Did you know that 8 of 12 of the most commonly prescribed medicationsInstarect have "impotence" listed as one of their side effects? Or that close to a quarter of senior men experience some form of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) on a regular basis? Its more common than you think, and there are many different causes for the condition. Hopefully after learning about a few of these causes you can figure out if one of these common causes for impotence ails you or your partner.
The most common cause for impotence are drugs, and not only illicit ones. Alcohol, nicotine, and a variety of antidepressants can have a negative effect on the libido. Other less known of causes include injuries to the nerves and spinal cord, and diseases that affect the brain. Even conditions such as depression and anxiety disorder can lead to difficulty performing. If you suddenly experience impotence and have recently had surgery, the two may be related.
There are also the group of causes referred to simply as "lifestyle choices" which means if one lives unhealthily they are far more apt to experience ED earlier in their lifetime and more frequently than men who eat well, exercise, and do not smoke. Impotence is 85% higher in smokers than nonsmokers. The reason for this is fatty buildup in arteries that work to restrict the flow of blood to the penis and make it difficult to get or maintain an erection. These buildups can cause heart attacks if located elsewhere. Some evidence even states that smaller penis size can be linked to erectile dysfunction.