In the United States, approximately 30 million men regularly experience erectile dysfunction (ED): the consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.
The condition is more common in older men, affecting 47 percent of men over 75; only around 4 percent of men in their 50s and 17 percent of men in their 60s have this problem. Fortunately, this condition is treatable.
Discovering the cause of the problem goes a long way to its treatment. Below are six reasons for ED that you might not know about.
1. Diabetes
Men with diabetes are 2 to 3 times more likely to have ED than those without the disease. The circulatory problems caused by increased sugar levels can and do affect blood vessels and nerves anywhere in the body.
2. Gum Disease
It’s not what you’d expect, until you think about it. Periodontitis is the chronic infection and inflammation of gums and is often an indicator of other health problems. A link has been shown between gum disease and heart disease, probably due to a systemic problem with blood flow due to blocked arteries. It’s all about the blood flow.