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7 unusual causes of impotence
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Erectile dysfunction is a disorder of sexual function in men that makes it difficult to maintain or achieve an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.
Erectile dysfunction can be a consequence of psychological problems or be organic in nature.
Depression and stress
Depression, stressful situations, chronic fatigue, neurosis and general poor health can weaken sexual desires and lead to erectile dysfunction. In most cases of erectile dysfunction, the influence of a psychological factor is observed. The causal relationship between depression and erectile dysfunction can be expressed in different forms, for example, the inability to achieve and maintain a sufficient erection can be a symptom of the onset of depression.
Chronic diseases
Chronic diseases such as diabetes can cause erectile dysfunction. However, with proper blood sugar control, the number of diabetic men with erectile dysfunction decreases. There are also a number of other chronic diseases that affect a man’s sexual health: atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. These are the diseases that weaken nerve impulses or blood flow – these are the main causes of erectile dysfunction.
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Wrong lifestyle
Alcohol abuse, smoking, drug use and obesity also have a negative impact on men's health. An unhealthy lifestyle can damage blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the penis.
Surgical intervention
Surgery for bladder cancer, prostate cancer, or prostate enlargement can damage blood vessels or nerves close to the penis.
Drug treatment
Taking certain medications, such as antidepressants, blood pressure medications, or tranquilizers, can cause erectile dysfunction.
Read also: 8 Things You Need to Know About Antidepressants
Low libido
Erectile dysfunction and low libido are not the same thing, but the symptoms can be very similar. Low libido leads to a loss of interest in sex and prevents you from achieving a normal erection.
Obesity
Excess weight can not only damage self-esteem, but also cause problems in sex. Men who have gained extra pounds have a slower production of the male hormone testosterone, which is very important for a full sexual life. In addition, excess body weight is associated with hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure, which is the cause of deterioration of blood flow to the penis.