Erectile dysfunction is a condition wherein the penis is unable to achieve or maintain a level of firmness that’s necessary for sexual intercourse.
According to a Massachusetts Male Aging Study. About 52% of the survey respondents aged 40 to 70 expressed having symptoms of erectile dysfunction. This makes ED one of the most common disorders that men face!
Despite advancements in healthcare and technology, the prevalence of ED continues to grow year over year. In 2025, 322 million men across the globe are expected to have erectile dysfunction.
Despite its prevalence, many men choose to hide their condition out of shame and fear of bringing up their sexual health.
It’s also not uncommon for ED to arise due to preexisting health conditions. Yet, ED can also be one of the first risk factors of a disease that’s yet to fully materialize.
The relationship between chronic disease and ED.
Heart Disease- Why is this important?
Your heart is a pump, and if it isn’t working properly, other organs will be affected.
Atherosclerosis, is a condition that makes it hard for blood to pass through the arteries due to blockages caused by fatty deposits and plaque. This common heart condition can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Moreover, erectile dysfunction is often a precursor and early indicator for early-stage coronary heart disease.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is when your blood pressure readings are consistently elevated. This makes the heart work harder to pump blood throughout your body and can damage your arteries over time.
Hypertension can directly lead to erectile dysfunction in two ways: it can damage the lining of blood vessels, making them less elastic and less able to fill with blood, or it can inhibit penile blood flow, making it difficult to achieve an erection.
Around 30% of men with hypertension and cardiovascular disease experience some form of ED.
Diabetes
According to multiple studies, there is a strong association between erectile dysfunction and diabetes. Another study claimed that half of all men with Type 2 diabetes go on to develop ED after 5 to 10 years.
Diabetes harms the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is responsible for the widening and constricting of blood vessels directly impacting erectile dysfunction.
High blood sugar levels may also lead to vascular and neuropathic issues. If the damage to the nerves of the penis is too severe, erectile dysfunction can occur.
People with diabetes may also suffer from other forms of male sexual dysfunction like delayed ejaculation and low sexual arousal. Treatment plans usually involve managing underlying diabetes and performing lifestyle changes.
Depression
Depression can negatively affect all areas of your life, including your sexual health. In fact, depression is one of the most common psychological causes of ED.
Studies have demonstrated the association between depression in men and having difficulty getting or maintaining an erection. While anti-depressants help manage symptoms, there are also sexual side effects to taking these medications. Talk to your doctor before attempting to manage your symptoms.
When addressing ED, it’s important to deal with the primary causes of the problem.
Treating the underlying cause will often improve erectile function.
There are several medical treatments for erectile dysfunction, including:
- Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly can all help improve erectile function.
- Medications: Many medications can be used to treat ED, including phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (such as sildenafil), hormone therapy, and injectable medications.
- Focused Linear Shock Wave therapy: This therapy uses sound waves to improve blood flow and nerve function in the penis.
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP): This therapy uses your cells to rejuvenate penile tissue.
- Surgery: In some cases, a penile implant may be indicated.
If you’re dealing with erectile dysfunction, seeking treatment to sustain a healthy lifestyle is essential, benefiting you and your partner.
Contact Peak Health Group, the experts in treating ED, to schedule an appointment. We are Scottsdale’s leading men’s clinic treating ED using Focused Linear Shock Wave therapy, PRP therapy, Bioidentical hormone therapy, and much more.
