Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects the lives of many middle-aged men and their partners to one degree or another. The term erectile dysfunction covers a range of disorders, but usually refers to the inability to obtain an adequate erection for satisfactory sexual activity.
Internal structure of penis consists of two cylinder-shaped vascular tissue bodies named corpora cavernosa that runs throughout the penis. Psychological process of erection starts from the brain and involves nervous and vascular systems. The blood creates pressure in the corpora cavernosa making the penis to 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. Erection requires precise sequence of events, ED can occur when any one of these event get disrupted. Experts believes that most of the psychological factors including stress, anxiety, guilt, depression, low self-esteem and fear of sexual failure can cause 10 to 20 percent of ED cases. Erectile Dysfunction can occur at any age but it is uncommon amongst young men but it is more common in elder men.
Erection is reversed when cGMP levels in the corpora cavernosa fall, causing the smooth muscles of the corpora cavernosa to contract, stopping the inflow of blood and opening veins that drain blood away from the penis. The cGMP causes the smooth muscles of the corpora cavernosa to relax, and allow rapid blood flow into the penis.
Erectile dysfunction can be treated in wide variety of ways. Most of the doctors prescribe Viagra, levitra, cialis for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Although these medications can help many men to treat ED but not all should use them. Patients who are taking nitrate drugs should not take these pills because for them it can be very dangerous.
Erectile dysfunction was once a taboo subject, but more men are seeking help. Doctors are gaining a better understanding of what causes erectile dysfunction and are finding new and better treatments.
To find other free health content see e-healtharticles.com