Top 10 Reasons for Impotence - A Closer Look at the Common Causes of Erectile Failure

Ever wondered if you're the only one to have an erection problem spoil your special moment? Don't be, it happens more often than you think. Research shows that up to 10% of men suffer from impotence at some point in their lives. Given that this condition is hard to get your head round, it comes as no surprise that the majority of men with erection problems are unaware of the root cause and what action to take. To help you understand what's happening down there, we take a closer look at 10 of the most common reasons for impotence.

1) Stress

Stress is heavily linked to impotence as well as low libido in men. The impact of a hectic work life places huge demands on your body, from which it can take weeks to months to fully recover. It's estimated that out of 1,500 men questioned, 40% blamed stress for poor sexual performance.

2) Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent physical causes of impotence. It's estimated that three in four diabetic men will have impotence to some degree within 10 years of having diabetes.

3) Smoking, alcohol and drug abuse

Certain lifestyle choices are catalysts for penile disorders. Smoking heavily, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol or illegal drugs over time will impair the functioning of the blood vessels of the penis, causing gradual erectile failure.

4) Poor lifestyle

Further lifestyle factors, including a substantial lack of exercise and a low nutrition diet will contribute to the development of impotence. Taking steps to live a healthier lifestyle may be useful to the point of correcting a mild impotence problem.

5) Age

Age encourages the onset of sexual health issues, especially impotence in men. Men in their 60s are four times likely to complain of an impotence problem than men in their 40s.

6) Anxiety

Performance anxiety is a psychologically-induced cause that occurs when a man worries about his ability to get an erection. This in turn, interferes with the erection process. The more you worry, the worse your impotence problem will become, Open up and talk to someone close to you about your condition to help ease the burden.

7) Depression

Depression and impotence is a chicken and egg scenario. One factor can trigger the other, and vice versa meaning that depression can act as both the cause and the consequence. Men who are going through this problem need to find a way to address it head-on and break the vicious circle, but this ultimately depends on how committed you are on improving your condition.

8) Fatigue

Like stress, fatigue is something that affects us all at certain times and is a major psychological reason for temporary impotence. The most practical solution to regaining control of your erections is to try and find the perfect balance between your work and home life. If fatigue persists, it may be a symptom of an underlying health issue.

9) Surgery

The risk of developing impotence is higher if a patient is undergoing a surgical procedure or radiation therapy for cancer of the prostate, bladder, colon or rectum.

10) Medications

When completing a course of heavy dosage prescription medication, especially for the first time, there is always a risk of adverse effects. Anti-depressant drugs are one of the main culprits; in some men a reaction can manifest as temporary impotence.