Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition where an individual is unable to attain or sustain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. An erection is a complex physiological process which involves the smooth muscles of the penis and the nervous system.
The ability to achieve and maintain an erection is a function of the interaction between these two components. For example, in some instances, the inability to achieve or maintain an erection may be due to a dysfunction in one or both of the nerves that control the penile blood vessels and the smooth muscles of the corpora cavernosa. These nerves are the pudendal nerves. Nerves in the pelvic region, including the pudendal nerves, receive sensory information from the body through the spinal cord, and send motor signals to the penis through the sympathetic nervous system.
Symptoms and Causes of Erectil dysfunction
Difficulty getting an erection, trouble maintaining an erection, or a reduced sexual desire are all indications that you may have erectil dysfunction.
include erectile problems, premature ejaculation, low libido, reduced fertility, weak erections and the inability to achieve or sustain an erection. These symptoms may occur together or alone. In some cases, ED is caused by a physical problem, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or prostate cancer. In other cases, ED is due to psychological factors, such as stress, depression or performance anxiety. Some common causes of ED are aging, smoking, diabetes and high cholesterol. These are the most common reasons for erectile dysfunction.
How to treat impotence
There are several ways to treat erectile dysfunction, including drugs, surgery and behavioral therapies. To begin, discuss your options with your doctor.
The ability to achieve and maintain an erection is a function of the interaction between these two components. For example, in some instances, the inability to achieve or maintain an erection may be due to a dysfunction in one or both of the nerves that control the penile blood vessels and the smooth muscles of the corpora cavernosa. These nerves are the pudendal nerves. Nerves in the pelvic region, including the pudendal nerves, receive sensory information from the body through the spinal cord, and send motor signals to the penis through the sympathetic nervous system.
Common Causes of Erectil Dysfunction Include:
– Heart disease
– High cholesterol
– High blood pressure
– Diabetes
– Obesity
– Metabolic syndrome — a condition involving increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol
– Parkinson’s disease
– Certain prescription medications
– Tobacco use
– Peyronie’s disease — development of scar tissue inside the penis
– Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
– Sleep disorders
– Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
– Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord
– Low testosterone
The ability to achieve and maintain an erection is a function of the interaction between these two components. For example, in some instances, the inability to achieve or maintain an erection may be due to a dysfunction in one or both of the nerves that control the penile blood vessels and the smooth muscles of the corpora cavernosa. These nerves are the pudendal nerves. Nerves in the pelvic region, including the pudendal nerves, receive sensory information from the body through the spinal cord, and send motor signals to the penis through the sympathetic nervous system.