5 Common Causes of Male Erectile Dysfunction and Prevention Methods​

阳痿（勃起功能障碍）是许多男性面临的常见健康问题，指在性行为过程中无法获得或维持足够的勃起硬度。这个问题不仅影响生理健康，更会对心理状态和人际关系造成重大影响。了解其原因和预防方法是维护男性健康的重要一步。
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common health issue many men face, referring to the inability to achieve or maintain sufficient erection hardness during sexual activity. This problem not only affects physical health but also has significant impacts on psychological well-being and interpersonal relationships. Understanding its causes and prevention methods is an important step in maintaining men’s health.

​1. 心血管问题 Cardiovascular Issues​
心血管健康与勃起功能密切相关，因为勃起本质上是一个血管充血过程。当存在高血压时，血管壁承受过大压力，导致血管弹性下降；动脉硬化会使血管管腔变窄，减少血流量；高胆固醇则可能形成斑块，进一步阻碍血液流动。这些因素共同作用，使得阴茎海绵体无法获得足够的血液供应，从而导致勃起困难。保持心脏健康需要定期监测血压和血脂水平，保持适当体重，减少钠盐摄入，并定期进行有氧运动。
Cardiovascular health is closely related to erectile function, as erection is essentially a process of vascular engorgement. When hypertension exists, blood vessel walls endure excessive pressure, leading to reduced vascular elasticity; atherosclerosis narrows the vascular lumen, decreasing blood flow; high cholesterol can form plaques, further obstructing blood flow. These factors work together, preventing the penile corpus cavernosum from receiving adequate blood supply, thus leading to erectile difficulties. Maintaining heart health requires regular monitoring of blood pressure and lipid levels, maintaining appropriate weight, reducing sodium intake, and regularly engaging in aerobic exercise.

​2. 糖尿病 Diabetes​
糖尿病通过多种机制影响勃起功能。长期高血糖会损伤血管内皮细胞，影响血管的扩张能力；同时也会损害周围神经，影响性刺激信号的传递。此外，糖尿病常常伴随微血管病变，直接影响阴茎的血液供应。糖尿病患者需要特别注意血糖控制，包括定期监测血糖水平、遵循医嘱用药、保持规律饮食和适当运动，这样才能有效降低阳痿的发生风险。
Diabetes affects erectile function through multiple mechanisms. Long-term high blood sugar damages vascular endothelial cells, affecting blood vessel dilation capacity; it also damages peripheral nerves, affecting the transmission of sexual stimulation signals. Additionally, diabetes is often accompanied by microvascular complications that directly affect penile blood supply. Diabetics need to pay special attention to blood glucose control, including regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, following medical advice for medication, maintaining regular diet and appropriate exercise, to effectively reduce the risk of ED.

​3. 心理因素 Psychological Factors​
心理性阳痿往往被低估但其影响巨大。工作压力会导致皮质醇水平升高，抑制性欲；焦虑和抑郁会影响大脑性中枢的兴奋性；表现焦虑则会形成一个恶性循环：越担心失败就越容易失败。此外，伴侣关系问题、身体形象担忧和过去的性创伤都可能成为心理因素。解决心理性阳痿需要综合 approach，包括压力管理技巧、心理咨询，有时还需要伴侣的共同参与治疗。
Psychological ED is often underestimated but has significant impacts. Work stress can increase cortisol levels, suppressing libido; anxiety and depression affect the excitability of the brain’s sexual centers; performance anxiety creates a vicious cycle: the more one worries about failure, the more likely it is to occur. Additionally, relationship issues, body image concerns, and past sexual trauma can all contribute as psychological factors. Addressing psychological ED requires a comprehensive approach, including stress management techniques, psychological counseling, and sometimes partner involvement in therapy.

​4. 激素失衡 Hormonal Imbalances​
睾酮是维持男性性功能的关键激素，不仅影响性欲，也影响勃起功能。随着年龄增长，睾酮水平自然下降，但某些情况如睾丸功能异常、垂体疾病或过度肥胖会加速这一过程。除了睾酮问题，甲状腺功能亢进或减退、垂体瘤等都可能引起激素失衡。诊断激素问题需要进行血液检测，治疗可能包括激素替代疗法，但必须在医生指导下进行，因为不当使用可能带来副作用。
Testosterone is a key hormone maintaining male sexual function, affecting not only libido but also erectile function. While testosterone levels naturally decline with age, certain conditions such as testicular dysfunction, pituitary diseases, or excessive obesity can accelerate this process. Besides testosterone issues, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, pituitary tumors, and other conditions can cause hormonal imbalances. Diagnosing hormone problems requires blood tests, and treatment may include hormone replacement therapy, but this must be done under medical supervision as improper use may cause side effects.

​5. 生活方式选择 Lifestyle Choices​
不健康的生活方式是导致阳痿的可改变因素。吸烟会损害血管内皮功能，立即影响勃起质量；过量饮酒会抑制中枢神经系统，降低性功能；缺乏运动导致血液循环不畅，影响阴茎血液供应；肥胖不仅增加心血管疾病风险，还会影响激素平衡。改善生活方式包括戒烟限酒、每周至少150分钟中等强度运动、保持BMI在18.5-24.9之间，这些措施都能显著改善勃起功能。
Unhealthy lifestyle choices are modifiable factors leading to ED. Smoking damages vascular endothelial function, immediately affecting erection quality; excessive alcohol consumption suppresses the central nervous system, reducing sexual function; lack of exercise leads to poor blood circulation, affecting penile blood supply; obesity not only increases cardiovascular disease risk but also affects hormonal balance. Improving lifestyle includes quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly, maintaining BMI between 18.5-24.9 – these measures can significantly improve erectile function.

​预防与应对 Prevention & Management​
预防阳痿需要多方面的综合措施。定期体检可以早期发现潜在问题，包括血压、血脂、血糖检测和激素水平检查。饮食方面应遵循地中海饮食模式，多摄入蔬菜水果、全谷物和健康脂肪。规律运动包括有氧运动和力量训练，每周至少进行3-4次。压力管理技巧如冥想、深呼吸和保证充足睡眠都很重要。如果问题持续存在，应该寻求专业帮助，泌尿科医生或男科专家可以提供个性化治疗方案，包括药物治疗、心理治疗或物理治疗等。
Preventing ED requires comprehensive measures in multiple aspects. Regular physical examinations can detect potential problems early, including blood pressure, lipid, blood glucose tests, and hormone level checks. Diet should follow the Mediterranean pattern, with increased intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats. Regular exercise including aerobic and strength training should be done at least 3-4 times weekly. Stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and ensuring adequate sleep are all important. If problems persist, professional help should be sought; urologists or andrologists can provide personalized treatment plans including medication, psychotherapy, or physical therapy.

​结论 Conclusion​
阳痿是一个常见但可防可治的健康问题。通过了解这些常见原因并采取积极的预防措施，大多数男性可以维持良好的性健康状态。记住，早期预防和及时干预是关键，不要因为尴尬而延误就医。
ED is a common but preventable and treatable health issue. By understanding these common causes and taking proactive preventive measures, most men can maintain good sexual health. Remember, early prevention and timely intervention are key – don’t delay seeking medical help due to embarrassment.