Erectile dysfunction or impotence is a term used to describe the sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis for a satisfactory sexual intercourse. Impotence is also a word used to describe other problems related to sexual intercourse, such as an inability to have an orgasm or the lack of sexual desire. There are many reasons for this, most of which are medically reversible.
With older men, erectile dysfunction usually has a physical cause, such as disease, trauma to the penis, as well as side effects of drugs. Also, it is important to note that although the incidence of erectile dysfunction increases with age, it is not an inevitable part of aging.
Why Does Erectile Dysfunction Occur?
Penile erection is governed by two different mechanisms. The first is reflex erection, which happens by direct stimulation of the penis shaft, while the second is psychogenic erection, which is achieved by erotic stimuli. The first one uses the peripheral nervous system and the lower parts of the spinal cord, while the second one uses the limbic system of the brain. When stimuli is introduced, blood flows to the penis and makes it erect. In both mechanisms, an intact nervous system is required for a successful erection.
Damage to nerves, arteries, smooth muscles and fibrous tissue are common causes of erectile dysfunction. These are also other diseases that may cause erectile dysfunction, such as diabetes, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, vascular diseases and nervous diseases.
Also, lifestyle choices may contribute to the increased chances of erectile dysfunction. Smoking, excessive drinking and avoiding exercise are examples of this.
Psychological factors also have a hand in causing erectile dysfunction. Stress, guilt, depression, a low self-esteem, and the fear of an unsuccessful sexual experience may contribute to the incidence of erectile dysfunction.
Treatment of ED
The treatment of erectile dysfunction depends on the cause. If the problems are related to hormonal deficiencies, testosterone supplements will be administered. Usually, the cause is more on the lack of blood supply that is supposed flow on the penis to make it erect, and is usually connected to diseases such as diabetes, which need to be treated to solve the problem of erectile dysfunction.
Phosphodiastarese drugs are also known to be effective in giving that much needed erection. They are better known as the drugs that are marketed as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis, all of which have been approved by the Food and Drugs Authority. These drugs work by enhancing the effects of nitrous oxide, the chemical that relaxes the smooth muscles of the penis during sexual stimulation to increase the blood flow.
Many men also use injections. Chemicals such as papaverine hydrochloride, phentolamine, and alprostadil widen blood vessels when they are injected directly into the penis. However, these drugs, when injected, produce abnormal and unwanted side effects such as erections that last for a greater period of time, causing pain on the part of the user.
Also, some people use mechanical means of erection. Vacuums specially designed for the penis is used to draw blood to the penis to achieve an erection, then a ring is placed on the penis to prevent blood for escaping.
However, most scientists believe that addressing the psychological factors of erection is still the best way to solve erectile dysfunction. Counselling is used to address the anxieties that may prevent the erection of the penis. Such techniques also can help relieve anxiety when ED from physical causes is being treated.
For more information on Erectile dysfunction, please visit:
The Kidney and Urologic Diseases (or NIDDK - NIH)
FamilyDoctor.org's section on Erectile Dysfunction
Medline Plus - Erection Problems
