There are numerous physical risks and causes of erectile dysfunction that can increase the likelihood that you will encounter this male sexual problem. It is very possible to have difficulty maintaining an erection or making your erection harder with or without risk factors. However, if you find that you have a number of male erection problem risk factors, you may be in great danger of experiencing erectile dysfunction. Here are some of the main risk factors for male impotence:

1) Age
Your chances of failing to maintain a hard erection are more likely as you get older. Erectile dysfunction strikes one in four for men in their 60s and nine in ten for men in their 80s.

2) Medical Conditions
A number of health ailments can make you more likely to have an erectile problem, including:

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Cirrhosis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Peyronie's disease (bending of the penis caused by scar tissue)
• Endocrine disorders (hypogonadism, hyperthyroidsim, hypothyroidism, hyperprolatinemia, Cushing’s syndrome)
• Neurological disorders (such as multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, stroke)
• Myotonic dystrophy
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Psychiatric disorders (such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia)
• Psychological problems (stress, personal relationships, new partners)

3) Traumatic Experiences
If you’ve had an accident or surgery you have a greater chance of male impotence. Potential trauma conditions include:

• Vascular surgery
• Urologic surgery, such as prostate surgery
• Pelvic surgeries (particularly for prostate cancer)
• Spinal cord injury

4) Lifestyle Behaviors
Trouble maintaining an erection might be a simple case of hazardous lifestyle choices, including:

• Alcohol use
• Illegal drug use (eg, heroin, marijuana)
• Anabolic steroid use
• Heavy smoking

5) Medications
Certain medications can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction, including:

• Antihypertensives
• Antihistamines
• Antidepressants
• Tranquilizers
• Antipsychotics
• Histamine blockers
• Nicotine

If you have any combination of these impotence causing risk factors and you suspect your male sexual performance might be in jeopardy, please call a Boston Medical sexual health center near you.