The incidence of ED increases strongly with age,
especially after the age of 60 years. A 100% increase occurs by each one-decade
increment in age for 50- to 75-y-old men. The older the men, the higher
the reports of ED.
Obesity
Erection occurs due to the entry and retention of blood in
sponge-like bodies within the penis. This hydraulic effect is often initiated
by sexual arousal. Thus any factor that hampers blood circulation in the penis
can cause ED. Obesity is associated with the development of chronic diseases
such as diabetes, hypertension, heart
disease and hyperlipidemia. All of these affect the vasculature of the penis
and thus increases ones risk of
developing ED.
Coffee
The effect of caffeine has been unclear for a while. Some
studies have said that it has a protective effect on ED while others branded it
as a risk factor
. Newer concepts however
say that coffee intake does not have an effect on ED.
Alcohol
'It provokes your desire but takes away the performance'
is what is generally believed about alcohol and ED. However the newer studies
have cast its doubts on this and suggests that alcohol consumption may not directly have an effect on the incidence of
ED; however if it leads to cirrhosis then the hormonal alterations can surely
cause ED.
Smoking
Conflicting findings from various previous studies kept
the association between smoking and ED unclear. Impotent men are significantly
more likely to be current smokers than men in the general population. Smoking
damages the vascular system and thus leading to ED. However current research
studies also shows that when the
vascular damage is already present in a person, smoking does not give any
additional risk. The incidence of ED for past smokers has also been found to be
slightly higher than non-smokers.
Smoking results in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular
diseases and in the long run hampers the mechanisms responsible for bringing
erection.
Socioeconomic status
The association between socioeconomic status and ED has
not been well established. The effect depends on factors like life-style
factors and medical conditions. Higher socioeconomic status has been linked to
better health. Though low education is taken as a marker of high prevalence of
non-diagnosed diseases, the current studies say that education doesn't have a
significant effect on the incidence of ED.
A
healthy life style devoid of chronic diseases obviously eliminates ones risk of
erectile dysfunction. Forget the controversies and lack of clarity; it would be
wise to quit smoking, alcohol, and step out of the fast food culture.
Sounds difficult indeed, but genuine efforts will save you from failing when
you need it the most!
Reference:- Medscape
Source: Medindia