ED can be caused by many different factors. Problems are classified as psychological, physical or both. Psychological problems result in 10-20% of all cases. They include stress, anxiety, guilt, depression, low self-esteem and indifference. These patients often fail to respond to psychogenic stimuli. Physical problems account for the majority of cases. Any condition that results in the breakdown of the sequence of events that causes an erection can lead to ED. The most common diseases that cause ED are listed and include diabetes, kidney disease, neurological disease, vascular disease, and malignancies.
- Peripheral vascular disease, arthrosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), and hypertension (high blood pressure) compromises blood flow to penis
- Spinal cord injury or stroke impairs nerve conduction to the brain
- Diabetes impairs peripheral nerve conduction to the penis
ED can also be caused by medications and is known as medication induced ED. There are over 200 possible medications that can alter the ability to have an erection. Possible medications include those listed in the table below. Please consult your physician prior to discontinuing any medication listed.
|
Drug Class |
Generic |
Brand |
| Antihypertensives and Diuretics | Hydrochlorothiazide | Esidrix, Hydrodiuril, Inderide, Moduretic, Oretic, Lotensin |
| Triamterine | Maxide, Dyazide | |
| Furosdmide | Lasix | |
| Chlorothalidone | Hygrotone | |
| Bumetanide | Bumex | |
| Guanfacine | Tenex | |
| Methyldopa | Aldomet | |
| Clonidine | Catapres | |
| Verapamil | Calan, Isoptin, Verelan | |
| Nifedipine | Adalat, Procardia | |
| Hydralazine | Apresoline | |
| Captopril | Capoten | |
| Enalapril | Vasotec | |
| Metoprolol | Lopressor | |
| Propranolol | Inderal | |
| Labetalol | Normodyne | |
| Atenolol | Tenormin | |
| Phenoxybenzamine | Dibenzyline | |
| Spironolactone | Aldactone | |
| Antidepressants, Anti-Anxiety Drugs and Anti-Epileptic Drugs | Fluoxetine | Prozac |
| Tranylcypromine | Parnate | |
| Sertraline | Zoloft | |
| Isocarboxazid | Marplan | |
| Amitriptyline | Elavil | |
| Amoxipine | Asendin | |
| Clomipramine | Anafranil | |
| Desipramine | Norpramin | |
| Nortriptyline | Pamelor | |
| Phenelzine | Nardil | |
| Buspirone | Buspar | |
| Chlordiazepoxide | Librium | |
| Clorazepate | Tranxene | |
| Diazepam | Valium | |
| Doxepin | Sinequan | |
| Imipramine | Tofranil | |
| Lorazepam | Ativan | |
| Oxazepam | Serax | |
| Phenytoin | Dilantin | |
| Antihistamines | Dimenhydrinate | Dramamine |
| Diphenhydramine | Benadryl | |
| Hydroxyzine | Vistaril | |
| Meclizine | Antivert | |
| Promethazine | Phenergan | |
| Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) | Naproxen | Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn |
| Indomethacin | Indocin | |
| Parkinson’s Disease Medications | Biperiden | Akineton |
| Benztropine | Cogentin | |
| Trihexylphenidyl | Artane | |
| Procyclidine | Kemadrin | |
| Bromocriptine | Parlodel | |
| Levodopa | Sinemet | |
| Anti-Arrythmics | Disopyramide | Norpace |
| Histamine H2-Receptor Antagonists | Cimetidine | Tagamet |
| Nizatidine | Axid | |
| Ranitidine | Zantac | |
| Muscle Relaxants | Cyclobenzaprine | Flexeril |
| Orphenadrine | Norflex | |
| Prostate Cancer Medications | Flutamide | Eulexin |
| Leuprolide | Lupron | |
| Chemotherapy Medications | Busulfan | Myleran |
| Cyclophosphamide | Cytoxan |
Even with over 200 meds that cause or aid in ED, the 3 types of medications that will immediately aid in Ed are meds dealing with Blood Pressure, Diabetes, and Cholesterol.
