Editing Pathophysiology of Erectile Dysfunction (section)

=== Aging, Systemic Disease, and Other Causes ===

* '''Aging is the most important contributing factor to ED'''. The aging process can affect the central regulatory mechanism, hormonal and neural function, and penile structure.
* '''Changes in older males:'''
** '''Greater latency to erection'''
** '''Less turgidity'''
** '''Loss of forceful ejaculation and decreased volume'''
** '''Longer refractory period'''
* Diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome may affect multiple organ systems and cause premature aging of central and peripheral structures and molecules that regulate erectile process.
* The diseases that cause '''chronic renal failure''' may also cause ED, and the '''condition may persist despite successful renal transplantation.'''