Erection Problems and Physical Health
Your physical health plays an important role in getting and maintaining an erection hard enough for sex. Many physical conditions can affect the blood vessels, muscles and nerves needed for an erection to happen properly.Erection problems (EPs), also known as erectile dysfunction (ED), are often linked to conditions that affect blood flow around the body. Understanding these causes can help you recognise when it may be time to seek advice or treatment.
How physical health affects erections
Getting an erection depends on healthy blood vessels and good blood flow to the penis. When you become sexually aroused, blood flows into the penis and causes it to become firm and erect.
Anything that damages blood vessels, affectscirculation or interferes with nerve signals can make it harder to get or keep an erection.
In many men, erection problems can be linked to underlying health conditions that affect the heart, arteries and metabolism. Sometimes, erectile dysfunction can even be an early warning sign of a wider health issue.
Physical health issues that can contribute to erection problems (EPs)
Heart disease
The most common physical causes of erection problems (EPs) are related to the health of your heart and blood vessels, and the related issue of high blood pressure.
Heart disease - what doctors call cardiovascular disease - can lead to the build-up of fatty deposits in the blood vessels in the penis, which narrows and damages them. Erections are then less easily achieved, or might be less firm than before, because less blood can flow into the penis.
In some cases, EPs can be a warning sign of a physical condition such as cardiovascular disease.
High blood pressure
Over time high blood pressure - also called hypertension - damages the lining of the blood vessels, including those in the penis.
As the blood vessels fail to open up the flow of blood is restricted, which can have a long-lasting impact on erections.
High cholesterol
High levels of cholesterol can clog up blood vessels. This might prevent blood flow to the penis so there isn't enough for an erection to happen.
Diabetes
Men with diabetes are at high risk of developing erection problems.
People with diabetes can't make or properly process the hormone insulin, which results in too much sugar (glucose) in their blood. High blood glucose levels can damage nerves and blood vessels, including those involved in erections.
Obesity
Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure and narrowing of the arteries, which can lead to heart disease. In turn, blood flow to the penis may be impaired, which can affect the ability to get an erection.
Lifestyle factors linked to erectile dysfunction
Smoking
Smoking damages blood vessels and reduces healthy circulation. This can restrict blood flow to the penis and increase the risk of erection problems.
Stopping smoking may help improve erections and overall cardiovascular health.
Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can interfere with the nerve signals and blood flow needed for an erection.
Long-term heavy drinking may also damage blood vessels and lower testosterone levels.
Cutting back on alcohol may help improve erectile dysfunction and general wellbeing.
Physical activity
A lack of regular exercise increases the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure, all of which can contribute to erection problems.
Regular physical activity can improve circulation, support heart health and help reduce the severity of erectile dysfunction in some men.
Can medication cause erection problems?
Yes. Some medications can contribute to erectile dysfunction as a side effect. These may include:
- Certain antidepressants
- Beta-blockers used for high blood pressure
- Some antihistamines
- Medications used to treat an enlarged prostate
If you think medication may be contributing to your erection problems, speak to your GP or pharmacist before making any changes to your treatment.
What can you do about erection problems?
If a physical health condition is contributing to your erection problems, treating that condition is often an important first step. Your GP may recommend checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes or cardiovascular health.
Lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight can also help improve erectile dysfunction.
Treatments such as Viagra Connect® tablets, Viagra Connect® Melts or Avarante® may also help many men with erectile dysfunction by supporting the blood flow needed to get and keep an erection.
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