WHEN THE MECHANISM BREAKS DOWN: VASCULAR PROBLEMS
There are many things that can interfere and prevent an erection from happening, or can keep an erect penis from maintaining its rigidity. The physical problems that are known to cause ED include:
• vascular problems, resulting in blocked arteries
• nerve disorders
• vein trouble
• medications
Vascular Problems
The major cause of erectile difficulties I have seen typically originate from problems with the two tiny, deep cavernosal arteries. These blood vessels are about as wide as the tip of a pencil. A man who is experiencing vascular problems will typically find that his erection has become less firm. He’ll start out with a strong erection, but during sexual activity it will suddenly begin to lose rigidity. Over time, he’ll begin to experience difficulty in having an erection at all.
What has happened in many cases is diffuse blockage to both arteries, caused by fatty deposits. This process begins when men are in their twenties, and is mostly due to high-fat diets, hereditary conditions, high cholesterol, or, sometimes, a combination of the three factors. As the blockage slowly progresses, the arteries are unable to dilate enough to permit increased blood flow to the penis.
Often, the types of blockages which contribute to the early stages of ED are the first early warning signs of mounting vascular problems that lead to cardiovascular disease. Problems in the small erectile arteries can indicate that there are serious blockages in larger blood vessels, too, especially those to the heart or brain. One recent study found that there was a 25 percent incidence of heart attack or stroke in the two years following the onset of ED.
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