Email a Friend
Print ArticleErectile Dysfunction Health Center
Erectile Dysfunction: Vascular Disease and ED
Vascular diseases are those that affect the blood vessels. These diseases restrict blood flow to organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. In cases of ED, vascular diseases restrict blood flow to the penis. Vascular diseases may be responsible for causing ED in as much as 50% to 70% of men who develop the condition.
Restriction of blood flow caused by a vascular disease can occur because of a buildup of cholesterol and other substances that may block blood vessels. It also is known that blood vessels open more widely (relax) or close down to become narrower (constrict), possibly due to signals from cells called endothelial cells that are located inside the lining of these blood vessels. These signals can result in the restriction of blood flow to certain organs even without the vessels' necessarily being clogged by any material. When endothelial function is impaired, constriction that is similar to plugged blood vessels may result. This could be one explanation why ED is so often associated with vascular disease.
Conditions Associated With Vascular Disease
The following conditions are associated with vascular disease:
- Coronary artery disease
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Peripheral vascular disease -- This disease particularly affects blood vessels that supply blood to the lower extremities
Factors in Vascular Disease
The following conditions make vascular disease worse and likely contribute to ED:
- High cholesterol
- Cigarette smoking
- Obesity
What Is Venous Leak?
If the veins in the penis cannot prevent blood from leaving the penis during an erection, an erection cannot be maintained. This condition is known as a venous leak. Venous leakage may occur with vascular disease, but it also can occur as a result of poor muscle relaxation of the penis. Difficulty with smooth muscle relaxation of the penis can occur with diabetes or with Peyronie's disease, a condition that results in the buildup of scar tissue of the sheath (tunica albuginea) surrounding the erection tissue (corpora cavernosa). Venous leak also can occur when neurological diseases or high levels of anxiety are present because these conditions can prevent adequate smooth muscle relaxation.
Reviewed by the doctors at the Glickman Urological Institute at The Cleveland Clinic.
WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic
Erectile Dysfunction Guide
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
Most Popular
