IMPOTENCE CAUSES |
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In the past it was thought that impotence was
caused purely by psychological factors, however, it is now believed
that physical conditions are present in about 70 percent of cases.
Research shows that most men do not fully understand the causes of
erectile dysfunction, believing emotional or psychological problems
to be the main cause. However, in the majority of cases impotence is
caused by physical factors such as the side effects of prescribed
medications, alcohol abuse, smoking and illnesses such as heart
disease and diabetes. The condition is often made worse by worry and
"fear of failure".
Physical causes of
impotence include:
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Diabetes. Impotence may be a presenting feature of diabetes. It
is estimated that 50 percent of men with diabetes suffer from
impotence. |
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Diseases affecting the nerves, such as multiple sclerosis, or
injury to the spinal cord or pelvis. |
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Artherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). |
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Side effects of prescribed drugs such as:
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Anti hypertensive drugs (used to treat
high blood pressure) such as thiazide diuretics, beta
blockers and methlydopa . |
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Antidepressants. |
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Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin and
carbamazepine. |
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Ulcer healing drugs such as cimetidine
and ranitidine. |
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Alcohol or drug abuse.
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Hormonal abnormalities such as a lack of testosterone or an
increased prolactin level. |
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Certain types of prostate and pelvic surgery.
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Anatomical defects of the penis including Peyronie’s disease (characterised
by a curvature in the penis due to fibrous plaques), which leads
to decreased rigidity |
In some cases,
impotence may be caused by psychological factors such as:
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Depression. |
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Anxiety about sexual performance. |
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Relationship problems. |
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Stress or anxiety at work or home. |
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| IMPOTENCE RELATED ITEMS |
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