Most cases of impotence or ED (70-80%) are associated with impaired physical and not psychological. ED can be produced by altering one or more of three mechanisms responsible for the erection: blocked arteries, inability of blood vessels in the penis to store the blood, or nerve damage from the penis or pelvic area. They may also be responsible for one of other physiological dysfunctions such as low levels of male hormone (testosterone).
Thus, the situations that most often produce impotence are:
Diseases affecting blood vessels and restrict blood flow to the penis, such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), excess cholesterol or heart disease.
Situations that interrupt the connection between the nervous system and the penis, prostate surgery or traumatic injuries in the area.
Many medications (some of them used to treat hypertension and depression), which produces unwanted side effect.
Nervous breakdown.
Risk behaviors for ED, smoking, alcohol, drugs, stress.
The inability to experience or maintain an erection upon waking in the morning is considered an indicator of physical cause impotence, as opposed to psychological type. The powerlessness that persists more than 3 months and not due to a stressful event evident, drugs, alcohol or temporary medical conditions that cause ED, notes the need for medical attention by a urologist.
Impotence or erectile dysfunction and aging:
There are many misconceptions on this issue. As a result of the aging process, there is usually a refractory period more-time to a new erection after orgasm. Age also seems to affect the time required for arousal and erection and ejaculation. All these changes are considered completely normal. If the ED is more frecuentea with advancing age is due primarily because it is more likely to cause one (or several) of the diseases produced and consumed any medications known to impair erectile function.