Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of a man to maintain a firm erection long enough to have sex. Although erectile dysfunction is more common in older men, this common problem can occur at any age. Having trouble maintaining an erection from time to time isn't necessarily a cause for concern. But if the problem is ongoing, it can cause stress and relationship problems and affect self-esteem.

Formerly called impotence, erectile dysfunction was once a taboo subject. It was considered a psychological issue or a natural consequence of growing older. These attitudes have changed in recent years. It's now known that erectile dysfunction is more often caused by physical problems than by psychological ones, and that many men have normal erections into their 80s.

Although it can be embarrassing to talk with your doctor about sexual issues, seeking help for erectile dysfunction can be worth the effort. Erectile dysfunction treatments ranging from medications to surgery can help restore sexual function for most men. Sometimes erectile dysfunction is caused by an underlying condition such as heart disease. So it's important to take erectile trouble seriously because it can be a sign of a more serious health problem.
Symptoms

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse at least 25 percent of the time.

An occasional inability to maintain an erection happens to most men and is normal. But ongoing erection problems are a sign of erectile dysfunction and should be evaluated. In some cases, erectile dysfunction is the first sign of another underlying health condition that needs treatment.
Causes

Male sexual arousal is a complex process involving the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. If something affects any of these systems — or the delicate balance among them — erectile dysfunction can result.

Anatomy of an erection
The penis contains two cylindrical, sponge-like structures (corpus cavernosum) that run along its length, parallel to the tube that carries semen and urine (urethra).

When a man becomes sexually aroused, nerve impulses cause the blood flow to the cylinders to increase several times the normal amount. This sudden influx of blood expands the sponge-like structures and produces an erection by straightening and stiffening the penis.

Continued sexual arousal maintains the higher rate of blood flow into the penis and limits the blood flow out of the penis, keeping the penis firm. After ejaculation or when the sexual excitement passes, the excess blood drains out of the spongy tissue, and the penis returns to its nonerect size and shape.

Physical causes of erectile dysfunction
At one time, doctors thought erectile dysfunction was primarily caused by psychological issues. But this isn't true. While thoughts and emotions always play a role in getting an erection, erectile dysfunction is usually caused by something physical, such as a chronic health problem or the side effects of a medication. Sometimes a combination of things causes erectile dysfunction.

Common causes of erectile dysfunction include:

    * Heart disease
    * Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
    * High blood pressure
    * Diabetes
    * Obesity
    * Metabolic syndrome

Other causes of erectile dysfunction include:

    * Certain prescription medications
    * Tobacco use
    * Alcoholism and other forms of drug abuse
    * Treatments for prostate cancer
    * Parkinson's disease
    * Multiple sclerosis
    * Hormonal disorders such as low testosterone (hypogonadism)
    * Peyronie's disease
    * Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord

In some cases, erectile dysfunction is one of the first signs of an underlying medical problem.

Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction
The brain plays a key role in triggering the series of physical events that cause an erection, beginning with feelings of sexual excitement. A number of things can interfere with sexual feelings and lead to — or worsen — erectile dysfunction.

These can include:

    * Depression
    * Anxiety
    * Stress
    * Fatigue
    * Poor communication or conflict with your partner
The penis contains two cylindrical, sponge-like structures (corpus cavernosum). When a male becomes sexually aroused, nerve impulses increase blood flow to both cylinders. This sudden influx of blood causes an erection by expanding, straightening and stiffening the penis.