Erectile Dysfunction 

There are three classes of sex disorders: those of sexual function, sexual behaviour and sexual orientation. Those of behaviour and disorientation are generally believed to be of psychotic origin, whereas those relating to function are often due to physical disturbances to the body's normal physiology.

 

Erectile Dysfunction, often more commonly termed 'impotence' is the consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erect penis that is sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. It can be caused by various components, including neurological, endocrinological, vascular and traumatic factors. Risk factors identified include ageing, drinking, smoking, depression, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Both prescribed and recreational drugs can affect sexual function by interacting with pathways involved with one or more phases in the cycle. Read our Alcohol page to find out more.

 

There are three categories of erectile dysfunction; minimal, moderate and complete. Although classified as a benign disorder, erectile dysfunction often results emergence of psychological problems, including anxiety and lack of confidence often related to peer pressure. This can result in a reduced quality of life for not only the male, but also his sexual partner(s).

 

An erection is essentially an elevated blood volume retained within the penis, causing it to harden sufficiently for penetration. This is achieved by vasodilation of blood vessels. Upon physical or mental stimluation, specific hormones act upon NANC nerve cells, stimulating them to produce nitric oxide (NO) that enters into the bloodstream. Nitric oxide then stimulates the enzyme guanylate cyclase to produce cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a second messenger that regulates artery smooth muscle contraction, and hence blood flow to the corpus cavernosum of the penis. There are several methods available to aid males in achieving a sustainable erection.

A popular choice is the drug Slidenafil (Viagra) that is marketed by Pfizer. It acts to inhibit cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5, and therefore prolongs the degradation of cGMP, allowing dilation of blood vessels and an increase in blood flow to the penis. Other methods include penile injections, vaccum devices and vascular reconstructive surgery.


 Erectile Dysfunction

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References

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