Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is the inability of a man to get and keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Basically, you’re saying no to your penis. Unfortunately, ED affects as many as 30 million men in the U.S.
What happens to the penis during sexual arousal?
There are chemicals released by the nerves during sexual arousal that increase the blood flow to the penis. The blood goes to the erection chambers in the penis. During the erection the spongy muscle tissue of the erection chambers relax and trap the blood creating a blood pressure in the chambers, causing an erection.
Why do men suffer from Erectile Dysfunction?
ED (erectile dysfunction) is a common problem that can result from health issues and/or emotional issues. Men suffer from Erectile Dysfunction for a number of reasons. For example, it’s common for men to experience Erectile Dysfunction as they age.
There are other factors that can contribute to ED in men, such as stress, anxiety, depression, lack of sleep, and alcoholism. These issues can lead to lower libido and make it more difficult for men to get an erection when they want one.
There is a strong correlation between ED and cardiovascular conditions like heart attack and stroke. In fact, one study found that men who have had a heart attack are twice as likely to experience erectile dysfunction as men who have not had a heart attack.
This could be due to the fact that low levels of testosterone can lead to low levels of nitric oxide, which is what allows blood vessels to relax and dilate. When this happens, it becomes harder for blood flow to reach certain areas of the body—including those in the penis.
Additionally, some studies suggest that high cholesterol may be linked to sexual dysfunction in men. It’s also worth noting that high blood pressure can cause problems with erections as well.
While many men experience some problems with erections from time to time, ED that occurs frequently during intercourse is not normal and should be treated.
How is ED treated?
Treatment varies based on the cause of erectile dysfunction, which is why it is important to talk with your doctor about what may be causing erectile dysfunction. Treatment aims to fix or enhance erectile function, improve blood flow and improve a man’s quality of life.
Desert Sky Urology is a urology clinic that provides erectile dysfunction treatment in Phoenix, Chandler and Gilbert, AZ. To know make an appointment click here or call us at 480-933-5557
