Erectile Dysfunction #1 – Understanding ED
If you are having trouble in the bedroom, you are not alone. At least 20 million American men experienced erectile dysfunction. So what is erectile dysfunction anyway?
Mark Haltrecht, D.O.
Family Practice Doctor
NSLIJ Plainview Hospital
Erectile dysfunction or ED is the inability to achieve and or sustain an erection that is suitable for sexual intercourse. To fully understand ED, it helps to look at the basic process that occurs when a man gets an erection and our action may sound simple but it actually quite complex and requires several different processes working in harmony.
The penal; nerves must be functioning properly. Blood circulation to the penis must be adequate and there must be a sexual stimulus to the brain. When a man becomes physically or mentally stimulated, his brain responds by sending chemical messages to the nerves in his penis. These messengers tell the blood vessels in the penis to relax, so that blood can flow freely into the area. Once blood is within the penis, pressure traps it in the shaft creating an erection that is sustained until ejaculation occurs or the exciting stimulus is diminished. Because an erection is such a complicated process, the causes of erectile dysfunction vary greatly from lack of stimulus to psychological stress to a problem with the nerves in the penis.
Up to 20% of all cases of ED can be traced to psychological factors. Many men who are under serious stress or are suffering from depression maybe unable to maintain or even obtain an erection, anxiety about performing poorly or guilt about sexual acts are also common reasons for psychological ED. Another cause of the problem can be prescription or over-the-counter medications. In fact, over 200 FDA approved drugs list ED as a side effect. Drugs that may cause problems in the bedroom includes some antidepressants like Prozac and Zoloft, diuretics like Lasix, antihistamines such as Benadryl, and muscle relaxants like Norflex. Medications that men take for chemotherapy, prostate cancer, and Parkinson’s disease can also result in ED.
Physical erectile dysfunction often stems from diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, and vascular disease. Men with these conditions can have poor blood flow to the penis resulting in decreased erections. Sometimes an injury to the penis or pelvis area or an invasive surgery can cause ED, although these effects are often temporary.
Finally, abuse of recreational drugs like alcohol, illegal opiates, and tobacco can also damage blood vessels and restrict blood flow to the penis. No matter the cause, for men who have difficulty sustaining an erection, a once enjoyable act can be anything bad. While erectile dysfunction can be incredibly frustrating there are treatments that can help. So talk to your doctor about ED.
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