Erectile dysfunction, often referred to as impotence, is a common health issue among men. Many tend to dismiss it as an occasional problem without giving it much attention. However, erectile dysfunction can affect relationships and may signal underlying cardiovascular issues. Thus, understanding your condition and the causes of erectile dysfunction early on can help address the problem effectively.
Definition of Erectile Dysfunction
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability of a man to achieve or maintain sufficient rigidity of the penis during sexual activity, making the completion of sexual intercourse difficult.
Age Distribution of Erectile Dysfunction
Research from PubMed indicates that erectile dysfunction is not limited to older men. Below is the percentage of men in Hong Kong experiencing erectile difficulties across various age groups:
| Age | Percentage Experiencing Erectile Difficulties |
| 26–30 | 18.3% |
| 31-40 | 28.6% |
| 41-50 | 37.9% |
| 51-60 | 47.3% |
| 61-70 | 61.1% |
As illustrated, the risk of erectile dysfunction increases with age. However, an alarming number of younger men are also experiencing this problem, likely due to poor lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive drinking, lack of exercise, and high work stress, leading to signs of the issue manifesting at a younger age.
6 Common Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Impaired Vascular Health
Erectile dysfunction heavily relies on adequate blood flow to the penis. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or prolonged high cholesterol can narrow or harden blood vessels, reducing blood flow and affecting erectile function.
Hormonal Abnormalities
Male hormones play a crucial role in maintaining erectile function. With age, hormone levels may decline, and some men may experience "low testosterone syndrome," leading to fatigue, reduced muscle mass, and decreased libido—all impacting erectile functionality.
Nerve Conduction Issues
An erection is ultimately the result of a coordinated effort among the nerves, blood vessels, and brain. When the brain can't send signals to the nerve, erectile dysfunction results. Conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, strokes, and herniated discs can affect nerve conduction and lead to erectile difficulties.
Chronic Diseases
Conditions like kidney failure and liver cirrhosis can disrupt hormonal balance and vascular health, and some medications used to treat these diseases may also affect erectile function.
Psychological Stress
Mental stress is a common cause of erectile dysfunction among urban males. Anxiety, depression, and work overload can cause excessive sympathetic nervous system activity, inhibiting the erectile response. In Hong Kong, about one-third of men experiencing erectile difficulties also face anxiety issues.
Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
Obesity, particularly excessive abdominal fat, can affect testosterone secretion and increase insulin resistance, leading to metabolic syndrome. This condition can harm both vascular health and hormonal balance, worsening erectile function.
Self-Assessment Method: IIEF-5 Questionnaire
Clinically, the IIEF-5 (International Index of Erectile Function-5) questionnaire is primarily used for assessment.
The questionnaire consists of five questions that quickly help understand your issues. If you notice low scores or sustained low scores over time, it's essential to seek professional evaluation.
Understanding the causes of erectile dysfunction and conducting a self-assessment are vital for men’s health
Erectile dysfunction is a health issue that stems from multiple factors, including physiological, psychological, and lifestyle aspects. Early awareness of your situation and identifying the reasons for erectile dysfunction can lead to effective improvement, reclaiming personal health and confidence.
