Approximately three quarters of erectile dysfunction cases are due to diseases and other physical causes such as injury or surgery. If you have a continued problem with getting an erection you really, really want to go and see a doctor. If you can get an erection some of the time but have difficulty achieving penetration, try our practical erectile dysfunction tips first. Chronic erectile dysfunction means you have experienced repeated problems with getting an erection over an extended period of time. Here's some common causes of chronic or long term erectile dysfunction. In all these cases the solution is to go and see your doctor or health care provider for diagnosis, advice and treatment.

Diseases

Many diseases are known to cause erectile dysfunction, including diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, heart disease and alcoholism. These conditions cause narrowing of the blood vessels, restricting the blood flow to the penis, making it difficult to get and sustain erections. Diabetes is one of the most common conditions linked to erectile dysfunction. High cholesterol, high blood pressure and smoking are also serious contributors to narrowing of the blood vessels and thus erectile dysfunction. Regular exercise and a healthy diet work wonders for your sex life.

Prostate problems

In general prostate problems themselves don't actually cause erectile dysfunction. However, surgery for prostate conditions does cause it in a high proportion of men who receive the treatment. The three main prostate problems are prostate cancer, prostatitis (infection of the prostate) and BPH - benign prostate hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate). A treatment for prostatitis is prostatic massage - massage of the prostate through the anus, draining the prostate of a milky white fluid which exits through the penis. See your doctor if you have any pain during urination, erection or ejaculation - it may be a prostate problem. If you are over 35 you should see your doctor for routine prostate checks.

Injury

A number of penis conditions related to injury can cause erectile dysfunction: peyronie's disease (bending or curving of the penis), trauma or injury to the penis, surgery or radiation therapy, pelvic or spinal cord injury. Believe it or not, sex itself can cause damage to your penis. Be careful in the woman on top position. Beware of your penis bending back to far. In other positions be careful of where you thrust - ie not into her pubic bone. If your spinal cord is damaged or if you have a slipped disc in your back, the nerves leading to the genitals may not be able to transmit signals of sexual pleasure, resulting in erection problems.

Medications

Lots of prescription medications are known to cause erectile dysfunction.
Warning: consult your doctor or physician before you stop or start taking any medications. If a medication you are taking is listed here, consult with your doctor or physician before you stop taking it. She/he may be able to prescribe an alternative medication.

• Anti-Androgens (Ketoconazole, Spironolactone)
• Antiarrythmics (Digoxin)
• Antidepressants (Prozac, Paxil)
• Antihypertensives (Beta-Blockers: Atenolol, Propanolol)
• Ace Inhibitors (Vasotec, Lotension)
• Barbituates (Codeine, Methadone, Morphine)
• Benzodiazepines (Librium, Tranxene, Valium)
• H2-Blockers (Cimetidine)
• Steroids

For a more detailed list of medications that can cause erectile dysfunction check webmd.com's Drugs Linked to Erectile Dysfunction

You can also read our list of recreational drugs that can cause erectile dysfunction.

Disclaimer
All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. If you have problems with erectile dysfunction or any sexual health problem, see your doctor or health care provider. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.