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Erectile Dysfunction |
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How does an
erection occur?
The penis contains two chambers called the corpora cavernosa, which
run the length of the organ (see figure 1). A spongy tissue fills
the chambers. The corpora cavernosa are surrounded by a membrane,
called the tunica albuginea. The spongy tissue contains smooth
muscles, fibrous tissues, spaces, veins, and arteries. The urethra,
which is the channel for urine and ejaculate, runs along the
underside of the corpora cavernosa and is surrounded by the corpus
spongiosum.
Erection begins with sensory or mental stimulation, or both.
Impulses from the brain and local nerves cause the muscles of the
corpora cavernosa to relax, allowing blood to flow in and fill the
spaces. The blood creates pressure in the corpora cavernosa, making
the penis expand. The tunica albuginea helps trap the blood in the
corpora cavernosa, thereby sustaining erection. When muscles in the
penis contract to stop the inflow of blood and open outflow
channels, erection is reversed.
What causes ED?
Since an erection requires a precise sequence of events, ED can
occur when any of the events is disrupted. The sequence includes
nerve impulses in the brain, spinal column, and area around the
penis, and response in muscles, fibrous tissues, veins, and arteries
in and near the corpora cavernosa.
Damage to nerves, arteries, smooth muscles, and fibrous tissues,
often as a result of disease, is the most common cause of ED.
Diseases--such as diabetes, kidney disease, chronic alcoholism,
multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, vascular disease, and
neurologic disease--account for about 70 percent of ED cases.
Between 35 and 50 percent of men with diabetes experience ED.
Also, surgery (especially radical prostate and bladder surgery for
cancer) can injure nerves and arteries near the penis, causing ED.
Injury to the penis, spinal cord, prostate, bladder, and pelvis can
lead to ED by harming nerves, smooth muscles, arteries, and fibrous
tissues of the corpora cavernosa.
In addition, many common medicines--blood pressure drugs,
antihistamines, antidepressants, tranquilizers, appetite
suppressants, and cimetidine (an ulcer drug)--can produce ED as a
side effect.
Experts believe that psychological factors such as stress, anxiety,
guilt, depression, low self-esteem, and fear of sexual failure cause
10 to 20 percent of ED cases. Men with a physical cause for ED
frequently experience the same sort of psychological reactions
(stress, anxiety, guilt, depression).
Other possible causes are smoking, which affects blood flow in veins
and arteries, and hormonal abnormalities, such as not enough
testosterone. |
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 Studies Show Two
NaturalHerbs to Have a
Similar Physiological
Effect as Viagra- Read |
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