Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a total inability to achieve erection for sexual intercourse, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. In older men, the cause of erectile dysfunction is usually due to a physical cause, but there are other causes as well. Erectile dysfunction is treatable at any age through psychotherapy, drug therapy, vacuum devices, or surgery.

 

Erectile Dysfunction: An Overview

Erectile dysfunction, sometimes called "impotence," is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
 
The word "impotence" may also be used to describe other problems that interfere with sexual intercourse and reproduction, such as:
 
  • Lack of sexual desire
  • Problems with ejaculation or orgasm.
     
Using the term "erectile dysfunction" makes it clear that those other problems are not involved.
 

Erectile Dysfunction, the Penis, and Erections

Hormones, blood vessels, nerves, and muscles must all work together to make an erection. The brain starts an erection by sending nerve signals to the penis when it senses sexual stimulation or arousal. Touching may cause this arousal. Another trigger may be something a person sees or hears. It may even be a sexual thought or dream.
 
The nerve signals sent from the brain cause the muscles within the penis to relax and let blood flow into the spongy tissue within the penis. Blood collects in this tissue like water filling a sponge. As a result, the penis becomes larger and firmer, like an inflated balloon. The veins in the area then become closed off to keep blood from flowing out.
 
(Erectile Dysfunction Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD