Erectile dysfunction is defined by insufficient rigidity of the corpora cavernosa to allow the normal development of sexual intercourse and, in particular, vaginal penetration. Relatively common, these disorders have multiple origins.

This disease is very common because it affects 152 million men worldwide. With the aging of the population, the number of cases expected to double by 2025. In France, according to studies, between 2 and 3.6 million men suffer. Faced with this real problem, various causes are advanced. There are basically psychological causes and organic causes.
Organic causes

Hypertension, diabetes, hormonal disorders, neurological disorders, the origins of erectile dysfunction are many and it is possible to act on most of them.

The causes of erectile troubles All pathologies that may affect arteries can affect the quality of erections. Thus, atherosclerosis (thickening and hardening of the arteries) is the leading cause of erectile dysfunction of organic origin. But other risk factors may have the same consequences: high blood pressure, smoking, dyslipidemia and diabetes, which triples the risk of erectile dysfunction.

After a certain age, men suffering from androgen deficiency with age (DALA). This deficiency of the hormone excellence, testosterone can cause decreased interest in sex, reduced muscle mass, loss of bone density, mood swings, lack of energy and erectile dysfunction.

Some neurological conditions can cause erectile dysfunction. There are:

Central damage such as multiple sclerosis;
Stroke or spinal cord injury affected devices;
Erector nerve damage following surgery (prostatectomy for example);
Nerve damage related to alcohol or diabetes (ethyl neuropathy, diabetic).


Some drugs may cause erectile dysfunction. The main accused are antihypertensives (mainly beta-blockers), hormonal therapy (estrogens, antiandrogens central agonists, LHRH), antidepressants, anti-Parkinson, anticonvulsants, amphetamines, derivatives of digitalis, finasteride or opiates.