What is Causing Your Male Erection Problems?

Men with erectile dysfunction are unable to get or maintain an erection for sex. Some men cannot get an erection at all. Others may get an erection sometimes, but struggle with erectile dysfunction on a regular basis. There are also men who cannot sustain an erection for the duration of sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction may be caused by a variety of factors, one of which is hormones.

Erectile dysfunction and hormones
Hormones play a vital role in your body. They help your body function properly. If one of your hormones malfunctions, it can affect other systems. When your hormone levels are abnormal, you may notice symptoms of hormonal imbalance. This is a problem that many men experience as they get older. Your hormone levels may be too high or too low.

Low testosterone levels can affect men in several ways. Many men with low testosterone also have erectile dysfunction. Testosterone is the chemical that helps you get and maintain an erection. If you have low testosterone, it can lead to low sex drive. Men with libido issues may have trouble getting an erection for sexual activity. In other cases, your sex drive will be just fine, but you may still have erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction occurs when the brain fails to release nitric oxide. This chemical relaxes the blood vessels in the penis. To get a firm erection, you need good blood flow. Nitric oxide facilitates that process. If nitric oxide isn’t released, you may not be able to get an erection. This is a common problem among men with hardened arteries. That’s why it’s important to maintain good cardiovascular health.

Other hormones can affect your ability to get an erection. Cortisol is a stress hormone. This chemical has a deleterious effect on your testosterone levels. Prolactin is released by the pituitary gland in the brain. High levels of this chemical can decrease your testosterone levels, which can lead to erectile dysfunction. Hypothyroidism can stimulate the release of prolactin and have a negative affect on testosterone. Low testosterone may also result from a testicular abnormality known as hypogonadism. This condition causes severe testosterone deficiency, leading to erection problems.

Certain medical conditions can also cause erectile dysfunction. Liver and kidney disease can lead to abnormal hormone levels. These diseases can increase your estrogen levels, which may contribute to erectile dysfunction. Diabetes and high blood pressure can affect your circulation and cause erection problems. If you have one of these conditions, talk to you doctor about your treatment options.

Help for men with erectile dysfunction
There are a variety of treatments for erectile dysfunction. Some popular options include bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, healthy eating, regular exercise, herbal supplements, and vitamins. If you have erectile dysfunction due to low testosterone, correcting your hormone levels may help resolve the issue. Your doctor can determine if your testosterone levels are within the normal range. Once the problem is properly identified, you can select an appropriate treatment option that will help you restore healthy sexual function.