Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, occurs in most relationships at some point, at least once. It has many causes. Sometimes it’s simply a case of couples growing apart. Other times it can be attributed to underlying health or lifestyle issues. If it’s lifestyle related, or you’re just simply drifting apart, a good marriage counsellor can usually help. If you suspect a health problem it’s advisable to seek medical attention sooner rather than later.

Common Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction

Some of the most common underlying reasons that cause men to develop erectile dysfunction issues include emotional problems ie anxiety, stress, and depression. Some drugs can bring on erectile dysfunction too but these cases should resolve themselves once the culprit drugs are discontinued. Others times it can happen as the result of health disorders, notably:

• Poor cardiovascular health – atherosclerosis (clogged blood vessels), heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
• Obesity
• Metabolic syndrome / diabetes
• Chronic kidney disease
• Prostate or bladder cancer treatment – surgery, chemo
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Peyronie’s disease

On the other hand, some people just naturally have low libidos – they’ve possibly always been like that or it’s something that’s happened progressively as they got older. For men, it can result in erectile dysfunction and lack of interest in sex altogether. If it’s causing problems within a relationship, medical attention is advised as there are drugs that can be prescribed to help. Otherwise, natural health supplements that contain traditional aphrodisiacal herbs such as maca and horny goat weed may also be worthwhile investigating.

A marriage or relationship counsellor is also worth investing in. Quite often couples have found that a few sessions with one of these uncovers a whole host of niggling issues under the surface that are contributing to the problem. This is despite them thinking there are no apparent reasons for their intimacy problems. Work and money are two primary culprits here. The issues they’re causing may not be major enough to be causing obvious stress but if they’re bubbling away quietly under the surface that’s enough to set off a chain reaction, one of which is often loss of interest in sex.

It’s also important to understand that you’re not the first couple to experience intimacy problems within your relationship. You definitely won’t be the last either. Therefore, don’t let embarrassment stand in the way of seeking the required help. Medical professionals in this field have seen and heard it all during their careers so it’s doubtful that you’ll be contributing anything new to their experience or knowledge!