Erectile Dysfunction or Impotence
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for his sexual needs or the needs of his partner. The word "impotence" may also be used to describe other problems that interfere with sexual intercourse and reproduction, such as lack of sexual desire and problems with ejaculation or orgasm. Most men experience this at some point in their lives, usually by age 40, and are not psychologically affected by it.
Some men, however, experience chronic, complete erectile dysfunction (impotence), and others experience partial or brief erections. Repeated erectile dysfunction can take a toll on the emotional health and relationships of the individual and can result in diminished self-esteem. Erectile dysfunction has many causes, most of which are treatable, and it not necessarily an inevitable consequence of aging.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for his sexual needs or the needs of his partner. The word "impotence" may also be used to describe other problems that interfere with sexual intercourse and reproduction, such as lack of sexual desire and problems with ejaculation or orgasm. Most men experience this at some point in their lives, usually by age 40, and are not psychologically affected by it.
Some men, however, experience chronic, complete erectile dysfunction (impotence), and others experience partial or brief erections. Repeated erectile dysfunction can take a toll on the emotional health and relationships of the individual and can result in diminished self-esteem. Erectile dysfunction has many causes, most of which are treatable, and it not necessarily an inevitable consequence of aging.
Physiology of Erection
Penile erections involve an integration of complex physiologic processes involving the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and hormonal and vascular systems. Any abnormality involving these systems, whether from medication or disease, has a significant impact on the ability to develop and sustain an erection, ejaculate, and experience orgasm.
The physiological process of erection begins in the brain and involves the nervous and vascular systems. The chemicals that initiate erection are Neurotransmitters present in the brain. Any kind of stimulation Physical or psychological causes nerves to send messages to the vascular system, which results in significant blood flow to the penis. Two arteries in the penis supply blood to erectile tissue and the corpora cavernosa, which become engorged and expand as a result of increased blood flow and pressure.
Because blood must stay in the penis to maintain rigidity, Erectile tissue is enclosed by tunicae, which is a fibrous elastic sheathes cinch which prevents blood from leaving the penis during erection. When muscles in the penis contract to stop the inflow of blood and open outflow channels, erection is reversed.