Erectile dysfunction

CIALISDOCTOR.CO.UK :::

Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED or (male) impotence) is a sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis. There are various underlying causes, such as cardiovascular leakage and diabetes, many of which are medically treatable.

The causes of erectile dysfunction may be physiological or psychological. Physiologically, erection is a hydraulic mechanism based upon blood entering and being retained in the penis, and there are various ways in which this can be impeded, most of which are amenable to treatment. Psychological impotence is where erection or penetration fails due to thoughts or feelings (psychological reasons) rather than physical impossibility; this can often be helped. Notably in psychological impotence there is a very strong placebo effect

Erectile dysfunction, tied closely as it is to cultural notions of potency, success and masculinity, can have devastating psychological consequences including feelings of shame, loss or inadequacy; often unnecessary since in most cases the matter can be helped. There is a strong culture of silence and inability to discuss the matter. In fact around 1 in 10 men will experience recurring impotence problems at some point in their lives.

Erection requires a complex interplay between blood vessels in the penis and the nervous system. Following sexual arousal, the erection is initiated by a central nervous system event that combines psychogenic stimuli (perception, desire, etc.) and sensory stimuli from the penis. Increased blood flow into the cavernous bodies lets the penis expand as the volume of blood and pressure increases. At the same time, venous outflow from the cavernous bodies decreases, further increasing the volume of blood and pressure which consolidates the erection. After orgasm, the blood drains back into the venous circulation and arterial inflow of blood returns to pre-erection levels and the penis becomes flaccid.

It is now clear that in a very high proportion of cases, the problem is due to deterioration in the blood vessels that carry blood into the penis. Research being carried out in 2007 suggests that in addition there may often be deterioration in the arteries of the brain or the heart.