Erectile Dysfunction: What's keeping you from getting it up?

A lot of guys think erectile dysfunction and are ready to run for the hills. No one wants to be seen as impotent. There is something "un-manly" about not being able to maintain a firm erection long enough to have sex. But really, erectile dysfunction is a lot more common that you might think. And it's nothing to be ashamed of or to necessarily cause any major concern.

Most men will have the occasional inability to "stay up." However, if the problem is ongoing and persistent, it is something you should talk to a specialist doctor about. Erectile Dysfunction is not always a psychological issue nor is it a consequence of aging, as people once believed. It is more than likely caused by physical problems, which can cause stress, relationship issues and low self-esteem if not taken care of.

Medical causes of Erectile Dysfunction

No matter how embarrassing it might be to talk to a doctor about it, you should. While the problem may go away after a while, having erectile dysfunction might be a sign of an underlying medical problem, like heart disease. Other diseases include metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and clogged blood vessels. It can also be a sign of Peyronie's disease, Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.

How much erectile dysfunction can be related to other medical problems might come as a shock to you. You may have always thought it was related to a psychological issue - too much stress at work, conflict with your significant other. And you're not entirely wrong. The brain plays a huge role in triggering an erection, and if you're depressed, anxious, stressed or fatigued, it could lead to erectile dysfunction. But know that psychological causes are usually secondary.

When you can't get an erection, it'll usually lead to stress or anxiety which can worsen your erectile dysfunction. Always make sure there is not a physical reason for your problem before jumping to a psychological reason. If there are no physical issues, and you feel find psychologically, erectile dysfunction can also be caused by prescription drugs, alcoholism, drug and/or tobacco use.

Even if it isn't a symptom of a more serious medical issue, your erectile dysfunction can easily be treated through medications so that you can have normal erections up until your 80s as nature intended.