Health Tip: Why You May Have Erectile Dysfunction
December 26, 2008, 11:01 AM ET
• 1 min read
Dec. 27 -- (HealthDay News) -- Erectile dysfunction occurs when a man can't achieve or maintain an erection during sex.
The American Academy of Family Physicians says the condition doesn't have to be a natural part of getting older. ED often is attributed to physical or psychological causes. Physical reasons may include:
Having a side effect of surgery on the prostate or bladder, or radiation therapy to the testicles.Having low testosterone levels, kidney failure, liver failure, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease.Having chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or hardening of the arteries.Having had a stroke or an injury to the brain or spinal cord.Using too much tobacco or alcohol.Being tired.