Erection Problems

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Erection Problems: Common Causes

An erection requires the interaction of your brain, nerves, hormones, and blood vessels. Anything that interferes with the normal process can be a problem. Common causes include:

• Diseases and conditions -- such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or thyroid conditions, poor circulation, low testosterone, depression, spinal cord injury, nerve damage (for example, from prostate surgery), or neurologic disorders (like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease)
• Certain medications -- such as blood pressure medication (especially beta-blockers), heart medication (such as digoxin), some peptic ulcer medications, sleeping pills, and antidepressants
• Nicotine, alcohol, or cocaine use
• Stress, fear, anxiety, or anger
• Unrealistic sexual expectations, which make sex a task rather than a pleasure.
• Poor communication with your partner
• A "vicious circle" of doubt, failure, or negative communication that reinforces the erection problems