The most common cause of erectile dysfunction is damage to the nerves, arteries, smooth muscles, or fibrous tissue; however, the cause could be anything that disrupts the sequence of events leading to an erection. In general, erectile dysfunction is defined as the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
Lifestyle choices, surgery, medications, and psychological factors can also be erectile dysfunction causes. Once the cause is identified, treatment can begin. Healthcare providers typically begin with the most conservative options and move to more invasive procedures, if needed.
(Click Cause of Erectile Dysfunction for more information about how injuries, lifestyle choices, and psychological factors, among other things, can cause this condition. You can also click any of the links in the box to the right for specific information.)
