5 Factors That Cause or Worsen Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

If you’re one of the millions of men struggling with erectile dysfunction (ED), you’re probably wondering what’s causing it and what can you do about it.

Below, our team of board-certified urologists at Bellingham Urology Group share five factors that either cause or worsen ED and — most importantly — what we can do to help.

5 factors that cause or worsen ED

When it comes to ED, many factors are at play. To compound matters,  your ED could be a combination of several factors. 

Five factors that either cause or worsen your ED include:

Poor circulation

Erections rely heavily on proper blood flow to your penis. Conditions that affect blood circulation, such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), or heart disease, can make it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection. These conditions account for up to 70% of ED cases.

For men with undiagnosed peripheral artery disease (PAD), ED is often the one of the first warning signs of the condition.

Hormonal imbalance

Low testosterone levels quickly zap your libido and your sexual performance. Hormonal imbalances, often linked to aging or medical conditions like hypogonadism, can lead to reduced libido and erectile dysfunction. 

Balancing hormones through treatment options like testosterone replacement therapy can help improve your ED symptoms.

Stress and anxiety

Stress, anxiety, and depression can negatively impact your mental health, which can then interfere with both sexual desire and performance. When you're mentally preoccupied or overwhelmed, it's more difficult to relax and focus on intimacy, which can worsen ED. 

Relationship problems can also contribute to both stress and anxiety. 

When ED is caused by stress, anxiety, or depression, the best path forward is to address your mental health concerns head-on. This may include therapy, stress management techniques, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle modifications. All of these changes can support your mental wellness, and in turn, your sexual health.

Side effects of medication

Some medications, including those prescribed for high blood pressure, depression, and prostate conditions, can interfere with your ability to maintain an erection. 

If you suspect your medication is contributing to ED, consult with your prescribing doctor and let them know about your concerns. They may adjust your dosage or prescribe an alternative medication with fewer sexual side effects. However, you should never alter your dosage unless directed to do so. 

Unhealthy lifestyle habits

Lifestyle choices like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor diet can have a negative impact on erectile function. Smoking constricts blood vessels and limits blood flow, while alcohol can reduce testosterone levels and impair sexual performance. 

Adopting a healthier lifestyle — quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and improving your diet — can significantly reduce the severity of ED.

What to do if you’re struggling with sexual dysfunction

If you’re struggling with sexual dysfunction, your first step is to reach out for help. We know it’s not easy to talk about ED, but you should know that our compassionate and non-judgmental team is here to help. 

As board-certified urologists, our team can address the many causes of ED — and help you get started on the right path. Our first goal is to pinpoint the source (or sources) of ED, which can be done by reviewing your lab work (blood and urine tests), reviewing your symptoms, and taking your medical history. 

Depending on the source of your ED, we may recommend:

• Hormone replacement therapy
• Medications like Viagra®, Levitra®, and Cialis® 
• Intraurethral suppositories 
• Penile implants 
• Lifestyle modifications 

To explore your options for ED, call the location of your choice: Bellingham or Mount Vernon, Washington. You can also use our online scheduling tool to request an appointment.