Is Erectile Dysfunction Hereditary?

Apr 09, 2018 Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction or impotence is the inability to have a solid erection. It normally affects men as they get older it also affects younger men too.

Causes are either physical or psychological and are treated accordingly. There is speculation that there is a hereditary element to erectile dysfunction.  Impotence affects self-esteem and relationships whatever the root cause.

Conditions affecting blood pressure and circulation often cause erectile dysfunction because they restrict blood flow to the penis.  Neurological conditions affecting the nervous system cause damage to the mechanism that enables erections to occur. Certain medications make having an erection difficult.

Psychological reasons such as stress, depression, anxiety and relationship problems make having an erection difficult. Treatment varies depending on the cause of the erectile dysfunction.  

Doctors will investigate to find medical causes if lifestyle changes such as losing weight, stopping smoking, healthy eating, regular exercise and relaxing don’t help.

Viagra is a medication that helps to increase blood flow to the penis resulting in an erection.  You have to check with your doctor that you are healthy enough to take medication that interferes with blood flow. Information and advice about ED can be seen on the NHS website.

 

So Is Erectile Dysfunction Hereditary?

There is no hard evidence to suggest that erectile dysfunction (ED) is genetical.

Health conditions that run in families can cause indirectly cause ED giving the impression that it is hereditary. Diabetes and heart disease are two conditions that run in families and contribute to erectile dysfunction.

Even when the cause is difficult to find it is highly unlikely to be genetical. There are three main causes of erectile dysfunction including; psychological reasons, medical conditions and side effects of medication.  

Emotional or psychological issues include stress, depression and relationship problems. Often an erection is possible but not during sexual intercourse.  Sex therapy and dealing with the stress in your life helps to treat impotence.

Medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and MS cause erectile dysfunction due to the negative effects they have on your body.  Treating these reasons are more complex and require intervention from your doctor. Avoid self-medicating as it could have serious consequences on your health.

Certain medication inhibits the ability to have an erection due to its effects on the circulatory system or hormones. Hair loss treatment interacts with the male hormone testosterone increasing your hairline and decreasing your erections. Treatment for heart conditions affects the way blood pumps around the body making erections difficult.

 

What Treatments Are On Offer?

Viagra is a well-known treatment for erectile dysfunction.  

It belongs to a family of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE 5) inhibitors which relax the blood vessels making erections easier.

Cialis, Spedra and Levitra also belong to the same family of drugs. It is important that you seek your doctor’s advice before taking them especially if you have any medical conditions.  

You must follow instructions and take only one tablet every twenty-four hours sexual stimulation is essential or it just won’t work. If you are unable to take phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE 5) inhibitors due to an underlying health condition penis pumps and creams help you to have an erection.

Implants are available when all other treatments are unsuccessful.  If the cause is due to relationship issues or stress changes in lifestyle and sex therapy may help.

It is important that you identify the cause of your erectile dysfunction as it may be the sign of an underlying health condition.

By Birpal Virdee (March 2018)