Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is
the most common sexual problem that men report to their doctor. It affects
about 30 million men. ED is defined as problems to achieve or maintain an
erection that is firm enough to have sex. Although it is not uncommon for a man
to have problems with erections from time to time, Erectile dysfunction is progressive or
occurs routinely. With sex it is not normal, and should be treated.
ED can happen:
- More often when the blood flow in the penis is limited or the nerves are damaged
- With stress or emotional reasons.
- As an early warning of a more serious illness, such as: atherosclerosis (hardening or blockage of the arteries), heart disease, high blood pressure or high blood sugar due to diabetes
Finding the cause (s) of your ED
will help address the problem and help you with your general well-being. As a
general rule, what is good for your heart's health is good for sexual health.
How erections work
During sexual arousal, the nerves
release chemicals that increase the flow of blood to the penis. The blood flows
in two chambers of erection in the penis, made of spongy muscle tissue. The
chambers of the corpus cavernosum are not hollow.
During erection, the spongy
tissues relax and trap the blood. Blood pressure in the chambers makes the
penis firm, causing an erection. When a man has an orgasm, a second set of
nerve signals reach the penis and cause the muscle tissues to contract and the
blood is released back into the circulation of the man and the erection
descends.
When you are not sexually
aroused, the penis is soft and flaccid. Men may notice that the size of the
penis varies with heat, cold or worry; This is normal and reflects the balance
of the blood that enters and leaves the penis.
Finding the cause of your ED will help direct your treatment options.
The diagnosis of ED begins with
the fact that your healthcare provider asks you questions about your cardiac
and vascular health and your erection problem. Your provider can also do a
physical exam, request lab tests, or refer you to a urologist.
History of health and erectile
dysfunction
Your doctor will ask you
questions about your health and lifestyle history. It is very valuable to share
information about the drugs you take, whether you smoke or the amount of
alcohol you drink. He / she will ask you about the recent stressors in your
life. Talk openly with your doctor so that he / she can help you find the best
treatment options.
