Lybrate Logo
Get the App
For Doctors
Login/Sign-up
Last Updated: Oct 23, 2019
BookMark
Report

Impotency: 6 Major Causes in Men

Profile Image
Dr. Monish DeOncologist • 21 Years Exp.MBBS, Post Graduate Diploma In Medicine, Fellowship In Medical Oncology
Topic Image

6 causes of impotency in men

Impotence in men is also known as erectile dysfunction (or ed) and occurs when a male is unable to achieve or maintain an erection or ejaculate, which leads to lack of sexual satisfaction for both partners. Even though men are more likely to be prone to impotence as they get older, this condition affects many young men as well and deals a great blow to their self-esteem and emotional wellbeing.

Impotence is caused by various factors that can be physical, mental, emotional, or a combination of multiple factors that give rise to a medical disorder. It usually varies from case to case and hence, diagnosis is highly subjective and individual.

Some of the most commonly occurring factors that cause impotence in men are as follows:

- hormonal dysfunction


Hormones play a very important role in contributing to sexual disorders. Fluctuations in hormone levels in the body, especially of testosterone, and endocrine diseases are known to cause impotence.

- cardiac conditions

Disorders of the cardiovascular system inhibit the flow of blood to the penis and lead to erectile dysfunction.

- emotional issues

In many cases, emotional issues such as stress and anxiety disorders, depression, fatigue, childhood sexual abuse and feelings of inadequacy can hamper a man's sexual prowess and cause impotence.


- medical side effects

There are certain prescription drugs and medicines that interfere with sexual function and cause erectile dysfunction. Examples of these are sedatives, diuretics, antihistamines, stimulants, synthetic hormones, cancer chemotherapy medicines, etc.

- substance abuse

Excess intake of certain substances like tobacco and alcohol can lead to impotency. Narcotics like cocaine, heroin and amphetamines also have the same effect on sexual functioning.

- neurological defects

Disorders of the nervous system are known to inhibit communication between the brain and the genital organs and contribute to impotency. Some such neurological disorders include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cerebral palsy, nervous strokes, brain and spinal tumors, etc.

'consult'.

Related Tip: Did You Know These 15 Habits Are Reducing Your Sperm Count?

chat_icon

Ask a free question

Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors

posted anonymously
doctor

Book appointment with top doctors for Sexual Dysfunction treatment

View fees, clinc timings and reviews
doctor

Treatment Enquiry

Get treatment cost, find best hospital/clinics and know other details