28.03.2024

What is erectile dysfunction?

Manifestations of erectile dysfunction are most diverse in severity. Some men are completely unable to cause penile tension, while others have an erection, but for a short time. Mostly elderly people suffer from this ailment, however, dysfunction also occurs in young representatives of the stronger sex.

Erectile dysfunction is a condition of the body in which there is a complete absence of an erection, or the inability to maintain it for normal sexual activity in some periods of a man’s life.

The beginning of an erection is sexual stimulation, tactile or mental. When a man is sexually aroused, the following occurs: from the brain and spinal cord, nerve impulses are transmitted to the muscles of the penis.

There is an expansion of the arteries that carry blood to the spongy and cavernous bodies, and the veins, due to which the outflow of blood is provided, are narrowed. As a result of this, blood builds up in the gaps and as a result of the tension of each gap an erection is formed. Ischemia of all tissues of the male genital organ occurs, which in this case is a normal physiological process of the body.

In the case of erectile dysfunction, such a physiological process is either absent or very weakly expressed.

First of all, for the normal functioning of the penis, the integrity and health of the arteries that conduct blood to the corpora cavernosa are necessary, as well as the absence of disturbances during contractions of the smooth muscles of the penis.

The health of the nervous system, due to which there is a normal transmission of impulses to the tissues of the penis, a normal level of nitric oxide, which is a transmitter of these nerve impulses, is also a necessary condition for maintaining an erection. However, in the event that a malfunction occurs in the body, this process is disrupted and erectile dysfunction occurs.

Failures that occur in men in the process of their sex life are commonly called impotence. However, this definition is not true. Impotence is a condition that is characterized by a complete absence of an erection constantly and under any conditions. This phenomenon, fortunately, is not common. Experts call random or periodic problems with an erection erectile dysfunction.

The causes of the disease can be psychological and physiological

The physiological causes most often include disorders occurring in the  endocrine system of men. In this case, there is a decrease in testosterone production, leading to a decrease in the activity of the male sex glands. This condition is called hypogonadism. Diabetes mellitus leads to atherosclerotic lesions of the blood vessels, leading to a weakening of the erectile function of the male body. This also includes prolactin (a pituitary tumor) and sarcoidosis, which is characterized by damage to certain parts of the brain.

One of the most common causes of dysfunction is  vascular disease. The work of the blood flow is disturbed, insufficient filling of the blood arteries or an excessive outflow of blood through the veins occurs, and as a result, a weakening of the erection, or even complete impotence.

In the case of sclerosis of the cavernous bodies, the elastic tissue is replaced with fibrous tissue, there is no blood supply, and an erection does not occur.

Prostatitis  is one of the formidable harbingers of erectile dysfunction. Inflammation of the prostatic gland blocks the work of nerve endings, which in turn causes a disruption in the functioning of the male genital organ.

Do not forget about the dangers of alcohol, smoking, drugs and drugs.  All of them have a powerful effect on the central nervous system, the endocrine system, and also cause hypotension (lowering blood pressure).

Diseases of the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, injuries of the pelvic organs, injuries of the brain and spinal cord, as well as multiple sclerosis can provoke an ailment.

The psychological factors of erectile dysfunction include mainly stress and depression. These conditions are most characteristic of representatives of the stronger sex. Fear of infection or unwanted pregnancy, conflicts with a sexual partner, as well as masturbation can also play a large role here. All these reasons can subsequently lead to violations, and provoke the disease.

To prevent the occurrence of erectile dysfunction, experts urge to maintain a healthy lifestyle and lead a regular sexual life. Taking care of your health, treatment and prevention of concomitant diseases will also help fight the disease.

Often men need to consult a sex therapist and even a psychologist in order to overcome their phobias and cross the psychological barrier that they often erect for themselves.

No one is immune from sexual failure, but this is no reason to panic. The best thing you can do in this situation is to change the situation, calm down and relax, and after some time try again.

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