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Erectile dysfunction is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Some men experience chronic, complete
erectile dysfunction (impotence), and others, partial or brief erections. Frequent erectile dysfunction can cause emotional and relationship problems,
and often leads to diminished self-esteem. Erectile dysfunction has many causes, most of which are treatable, and is not an inevitable consequence of
aging. In many cases, Erectile Dysfunction is caused by other health conditions that restrict the flow of blood throughout the body, including the
penis.
Erectile dysfunction, or ED, can be a total inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief
erections. Up to 30 million in the United States and as many as 150 million men world wide are affected. Sexual difficulties affect about 30-50% of
couples. Erectile dysfunction was once a taboo subject. It was considered a psychological issue or a natural consequence of growing older. These
attitudes have changed in recent years. It's now known that erectile dysfunction is more often caused by physical problems than by psychological ones,
and that many men have normal erections into their 80s.
The penis contains two chambers called the corpora cavernosa, which run the length of the organ. A spongy tissue fills the chambers. The corpora
cavernosa are surrounded by a membrane, called the tunica albuginea. The spongy tissue contains smooth muscles, fibrous tissues, spaces, veins, and
arteries. The urethra, which is the channel for urine and ejaculate, runs along the underside of the corpora cavernosa and is surrounded by the corpus
spongiosum.
Erection begins with sensory or mental stimulation, or both. Impulses from the brain and local nerves cause the muscles of the corpora cavernosa to
relax, allowing blood to flow in and fill the spaces. The blood creates pressure in the corpora cavernosa, making the penis expand. The tunica
albuginea helps trap the blood in the corpora cavernosa, thereby sustaining erection. When muscles in the penis contract to stop the inflow of blood
and open outflow channels, erection is reversed.
The physiological process of erection begins in the brain and involves the nervous and vascular systems. Neurotransmitters in the brain (e.g.,
epinephrine, acetylcholine, nitric oxide) are some of the chemicals that initiate it. Physical or psychological stimulation (arousal) 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 fibrous elastic sheathes (tunicae) that cinch to prevent
blood from leaving the penis during erection. When stimulation ends, or following ejaculation, pressure in the penis decreases, blood is
released, and the penis resumes its normal shape.
Since an erection requires a precise sequence of events, ED can occur when any of the events is disrupted. The sequence includes nerve impulses in
the brain, spinal column, and area around the penis, and response in muscles, fibrous tissues, veins, and arteries in and near the corpora cavernosa.
Experts believe that psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, guilt, depression, low self-esteem, and fear of sexual failure cause 10 to 20
percent of ED cases. Men with a physical cause for ED frequently experience the same sort of psychological reactions (stress, anxiety, guilt, and
depression). Other possible causes are smoking, which affects blood flow in veins and arteries, and hormonal abnormalities, such as not enough
testosterone.
Some common causes of ed. include
- trouble with the blood flow to the penis
- eating or drinking too much, which diverts blood to the organs involved in digestion
- being very tired or having jet lag
- fear of failure at intercourse
- loss of interest in sex
- depression, stress, or anxiety
- trouble with the blood flow to the penis
- eating or drinking too much, which diverts blood to the organs involved in digestion
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