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Can nerve damage cause erectile dysfunction?

Yes, nerve damage can cause erectile dysfunction by interfering with the nerve signals needed to achieve or maintain an erection. This is often referred to as neurogenic erectile dysfunction and can occur when nerves in the brain, spinal cord or pelvic region are affected.

Key points:

• Physical nerve damage from spinal injury, pelvic trauma or surgery can lead to erectile dysfunction.
• Medical conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease or stroke may affect the nerves involved in erections.
• Pelvic surgery, including prostate, bladder or bowel surgery, can sometimes damage nearby erectile nerves.
• Treatment may still be effective and can include tablets, vacuum devices, injections or specialist referral depending on the cause.

This text has been fact-checked for accuracy by Sorin Romaniuc, Pharmacist at medino.