27th June 2023

Organic causes

Vascular causes account for most organic ED presentations. Risk factors are the same as for the development of CVD and include hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and diabetes mellitus. Major pelvic surgery can also affect blood supply, including prostate-cancer surgeries and radiotherapy to the pelvis or retroperitoneum.

Neurogenic causes may be central or peripheral. Central causes include degenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, trauma, and central nervous system tumours. Peripheral causes include diabetes and chronic renal disease.

Hormonal imbalance can cause ED; hyperprolactinaemia, Cushing’s and hyper/hypothyroidism are all potential causes to rule out.