| Atherosclerosis is the cause of
approximately 40% of erectile dysfunction in men older than 50
years. Among the most commonly recognized conditions
associated are high blood pressure, lipid problems
(cholesterol, triglycerides), diabetes and cigarette smoking.
In patients with diabetes mellitus, irrespective of type, the
prevalence of erectile dysfunction is approximately 50% (range
20 to 75%) with the prevalence dependent on patient age,
duration of diabetes and severity of the diabetes. Other
chronic disease states associated with a high prevalence of
erectile dysfunction include chronic renal failure, hepatic
failure, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, sleep apnea,
and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Endocrine disorders
such as low testosterone, and thyroid problems may be
associated also with ED. Pelvic trauma, pelvic surgery (major
prostate, bladder and bowel operations), and pelvic radiation
therapy are associated with erectile dysfunction. Direct
trauma to the perineum (bicycle injury) can cause vascular
problems in the penis and lead to erectile dysfunction that
may be treatable by penile artery bypass surgery. |
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