If plaque starts to build up in your vessels—thanks to a poor diet, a lack of exercise, smoking, age, or genetics—the blood flow to your penis is the first thing that will get blocked off, Dr. Köhler says.
That can make it impossible to get an erection.
If the plaque continues to build, it will start affecting larger arteries, like the ones that carry blood to and from your heart. That can cause a heartattack or sudden death, he says.
That’s why it’s crucial to get your ED checked out by a doctor. If you heed the early warning sign, you may be able to fix your cardiovascular problems before they become fatal.
If you’ve been consistently unable to get it up, or keep it up, for three months, make an appointment with your primary physician, says Dr. Köhler.
Tell your doc about your erection problems—and make it the first thing you bring up, so your doctor has time to thoroughly check you out, he says.
If blocked arteries turn out to be the culprit, an improved diet and exercise regimen may reverse the damage and get your penis back in working order, he says. Your physician may also give you an ED drug like Viagra to help your sex life in the meantime.
Source: Men’s Health