In a study, high cholesterol raised men's risk of erectile dysfunction by 80%. Obesity can cause real harm to your health. For example, it's associated with medical conditions that can affect blood flow. And when blood flow is affected, it can cause ED.The prostate is a small gland near your bladder. It's next to the nerves that are necessary for an erection to happen. For men with prostate cancer, surgical removal of the prostate can lead to ED.or example, it's associated with medical conditions that can affect blood flow. And when blood flow is affected, it can cause ED. The prostate is a small gland near your bladder. It's next to the nerves that are necessary for an erection to happen.