Erection problem (EP) is a common male sexual dysfunction. Failure to achieve the erection or maintain it for  a satisfactory sexual activity . It may be observed occasionally or frequently, depending on a particular cause or independently. Some men with EP may not have erection at all.

EP is not a life-threatening disorder, but it may adversely affect the quality of life of you or your partner.

EP is a common condition among men of all age groups and all ethnic origins. The risk of EP development increases with age.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the common causes for EP.

Other reasons include:

• Diabetes
• Nerve damage in the penis or pelvic region
• Surgical operation in pelvic region
• Radiation therapy in the pelvic area
• Low testosterone levels
• Parkinson-like neurological diseases

Cardiovascular diseases and EP

EP and cardiovascular diseases share similar risk factors such as obesity, smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and lack of exercise. EP may be an early sign of heart disease as problems associated with blood flow may also affect the erectile function. For this reason, men with EP can be evaluated in terms of heart disease.

Urinary symptoms and EP

EP is usually associated with urinary symptoms such as urinary frequency, nocturia and urgency. These symptoms are usually associated with benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). It is unclear whether these urinary symptoms cause EP, but usually when urinary symptoms become more severe then EP sypmtomps get more severe, too.

Psychological risk factors for EP

Many psychological conditions have been associated with EP.

These include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Feeling of inability
• Low self-confidence
• Not being able to describe feelings
• Stress

Social ideas about how the interaction between men and women should be can cause EP. These ideas may include love and sexuality and expectancy away from reality due to the role models that are unsuitable for men and women.

EP sometimes can be the reason or a result of a relationship that doesn’t progress or lack of satisfaction. It is often difficult to determine which of these starts first.