Erectile Dysfunction Checklist?
An occasional problem achieving an erection is nothing to worry about. But failure to do so more than half of the time at any age may indicate a condition that needs treatment. Are you at risk for erectile dysfunction (ED)? Take the following quiz and find out.
Are you overweight? Yes or No
Do you have any of the following conditions?
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Depression
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries from plaque)
- Kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- Spinal cord or nervous system disorders
- Any type of pelvic surgery
Do you:
- Smoke
- Drink alcohol
- Use recreational drugs
How often do you exercise?
- Daily
- Once or twice a week
- A couple of times a month
- I never seem to get around to it
How often do you feel stressed?
- Much of the time
- Sometimes
- Rarely
Answers:
- Overweight men are more likely to have ED.
- Common causes of ED include nerve diseases, psychological conditions, and diseases that affect blood flow. A number of prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs may also cause ED by affecting a man's hormones, nerves, or blood circulation.
- Tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs can all damage a man's blood vessels and/or restrict blood flow to the penis, causing ED.
- Regular exercise can reduce the risk of ED.
- Stress and anxiety are leading causes of temporary ED.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About ED
- Does my erectile dysfunction stem from an underlying illness?
- Could any of my medicines be causing this problem or making it worse?
- Could stress or a psychological problem be to blame for my erection difficulties?
- Are there medications I can take?