Erectile dysfunction can be caused by physical or psychological factors.
Physical factors include:
- Certain prescription drugs, such as blood pressure drugs and antidepressants
- Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, cardiovascular (heart) diseases, hypertension (high blood pressure), nerve damage and multiple sclerosis (autoimmune disease affecting the nerves). These illnesses can affect the nerves and blood flow to the penis, thus causing erectile dysfunction
- Low levels of testosterone, and injured or damaged nerves and arteries near the penis (eg. due to pelvic surgery)
- Poor lifestyle, which includes smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse, lack of physical activity and being overweight
Psychological factors include:
- Fear of sexual failure
- Guilt
- Low self-esteem
- Previous traumatic sexual experiences
- Stress, anxiety or depression
The prevalence of erectile dysfunction increases with age, from 5% in men aged 45 years to 50% in men aged over 75 years.