Risk factors for erectile dysfunction

Risk factors for organic erectile dysfunction (see Table 1, page 20) mainly stem from the fact that the erectile mechanism is a vasodilatory response dependent on smooth muscle function under neurogenic control. Aging, which has the strongest association with erectile dysfunction, probably exerts its effects mainly through impaired vasodilatory and venoocclusive mechanisms. Atheroma of the internal iliac arteries and their pudendal branches may be one factor, but age-related degeneration of intracorporeal smooth muscle mechanisms is probably more important. Venous leakage, another age-related phenomenon, may in itself be a manifestation of deterioration of intracorporeal smooth muscle function.

DIABETES MELLITUS

This disease is an important risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Damage to small blood vessels is the main etiology and, therefore, erectile dysfunction often occurs in association with diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic peripheral autonomic neuropathy is a further contributory factor. Erectile dysfunction may develop as a result of the progressive loss of small unmyelinated so-called C fibers secondary to diabetes. Several groups have reported that diabetes is associated with loss of NO synthase from NANC nerve endings and endothelial cells in the corpora. This may explain the pathophysiological basis of the erectile dysfunction that so commonly accompanies diabetes.

HYPERTENSION

This is frequently associated with erectile dysfunction. Approximately one-third of men beyond middle age have a diastolic blood pressure >90 mmHg. Hypertension causes damage to small blood vessels and this may adversely affect intracorporeal vasodilatory mechanisms. Moreover, many of the agents used to control hypertension, especially β-blockers and diuretics, are associated with the development of erectile dysfunction. It has been postulated that, because high intracorporeal pressures are required to produce penile rigidity, the reduction of blood pressure by any agent is likely to increase the incidence of erectile dysfunction. However, α-blockers, perhaps through the induction of intracorporeal vasodilatation, appear to enhance erection, while still lowering both systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

HYPERLIPIDEMIA

This disease often occurs in association with hypertension and is also a cause of damage to the peripheral vascular system.
Hypercholesterolemia and elevated serum triglyceride levels are both also associated with erectile dysfunction.

SMOKING

Although there have been few epidemiological studies to confirm this, it appears likely that heavy smoking is associated with erectile dysfunction because of its deleterious effects on blood vessels and its action leading to an increase of platelet stickiness.