Erectile dysfunction is the inability to keep an erection for as long as needed to have sex. It can happen to any man and it’s normal to deal with it from time to time, but if it happens frequently it might be caused by a serious health problem that needs medical treatment.

High cholesterol

High cholesterol levels lead to atherosclerosis, a condition during which your arteries become clogged and blood can’t pass through them normally. This can happen to any artery, including the ones in the penis. High cholesterol levels can prevent the blood flow, thus, impairing the normal function of the penis, resulting in the lack of an erection.

Depression

Depression and anxiety are the main psychological causes of impotens. Depression lowers your libido and your desire to have sex, as well as the ability to perform between the sheets. Anxiety is another huge obstacle in front of a normal erection. Anxiety and stress stimulate the production of high levels of cortisol, which prevents the body from keeping an erection. Surprisingly, if you consider your partner to be perfect, the pressure of wanting to impress them during sex will lead to high levels of anxiety and erectile dysfunction.

Smoking

Smoking damages the blood vessels in the entire body, leading to impotence. The principle is similar to the one of high cholesterol, as the blood vessels become clogged and the blood is not able to flow normally. Studies showed that men who smoked more than 20 cigarettes per day had a 60% higher risk of developing erectile dysfunctions.

Cycling

Professional cyclists often have problems supporting an erection due to spending long hours in the saddle. The position on the bike compresses the perineal nerves and blood vessels, damaging them in time. There are saddles which cause more damage than others, so if you notice numbness in your penis or the perineal area, you should be taking more breaks from cycling. Adjusting your position also helps.

Medicines

Some pills lead to erectile dysfunctions, so if you notice you have problems staying strong while you are undergoing a treatment, address your doctor. Medicines for high blood pressure, depression, epilepsy or cholesterol can all interfere with your ability to have an erection.

Diabetes

Erectile dysfunction is common in men who suffer from diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. The reason for this is that the illness damages the blood vessels, altering the ability to have an erection. Impotence episodes might occur earlier in life for men who suffer from diabetes and it is often the reason why men look for medical attention and discover they have diabetes.

Peyronie’s disease

Men who suffer from Peyronie’s Disease have a curvature in their penis, which causes pain during erection.

If you notice you have problems in keeping an erection you shouldn’t be hiding it, as it can turn into a more severe problem. Rare episodes of impotence are normal, but if they follow a pattern or they are frequent, they might be a sign of a more serious disease.