The Root of Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction is the constant inability to obtain and remain an erection, firm enough to have intercourse. There is no actual criteria to determine how consistent, or for what duration the impaired function must persist before it qualifies as erectile dysfunction. But most clinicians suggest a period of 3 to 4 months is about adequate. This condition is sometime referred to, and confused with impotence, which encompasses a complete different set of sexual problems.

Conversely, an erection is described as a state of swelling, hardness, and stiffness observed in the penis, and to a lesser extent in the clitoris of the female, generally due to sexual excitement.

The ability to get an erection can be consistent, or inconsistent… unable to have an erection at all, or sometimes capable to sustain a brief erection, respectively. This makes erectile dysfunction difficult to defined, and estimate in real numbers.

The National Ambulatory Care Survey (NACS) estimates, there are 15 to 30 million Americans men affected by erectile dysfunction. The scope of the illness is enormous, because men are embarrassed to discuss sexual dysfunction with health care providers. However, this stealthy male attitude to erectile dysfunction has changed, since more effective treatments became available. More men are asking their health care providers about the latest treatments. FDA approval of ED medications tripled the number of males seeking help for erectile dysfunction. Click for detailed explanation of erectile dysfuncton.

Configuration and Functioning of the Penis

To understand the character of an erection, you must familiarize yourself with the anatomy and physiology of the organ.

Anatomy of the Penis

The penis is designed with two parallel cylindrical chambers of erectile tussue, corpora cavernosa, which fills the chambers, and run throughout the length the organ. A membrane, tunica albuginea that protects the smooth muscles, fibrous tissue, spaces, veins, and arteries, surrounds the spongy tissue.

Along the underside of the corpora cavernosa is another cylindrical chamber of erectile tissue, corpus spongiosum, which contains the urethra. Urine and ejaculate are expelled through this tube, which also runs throughout the length of the penis. More on anatomy of penis and erection

Physiology of the Penis

The process of erection begins in the brain with sensory and mental stimulation. Impulses from the brain and local nerves send messages to the vascular system, causing the corpora cavernosa to relax, and allow blood to flow in and fill the spaces.

The blood creates pressure in the corpora cavernosa that makes the penis expand.The blood must remain in the corpora cavernosa to maintain rigidity. The tunica albuginea traps the blood in the corpora cavernosa, preventing it from flowing outward, thereby sustaining an erection.

When stimulation ends, the smooth muscles in the penis contract, stopping the inflow of blood. Pressure in the chambers decreases, causing blood to flow out of the penis, and the organ resumes its normal size. More on psysiology of penis and erection

THE Origin of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction is caused by the disruption of nerve impulses from the brain, spinal cord, and surrounding areas of the penis, to arteries, veins, and muscles of the peri-corpora cavernosa.

Injury to the penis, bladder, prostate, pelvic, and spinal cord can cause erectile dysfunction by damaging vital nerves, smooth muscles, arteries, and fibrous tissues of the corpora cavernosa. Injuries reduce blood flow and blood circulation in the genital area.

Anomalies of the arteries, veins, nerves, attributed to diabetes, kidney disorder, atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, vascular diseases, Peyronie's disease, neurologic diseases, and chronic alcoholism, are the origin of erectile dysfunction. Diabetes is the primary source of erectile dysfunction in America. Click for more causes of erectile dysfunction.

Prostate surgery can injure nerves and arteries in the area of the penis, causing ED. Prostate surgery can also cause damage to blood vessels involve with erection. Surgery is one of the primary causes of impotence.

Peyronie's disease can interfere with sexual activity, and cause painful erections. Peyronie's disease is the hardening of the erectile tissue of the penis. Hardening causes distortion or curvature of the penis especially when erect.

Side effects from Medication can cause erectile dysfunction. Blood pressure medications, antihistamines, tranquilizers, appetite suppressants, and antidepressants are the most common. They can cause a significant reduction in blood flow to the penis.

Psychological factors associated with erectile dysfunction such as stress, anxiety, fear to perform because of past sexual failure, low self-esteem, guilt, and depression, are often experienced by men with a physical origin of erectile dysfunction.

Studies have shown that 20% of males in UK suffer premature ejaculation, or climaxing too early with little sexual stimulation. The reason for premature ejaculation is primarily psychological, and in most cases, treatable with antidepressant drugs. Click for additional information on premature ejaculation.

Low testosterone level is the single most important factor responsible for sexual dysfunction in males. The rapid reduction of testosterone due to aging, diminishes sex drive, shrinks penis size, decreases the amount of ejaculation, and weakens erections.Increased blood testosterone level through testosterone replacement therapy has shown in a double-blind study, to restore strong erections in elderly males.

Testosterone deficiency (hormonal imbalance), can cause fatigue and muscle loss. Hormone imbalance is also a major factor in liver and kidney diseases.

Smoking, which promotes inadequate blood flow in veins and arteries, can cause erection dysfunction. More information on the origin of ED

Many organizations have been funding research programs aimed to get to the root of erection problems, with the hope of finding treatments and identifying diseases that contribute to erection problems.