alternative therapies to treat erectile dysfunction that lack scientific evidence.
When to seek professional help
It’s important to seek professional help when erectile dysfunction is persistent and begins to affect the quality of sexual life.
A urologist can identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment for erectile dysfunction, including clinical and surgical options, such as the placement of a penile prosthesis.
The man can also seek psychological support to cope with the impacts of erectile dysfunction on his life.
Looking at everything that causes impotence in men, it’s not difficult to understand why erectile dysfunction affects more than 100 million men worldwide, according to the Brazilian Society of Urology. Despite being a challenging condition for sexual life, it is treatable, and it is possible to recover erectile function with the help of a doctor.
To better understand your condition and take care of your sexual health, consider a pre-analysis with Dr. Paulo Egydio.
Learn more:
- Sexual Health: Egydio Medical Center EMC
- How Not to Fail at the Right Moment? Tips to Avoid Impotence
- When Is a Penile Prosthesis Necessary in Curvature Surgery?
- What Causes Hormonal Disorders in Men? Find Out!
- Penile Prosthesis: Detailed Advantages and Disadvantages
- Penile Prosthesis Rejection: Risks and Cases
- Does prostate removal affect ejaculation? What changes in sexual life
- Penile Prosthesis Maintenance: Do I Need Frequent Replacements?
