When men develop erectile dysfunction, they often — and understandably — seek treatment for the ED itself. They may take over-the-counter pills or prescription medications, or they might try an herbal remedy. Often these treatments work, but that does not mean they are the best approach. Sometimes, there is an underlying condition causing your ED, and what you really need to do is treat that underlying condition. Here are a few of the top possibilities to consider. 

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which plaque develops in the lining or your arteries. As you can probably imagine, the plaque narrows these arteries, which means that less blood can flow through them. This can result in a lack of blood flow to the genitals, which can lead to erectile dysfunction. Atherosclerosis is not something you want to ignore since it can lead to a heart attack or stroke, so definitely have your doctor rule this out if you're dealing with ED symptoms.

Obesity

Obesity can cause restricted blood flow to the genital region. It can also alter your hormone levels, leading to increased levels of estrogen (yes, even men have some estrogen) and low levels of testosterone. This hormone imbalance can lead to ED. Losing weight may be all you need to re-stabilize your hormone levels and restore sexual function. If you're struggling to lose weight, enrolling in a doctor-assisted weight-loss program can help. Your doctor and perhaps also a personal trainer and dietitian will work together to create a weight loss plan that works for you.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition in which you stop breathing throughout the night. The lack of oxygen wakes you up, sometimes only partially. You wake up still feeling tired. Sleep apnea is often linked to ED. It is thought that a lack of sleep can affect your hormone levels. There's no reason to go on living with sleep apnea and its many consequences. There are dental mouth guards that can help ensure your airway stays open and you keep breathing at night, medications that make it easier to breath, and also CPAP machines that keep you breathing freely and slumbering well. Once you are getting better sleep, your sexual function should improve. 

If you suffer from ED, make sure you actually visit a  doctor and get checked out. If one of these underlying conditions are causing or contributing to the problem, it is important to get proper treatment.